"P-47 Versions and dates" Topic

I've been searching online but without a definite answer so far so I am asking here in case someone has this info at their fingertips.

When did the P-47 D with the bubble canopy become common and when did it become the majority P-47 in the 8 and 9 USAAF during WW2.

Thanks in advance.

First deliveries of the bubble canopy versions of the P-47D went to combat groups beginning in May 1944. I can't give you a definitive date on when the bubble canopy became common, but even into early 1945, the razorback was in extensive use. I have a picture of the 386th FS aircraft taking off from A-84 Chievres, near Mons, Belgium to support the fighting in the Bulge. Of six P-47s in the picture, three are razorbacks and three are bubbletop.

Mark

That's a great help. I knew the razorback soldiered on in large numbers right to the end. Probably the bubbletops were never much more than about 50%. It makes sense for them to be mixed in the FS too – though it hadn't struck me before you mentioned it.

Do you know if P-51s were also mixed in C and D model or if they were separated into different FS or FG??

Yes, on the Mustang being mixed. The P-51D did not start supplementing P-51B/Cs until mid-44.

Mark

I have a date from somewhere of April 1944 for the first deliveries of P51Ds to combat units – so mid 44 fits with that quite well – it would take a while for them to build up strength to a significant level.