P-47N-2RE Thunderbolt - Basic Kit

Plastic model kit of a P-47N-2RE Thunderbolt
   Basic Kit  

• 1:48 scale
• Highly detailed plastic parts
• Accurate P-47N-2RE configuration
• Clear canopy
• Designed for easy and clean assembly
• 2 marking options
  • 44-88223 #155 "Dotty" 464th Fighter Squadron, 507th Fighter Group, 20th Air Force, Ie Shima, Summer 1945 - flown by Lt. Robert E. Koors Jr.
  • 44-88180 #107 "The Shell Pusher" 463rd Fighter Squadron, 507th Fighter Group, 20th Air Force, Ie Shima, Summer 1945 - flown by Capt. Robert Forrest
• Unbuilt, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The Republic P-47N Thunderbolt, specifically the P-47N-2RE variant, was among the most advanced long-range fighters of the USAAF in the Pacific War. From 1945 onward, these aircraft were stationed on Ie Shima Island near Okinawa, which, after its capture, was developed into an important American airfield. Among others, the 318th Fighter Group and the 507th Fighter Group operated there with their powerful Thunderbolts. The P-47N was specifically designed for the enormous distances over the Pacific Ocean and featured enlarged wings with additional fuel tanks, enabling ranges of more than 3,500 kilometers. It was used both for escorting B-29 bombers and for fighter and ground attacks against Japanese targets.

Among the well-known pilots was Lt. Robert E. Koors Jr., who flew P-47N Thunderbolts on Ie Shima and was one of the young fighter pilots in the Pacific during the final months of the war. His missions consisted primarily of long-range escorts, armed reconnaissance, and attacks against Japanese airfields and ships. Like many Thunderbolt pilots, Koors benefited from the P-47N's formidable robustness and firepower, which was armed with eight 12.7 mm machine guns.

Also well-known is Captain Robert Forrest of the 463rd Fighter Squadron, 507th Fighter Group. Photographs of him exist on Ie Shima, showing him preparing his P-47N-2RE for missions. His aircraft was equipped with, among other things, napalm drop tanks, highlighting the Thunderbolt's growing role as a fighter-bomber in the Pacific. Forrest was among the pilots who flew missions against targets in Japan and Korea during the final weeks of the war.