P-47 Thunderbolt Pt. 8 Conclusions

[@HEDGE1011]

Greg: I’m a fellow airline pilot and former USAF pilot and am extremely selective about the aviation content I watch on KZbin, but you’ve knocked it out of the park with practical assessments suitable for pilots, historians, or anyone else with a keen interest in the material, and I appreciate how difficult it is to do. I’ve always been a fan of the PW R-2800 radial fighters of WW2, and think they often get the short shrift. The P-47 was the progenitor of the rugged Republic design ethos which culminated in my favorite tactical aircraft of all time 25 years or so later, the F-105. All Republic aircraft were amazingly rugged (the A-10 still is), and were better performers in critical roles than they were often given the credit for (in WW2 the P-51 got the accolades, in Vietnam it was the F-4, and no, I’m not in any way denigrating either of those aircraft). My uncle was a Corsair crew Chief in WW2 and got me into aviation in the first place, and he couldn’t say enough about the F4U and the R-2800 for ruggedness; he never worked on P-47s, but also held them in high regard. He was obviously in very good company!

[@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles]

Thanks Hedge.

[@jacktattis]

Ahmmm did ANY PW R-2800 plane ever get to 49000 ft Did any ever go to Trosmo bombing the Tirpitz , did any ever do a Dam Busting raid , did any ever dive to T/M of 0.84+ , did any ever roll at 150 degs /sec or Climb at 5740 ft/min

[@jonathanrobinson7573]

I used to live near the Republic airport/factory in NY in the ‘80s and ‘90s. I could see the old factory at the north end of the field. Sad to see it torn down and converted into another mall shopping complex.

[@jacktattis]

Rugged or not The USAAF lost 2000+ P47 doing Ground Attack in only 12 months exclusively It was too bloody heavy and manoeuvred like a brick outhouse down low. Compare it to the RAF Mustang I [ NO BIAS A US PLANE WITH A US ENGINE ] In action doing ground attack from May1942 until April 45 for 35 months and I have not read anywhere that it had the catastrophic losses that the P47 had. Now the Mustang was not a rugged plane it may be the plane was better down low.

[@alcald2000]

X😢

[@kiwihame]

A message to Greg's Audience. Greg is an Airline Pilot. I don't know how much work he has right now, but I know he'd appreciate your support for the amazing content he's sharing with us all. When you join as a Patron, I'm sure you'll agree, our meagre contributions are pretty miniscule compared to the vast trove of high-quality information that Greg is sharing. This episode alone was over and hour. Share the love people.

[@gooraway1]

Done it and no regret

[@BENNO117]

How do you know he is an airline pilot? Not being rude but I'm just curious. I thought he kept private life just that.

[@pawelsawicki1750]

@@BENNO117 He said it himself on at least one occasion.

[@bobz1736]

Yes he had mentioned recently that he flies a 767...

[@drfill9210]

@@BENNO117 not being rude? But this is the comments section of youtube! It is mandatory to have: 1. At least one abusive comment 2. A completely ridiculous claim and you must pour scorn on whoever dares try to correct you!

[@curtisperry7349]

Tremendous work sir. In a year written by Stephen King and produced by Quentin Tarantino your videos have helped keep me centered.

[@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles]

That's the best 2020 description I have heard.

[@leftnoname]

Good Sir, that’s a great summary of this year. Haven’t heard anything better so far.

[@luvr381]

My son says at midnight on new year's eve, the clock will go from 11:59 to 11:60.

[@johnn8223]

If it's being produced by Tarantino, shouldn't feet be involved somehow?

[@ShortArmOfGod]

@@johnn8223 I came here to say the same thing.

[@scottinohio701]

Thank you for ALL decendents of jug pilots!!!!! I have been arguing these facts for 50 years!!! My father flew 104 missions with the 358th fg from 43 to 44. He then was a test pilot for the N model in high speed dive tests!!! Im constantly berated by internet experts!!1 Thank you for setting the record straight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dukecraig2402]

Little known fact, the N variant wasn't designed specifically for the Pacific as most people think and almost every aviation writer incorrectly states. It was actually being developed for Europe, early on during the US involvement Republic Aviation saw that range was going to be an issue in Europe and took it upon themselves to start development of the N variant, but when the USAAF seized production of the P51 and the Packard made Merlin's for the P51's they task Republic with development of other variants of the P47 along with experimental models that never saw production and as a result it slowed down development of the N variant, by the time it was ready to go P47 variants already in Europe had the range to go anywhere they needed to go so the N was sent to the Pacific where it's incredible range was considered important due to long flights over water. Had development of the N not been slowed down then it could have fought in Europe and undoubtedly would have had a lower alphabetic designation than N.

[@dukecraig2402]

@Chris_Wooden_Eye Last year I read an article titled something like "P47 Myths" or something along those lines, in it they covered the true origins of the N model. As far as rear facing alert radar and autopilot most aircraft were adopting all those systems anyways, by the end of the war Spitfires and P38's both had rear facing alert radar and might just as well had autopilot although I can't say for sure, and even then not all variants of the N had those, the N-15 didn't have the autopilot and it could very well be that the previous N variants might not have had it either. As with all the planes from WW2 there's so many variants and sub variants it'll make your head spin trying to keep track of them, it must have been a real nightmare logistically for the maintenance people when it came to ordering parts. And Greg is absolutely right about why they adopted the P51 instead of just making more P47's, even in wartime when funds are unlimited money=man hours, and man hours=production numbers, ergo the cheaper it is the more you can make in the same amount of time, and of course there is the money, it's the same reason the military switched from M14's to M16's, like P47's M14's were very expensive to manufacture, don't believe all the BS you read in articles and see in videos about M14's, there's as many bad myths about them then there is about P47's, and comparing an M14 to an M16 is pretty much along the same lines as comparing a P47 to a P51, it's like comparing a Zippo to a Bic lighter.

[@philp8872]

@@dukecraig2402 Well, in my experience a Bic lighter is by far more reliable compared to a Zippo. A friend of mine had a running gag with me. Every time my Zippo didn´t lit up he said: "Because of that piece of of crap the ´Muricans lost vietnam war", while lighting up a cigarette with his 1$ gas lighter. Someday I lost it, really don´t miss it!

[@dukecraig2402]

@@philp8872 Mine operates without failure, 20 years later. Maybe you should've learned how to use yours. There's no accounting for stupid.

[@philp8872]

@@dukecraig2402 Haha! I knew how to use it when I had it. It´s just not as reliable as a gas lighter, the Zippo lit up maybe in 70-90% of the times when set up and fueled properly, a Bic lighter lights up in 99,9%! The gasoline in the Zippo evaporates within a few days through the not in any way tight case, even if not used! If you are out for the night drinking and smoking you don´t want to carry spare fuel around. Also the flintstones didn´t last anywhere near as long. For five flitstones for the Zippo you can buy at least three Bics with flintstones lasting longer than the gas fuel in it, which is about five times as long as a single Zippo flintstone lasts, including the gas fuel of the Bic in the price of course. The gasoline in the Zippo wouldn´t light up in conditions below about minus 15 degree Celsius, it´s not like a gasoline engine firing up under the help of compression and a high voltage spark in those temperatures. The gas lighter lights up to about minus 30 degree C, below that only matches work anyway of course. When somebody else than yourself messes around with the wick by manually dislocating it, it´s a real mess to set the correct dstance from the wick to the sparking point up again. The same goes for repeatedly trying to light it up with no fuel in it so that the wick glows down to be too short. Sure, this is abuse to it, but do you really want to take care of not geting somebodys hands on your Zippo like you would do with your PD gun?

[@Void304]

I learned more about the Thunderbolt in this 8 part series than any documentary could ever teach me.

[@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles]

I'm truly happy to hear that.

[@reneebeesley9398]

As the son of p47 pilot, I have gained a great deal of knowledge and respect for what occurred at that time in history. My father like so many of that time rarely spoke of that time. Thank you.

[@Desertduleler_88]

I know why they didn’t say much because they murdered unarmed civilians on the ground in buildings and in trains.

[@nicksambidesjr]

@@Desertduleler_88 It wasn't murder. It was war. The French and Dutch governments signed off on the Allied bombing campaigns they endured -- in fact, they encouraged them -- and the Italian and German governments practiced area bombing on their conquered populations. The Allies also warned the Allied/Axis populations that bombing would occur. So calling it murder is just bogus.

[@Desertduleler_88]

@@nicksambidesjr The French suffered more casualties from Allied bombings, along with rape and murder from American G I troops, than from the entire four years of German occupation.

[@vaclav_fejt]

Greg, your channel is a treasure of serious nerdiness. You, Bismarck and Millennium 7* are my favourite military aviation channels.

[@steveperreira5850]

Just the facts, and the conclusions fall into place, Greg is a treasure to aviation Enthusiasts. It kind a looks like a tough and capable airplane beats a slightly more capable aircraft in the conditions we found in World War II. Being able to survive an attack is a big deal when most of the time an attack comes by surprise. In this scenario the most survivable aircraft has a distinct advantage, especially when that aircraft can fight back. It is a big deal to say that in the very violent European theater of action the top 10 thunderbolt aces survived the war, and many of them were shot down by ground fire. This cannot be said for any other type of aircraft, top aces were slaughtered in more vulnerable liquid cooled engine aircraft.

[@manuellimberg6255]

Try Drachinifels...

[@vaclav_fejt]

@@manuellimberg6255 I watch him regularly, but he's not into flying stuff, more like floaty stuff.

[@manuellimberg6255]

@@vaclav_fejt It doesn't matter if it's air land or sea. We've got some really fine historians here. Simply enjoy and stay healthy... Greetings from Germany...

[@iRichardi]

Sorry but Bismarck is a spoiled brat that makes rushed conclusions that fits his narrative... hardly worth watching, especially compared to this goldie

[@gort8203]

Many thanks for giving the P-47 the recognition it deserves.

[@richardrigling4906]

Greg, this has been an outstanding series. I read Bob Johnson's book when I was still in grade school and I've always thought the P-47 was under appreciated historically. Thanks!

[@toknenengburjegol6430]

@Hoa Tattis Read most of those, Duel of the Eagles, Reach for the Sky, and the one by R.S. Tuck. Those pilots were in the thick of it since BoB. Yet, the highest scorer among them was J. Johnson with 34 (? ) kills?. Those novice, underrated, GI pilots, in their untested jugs met the Luftwaffe in skies over Europe. Underdogs vs those yellow noses of Abbeville. They got a bloody nose on their first encounters. Yet they kept coming back for more,and slowly, as they gained experienced, pushed back the Luftwaffe from France to Germany, something that the RAF in their experience and spitfires could not do, from 1941 to 1943. It was the P-47s who broke the back of the Luftwaffe. Most of their experts went down before the guns of the 47's. R.S. Johnson's 5th kill was a 200 kill veteran from the Eastern front. Eggon Meyer, the pilot who did not brought Johnson down, was downed by a jug pilot. The jug was never meant to do combat at low altitudes. Yet on 1st January 1945, over Y-29, 8 jugs mixed it up with 30 + 109, 190s. They brought down at least 6 for the loss of 2. The result of poorly trained German pilots. the rest of course, were downed by 51s. he he he

[@goldleader6074]

​@Hoa Tattis The MkIIs enjoyed the home field advantage of fighting over Britain with ground controlled radar; bail out or crash land in friendly territory was possible while enemy pilots would be captured if they went down over Britain. The Spit IXs and later models definitely had good performance, except that they didn't have the range to attack the Luftwaffe that was massed closer to the heart of Germany that was there to defend against the USAAF bomber attacks. The P47s and P51s with drop tanks really took the fight to the heart of Germany and was more decisive than merely flying combat patrols just outside the English Channel as the short ranged allied fighter sweeps.

[@jacktattis]

@@toknenengburjegol6430 The RAF/Friends downed 1700 to 2000 in 1940 They had been in action since Oct 1939 [DID YOU GET THAT OCT 1939] NOT April 1943 / That is 55 months before the Jug was even in action Now the Jug was the principle fighter only for 13 months when it was relegated to G/A by the 8th A/F May 44 Only the 9th AF retained it until the end and only 1904 of them the 15th A/F only had 2 F/Gs The 325th for 12 months and the 332nd for 2 months Now the RAF2TAF had 1500 Spitfires and 330 Mustangs 570 Typhoons from DDay and ADGB had 1360 fighters in Jan 1944 Surely a plane that was in action 55 months before your Jug must be credited with knocking the Luftwaffe for a loop before the Jug/ You do know that the Hurricane /Spitfire was in Greece Egypt Libya Lebanon, Malta Italy Sicily and the Spitfire was used by the USAAF for 2 years starting in Tunisia . And all before the P47 arrived

[@jacktattis]

@@goldleader6074 hahaha you amuse me tHE Spitfire were using Belly tanks in 1942 it was how they got to Malta No Mr goldleader6074 the RAF /Friends were shooting down Germans and Italians while your boys were still in High School

[@goldleader6074]

@@jacktattis So what if they used belly tanks on ferry flights in 1942? Spitfire COMBAT range wasn't good even if they used external tanks because they just didn't have enough internal capacity.

[@mattgross7734]

Outstanding series, this is by far the best P-47 information available to the general public. Can you do one on the sleeve valve engines and planes like the Typhoon and Tempest.

[@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles]

Hi Matt, yes, I will do that, but it won't be for at least six months or so.

[@t6vim12]

As a supporter of the RB396 Typhoon project in Britain I would look forward to that. (I'm in the US). hawker-typhoon.com

[@MultiZirkon]

My feelings agree. But my mind says: Let Greg produce what he wants in this genre. Then we ma get a big present we didn't thought of ourselves :)

[@WildBillCox13]

The "Sleeve Job" joke is one of the enduring treasures of the time.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

I remember reading about the production problems they had with the sleep valve engines initially. I would love to hear how they went about fixing that production issue.

[@kursk88-k1t]

Greg does amazingly well researched and presented work. Just outstanding in every way....

[@jacktattis]

Greg is super centred on the P/W 2800 and the P47 He will not recognise tests done in WW2 by pilots who actually flew it.

[@magnashield8604]

​​@@jacktattis yeah, instead of opinions he looks at test data from NACA and official British test data. What a jerk. Doesn't he know .... Wait, I must say my daily Prayers to the pilots that actually flew them... Not the test pilots who helped write the manuals.. other pilots.. dang it, now it's my daily prayer time to saint Spitfire, the blessed angel of all... I have to run

[@dennismason3740]

Ward Carroll is a former Navy RIO (navigator and co-pilot) and he now has a fascinating YT channel talking about his jetting days and deployments. He did a list of the most significant fighter planes in history and I thought "oh no he's a jet guy and I'm a prop guy this is gonna be painful for me" and his list kept counting down and his choices were very well thought out and I thought, when he got to number 2, "I gotta bail this is gonna hurt" and my hand reached for the scrollpad and he said "Number One - P-47 Thunderbolt!" and I had a very good moment.

[@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles]

I like his content.

[@johannmckraken9399]

The P-47 has long been my favorite piston engined fighter. I’ve read just about every publication I’ve come across and felt I knew the aircraft pretty well. Greg has expanded my knowledge considerably and I’m extremely grateful to him for the massive amount of research he has done. The fact that he’s chosen to share this with us says volumes to his generosity. Thanks Greg 👍🏻

[@billroberts9182]

Wow. Thank you. My best friend's father flew a P-47 in Italy (Robert Wilson). He told me one of his greatest thrill was strafing a train parked in the woods. It was apparently loaded with explosives and he saw a spectacular secondary explosion where a railroad axle with train wheels flew past him on his strafing run.

[@hangonsnoop]

You are are a diligent hard-working historian. The fact that you do this as hobby is amazing.

[@tomhutchins7495]

This has been the most interesting series I've seen in a long time, and it has given me far more appreciation for an aircraft that the usual media had led me to think was quite poor. Books and documentaries downplayed it, games presented it as unmavoeuvrable and slow. I did love seeing one flying at Shuttleworth a few years back, that big radial made a noise like little else. Thanks for all your hard work on this, can't wait for more of your videos. Amazing how important the really technical details are.

[@briantincher9284]

I really really really like the extra tid bits that Greg throws in. I love history and appreciate the extra added depth that Greg provides from time to time with the little side stories. My ears perk up and and again Im learning and dont even know it. Thank you so much Greg. I appreciate so much all the effort you put into these documentaries.

[@cvr527]

Thank you for your diligence and attention to detail. The P-47 is and has always been my favorite WWII fighter. The ruggedness, firepower, overall performance and radial engine in my mind make it the very best overall fighter/fighter bomber of the war. It was clearly superior to the P51 and the Spitfire, which was not even in the same ballpark. None of the other fighters in WWII were even close to the Thunderbolt's versatility. The Thunderbolt was clearly the outstanding overall fighter of WWII.

[@jacktattis]

Greg does not do his due diligence he is comparing a Feb1941 Spit V against a 1944 P47D . All the Spitfires below were contemporaries of the P47 Radial engine to start with P47 D/W 2800 p/w 0.89 s/p 0.75 Merlin 61 p/w 0.96 s/p 0.96 Climb Rate P47D ICR 3120/3220 ft/min Spitfire Varied from 4060ft/min MkVII, 5580ft/min MkVIII ,4200ft/min MKIX, back to 4700 ft/min MkXIV Turns P47D 990 ft Spitfire circa 750 to 800ft Dives Tactical Mach P47 0.72 Spitfire all marks 0.84 to 0.89 Speed P47 426mph @ 30000ft Spitfire VII HF 424mph @26800ft MkVIII 408 mph @ 25000ft MkIX 416mph@27000ft MkXIV 439 mph@24500ft Service CeilingP47D 40000ft Spits VII 45100ft VIII IX XIV 43000ft Armament Always the P47 Range P47 by 30 miles Ruggedness always P47 Oh and the Spitfire was a carrier plane as well Spitfires more Theatres of Operation

[@cvr527]

@@jacktattis You obviously did not pay attention. As for me I will take the P-47D over any Spit every time.

[@jacktattis]

@@cvr527 good for you. Just do not dive in it or try tight turns below 8000ft or do any Ground attacking in it. If I think of anything else I will let you know

[@cvr527]

@@jacktattis Blah, blah, blah bubabuba blah, blah, blah!

[@jacktattis]

@@cvr527 Yes indeed

[@michaelimoon]

While watching this video, I was convinced that I was listening to the greatest history professor that ever lived. What great details you provided and researches you made to make this video available to the public! This is the most thorough and elaborate informational video I have ever watched. Thank you so much, Greg!

[@Kollider115]

This has been glorious and cant wait for the next in-depth series! Interesting aside with the Straight crisis. I can't wait to be here when that first Yak vid rolls off the production line. All the best, keep doing what you do best!

[@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles]

Oh, you noticed that Yak teaser, impressive.

[@dariuszrutkowski420]

@@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles Those guys smuggling and badam- the commies are comming/ crap shoot them they want to take our stuff - Comunism not good for buissness

[@johnparrish9215]

My conclusion: Greg would really like a friend that will let him borrow his P-47 when ever he wants. So do I and maybe he will also have a Sea Fury...LOL

[@Jbroker404]

You know a guy (or the sexiest girl ever) who owns both a P-47 and a Sea Fury?

[@rovercoupe7104]

I'd like a PR19. Thank you. M.

[@richardpark3054]

I was 'jumped' by a Sea Fury many years ago (?1992) near Abilene, TX, while flying my 1/2 scale Corsair. I'm sure I was mistaken for an actual, full size, Corsair, as there were 2 known examples in the region at that time.

[@Jbroker404]

@@richardpark3054 tell us more!

[@thomasmcewen5493]

I am 75 and I am hoping Heaven has a barn full of planes I haven't Flown, I now couldn't get a medical certificate to drive a tricycle.

[@gavindavies793]

Regarding Eric Brown (who I had the privilege to meet in 2013), I did once discuss some discrepancies in his notes with a well know aviation historian some years ago. Things like claiming he flew one radial engine and serial number plane, when in fact that one had been shot down the year before and the only one he could have flown had inline engines and a totally different serial number. Things along those lines etc. The historian explained that being such a senior pilot meant he got a fair bit more leeway with updating his log book than most did, and often it would be done much later, and he'd use whatever serial number he could find from photos etc. I was told that while he was a lovely chap and a very accomplished pilot, that "he never let the facts get in the way of a good story"! I'm lucky enough to have several things signed by him.

[@jacktattis]

Bull dust my friend He was NOT the senior pilot and no pilot was given leeway The RAE or AFDU or the FAA WOULD ALLOW IT.

[@gavindavies793]

@@jacktattis sure, I just made up a full conversation with a historian. You caught me. I think after decided to make it up when I noticed that in one of his books (Wings of the Luftwaffe?) he discussed flying a particular serial number B&V Wiking... But the one he discussed had different engines and was sunk the year before or similar. Also notable was that he failed to mention for 50 years or so that he'd managed to fly a ME163 Komet under power, not just gliding. But his handling reports disagreed with all the test and development pilots. But yeah, I'm making all this up, just so I can explain myself to people like you.

[@jacktattis]

@@gavindavies793 B& V Wiking? explain and what page of Wings of the Luftwaffe. I take it you are American and are opposed to Brown like most of your ilk poor man I have his book enlighten me.

[@DrsharpRothstein]

Good info with solid aerospace engineering descriptions well research and reasoned. You seem to have a superior knowledge of the technical areas of flight than the run of the mill pilot.

[@boatdetective]

I can’t think of any other WWII source that goes thus far to analyze aircraft using primary source material and actual data. Tremendous work, sir.

[@JamesWilliams-en3os]

Thanks for producing this series, Greg. I’ve enjoyed watching it from the beginning, both as a student of WW2 history (it was my minor in university, many years ago), and as a civilian private pilot who is fascinated by the technical aspects of aviation. I started following your series with the common prejudice toward the P-51 as the preeminent Allied fighter of the war, but am now convinced that the P-47 deserves that honor. As a pilot, I have to say that I can only regret that I will probably never get a chance to fly a Jug.

[@jimhice7485]

Ca is full of jugs ( pun intended) most are in private hangers in random stages of repair, some are in flying condition. Seen a nice p51 awhile back in Lancaster, tied to the ground of course.

[@jacktattis]

The JUG could not compete from S/L to 40000 ft with the P51 its climb rate was abysmal, its dive terrible ,its roll rate not bad, its turn not good , I could show you a chart but Greg will kiabosh it. You have been fed a pup here.

[@britishamerican4321]

Thanks so much Greg. Very enlightening. Always thought of the Bolt as (just) a rugged ground-attack aircraft. Had no idea of it's performance and overall capabilities as a (high-altitude!) air-supremacy fighter or that it had been chiefly responsible for reducing the Luftwaffe to ineffectiveness.

[@skeeterhoney]

Outstanding work, Greg. Impossible for a fan of aviation not to come away from this series loving the P-47.

[@garygenerous8982]

Absolutely amazing series of videos. I’ve always loved the Jug but it’s been below a few other planes on my list of “Favourite planes” this hasn’t quite pushed it to the top (the B-17 and SBD will always be my top 1 and 2) but it’s definitely pushed it higher. Thank you for your fine work and interesting content and I look foreword with great anticipation to see what you come out with next.

[@carltyson4393]

This series on the P-47 is an instant classic. You have produced a significant contribution to historical insight and understanding. Enjoyed every minute...as always with your videos. Thanks so much for the hard work. Look forward to your next big project.

[@DerMannII]

I've been closely following your P47 videos since I first discovered your channel. Sad to see this series end, but I've enjoyed every second of it. My whole life I've loved the P47, and from looking at various numbers and specs, it always seemed odd to me that it was never held in such high regard like the P51. The videos are so cathartic in realizing that the Thunderbolt really was a magnificent aircraft that did not get its due credit. I've seen a few examples in person and they're such awe inspiring planes. The Confederate Air Force usually brings one up to Ellington Field here in Houston for the big airshow every year. Can't wait to go again after COVID is done with. Thanks again for your work, sir! Look forward to the Mosquito videos in particular, though anything you release is incredibly interesting.

[@p-47thunderbolt57]

I have quite enjoyed this series. Very excellent information, and stroking my ego is always a bonus. Wonderful work, sir.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

Robert s Johnson, yeah I think I would take his word over anyone else's. I highly recommend his book thunderbolt.

[@josephtremel5392]

Great book indeed. 👍

[@raypurchase801]

@@josephtremel5392 Agreed. (From a Brit.)

[@toknenengburjegol6430]

Yes. In Johnson's own words, "I was never qualified as a combat fighter pilot". He was trained as a bomber pilot, scored in aerial gunnery 4.5, whole the passing score is 5. Yet he emerged as 2nd highest scoring pilot in ETO, just after Gabreski. Was wondering how much more could he rack up had he requested a second tour.

[@spreadeagled5654]

I’ve read that book and I love it! 👍

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

I love his description of the performance enhancement the paddle blade prop gave the p-47.

[@whiskeytangosierra6]

Love this series, I love it when someone else agrees with my conclusions while approaching it from a different direction.

[@BackwardFinesse]

Thank you, Greg for an absolutely terrific series in which I'm sure many people, me included, learnt a great deal. I particularly liked in part 8 the importance of gaining air superiority over Normandy prior to D-day - that was a feature of the air war over Europe that I certainly did not appreciate enough, nor the P-47's role in achieving it.

[@finlayfraser9952]

Greg, a masterpiece series, and I imagine a lot of hard work. An archive in itself. Thankyou.

[@chocolatte6157]

Thank you Greg for this comprehensive series. I have been a fan of the P-47 since my childhood in the 1960’s. I know now how little I knew then.

[@bluetopguitar1104]

Thanks for the entire p47 story. One of my favorite airplanes. A lot of things I didn't know. Outstanding.

[@daszieher]

Thank you very much for this series! Although generally a lover of inline engines, I have always loved the 47 and the 190. Really great machines designed to perform in the field, less on paper.

[@rednaughtstudios]

Normally I’d have taken Captain Brown’s word on an aeronautical topic as gospel however I have to yield before the details you presented and in the gracious and respectful way you stated why he must be wrong. Your videos are an oasis of demonstrable facts in a post truth world.

[@MilBard]

>>Greg's videos are an oasis of demonstrable facts in a post truth world. Very much, THIS.

[@johnneill990]

The day before dive testing the P 47 Erick Brown found that the ME 109 F could dive at Mach .71 with wings and Mach .86 without.

[@wrathofatlantis2316]

The Me-109G could dive to similar Mach speeds as many other fighters: Around 0.80. The Fw-190A a bit higher: 0.84, similar to P-51s and P-47s. The 109 was only limited because of aileron flutter. With aileron dampers it went closer to the other late war types. The Spitfire could do 0.90 at high altitude in thinner air, but was no better than the 109 down low due to its thin wings fluttering in thicker air (and so at a much lower Mach percentage than 0.90, since Mach reference speed is higher down low)

[@wrathofatlantis2316]

Aileron dampers reduced roll rate, and were for dive tests only (obviously)...

[@johnneill990]

@Hoa Tattis Yes, I picture Greg going straight down in his P47 holding his chart with one hand and his Electronic Calculator in the other because even with both hands you can't move the stick at high Mach so you might as well make one last calculation. Anyway, if you want to read about less planed out dives click on www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org/mustang/combat-reports.html And go the the bottom of the page where there are comments for dive, turn etc.

[@toknenengburjegol6430]

@@wrathofatlantis2316 Well, anyways it was stated, take it from the words of R.S. Johnson. Over the skies of Europe, he encountered an "experten" as the Germans would say. In his words " He steepened the climb, but with the new paddle blades, the jug would not let go. He flicked over and dove. He was one of the very best I've encountered. But the dive was his mistake. The moment that the jug's nose pointed down, I caught up with him. Never did they learn." His narrative when he met one of the elite Luftwaffe pilot flying the ME 109.

[@wrathofatlantis2316]

@@toknenengburjegol6430 I don’t question the P-47 outdived the 109 slightly at low altitudes, but at high altitudes it is the Mach number the limiting factor, while at low altitudes it is airframe buffeting strength. Most WWII fighters could reach higher dive speeds below 15 000 feet than above, except the spitfire because it could do 0.90 Mach. The difference in Mach between the P-47 and 109 was minimal above 15 000, but stability at low altitude (and aileron flutter on 109) gave the P-47 over 50 mph below 15 000. Mach number diminishes with altitude, which is why it is the deciding factor above 15 000, and the 109 was little worse in Mach, much worse in lower altitude buffeting. Hope this makes sense. Initially the 109 even accelerated better in the dive, which made diving tempting, even if a wrong tactic in the long run against P-47. Though I won’t disagree with RJ this time (except for his exaggerated climb claims), this man is quoted far too much for the P-47, and is not a reliable source: He claimed use of 150 octane frontline performance 5 months before 150 fuel was available frontline: He tested the fuel himself in July, 2 months after his frontline service, so it is not a mistake, it is a lie... He is the least trustworthy source in all WWII, in my opinion. I have never seen a veteran pilot of the period actually knowingly lie, at least no one this famous.

[@Farmer-bh3cg]

Thank you for a magisterial study of the -47. It must be a labour of love to put that much effort and time into a series on just one airplane! If I had to sum up the series in just a few words it would be this. "If you want to fly something sexy that will impress all the girls, fly a -51. If you want to get home to your girl, fly a Jug...." Thank you again for a wonderfully detailed series!!

[@hokehinson5987]

Have been involved in airplanes since the mid 50s when a kid would anxiously await his mother's return from shopping to fly his 0.15 - 0.50 balsa gliders providing days of soar time until the next shopping trip... thanx for the channel.

[@jimh6763]

Thank you for doing this series Greg! The p47 is my favorite too. It gets a bad rep. Youve proved its a better overall plane than any other allied plane! Its just a beast! Thanks again. Love all your technical videos as im a car guy too! MOPAR!!

[@sukhoisweetheart4652]

I always loved planes and over the years I became quite intimate with jets, how to fly them, and air combat tactics. I found your channel about a year ago and since then your videos have continually inspired me to expand my knowledge into WW2 era prop aircraft as well. I love these machines and the videos you make on them. You inspire a lot of younger people such as myself (I'm 22). Thank you so much for the exceptional work you do.

[@stephaniem3580]

Okay am I missing something? Eisenhower only became president in 1953. Wasn't it? Truman who is at the controls during the Chinese civil war? When did the advice to nuke China come through? I know. MacArthur wanted to nuke everything, but that was MacArthur.

[@andreasnilsson2304]

The absolute best documentary series about the old jug i have ever seen! Thank you!

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

Great video, Greg! I have thought for a long time that the P-51 had better PR than everyone else, and that the P-47 should be much better regarded. I now remember that last scene of the movie "Saving Private Ryan" and the Tiger tank on the bridge was blown up by a US fighter-bomber, that it should've been a P-47 and not a P-51. They most likely had less trouble getting a working P-51 for filming. The entire series has been enjoyable and informative. I learned a lot of interesting stuff, too. Thanks for making these videos.

[@oscargrouch7962]

According to Hub Zemke, who flew both P-47s and P-51s, North American marketed P-51s to the USAAF much more than Republic marketed P-47s. Similarly, Boeing marketed its B-17s much more than Consolidated marketed B-24s.

[@jacktattis]

You do know the USAAF had A36 P51 F/B so it is not out of the question that the P51 was the correct plane to use.?

[@jacktattis]

The P51 or RAF Mustang was used in the RAF service from Oct 41 with the Allison engine So 19 months before the P47 was even in the Theatre I have no idea when the USAAF used the A36 SO THE p51 in whatever service did G/A 2 to 3 years before the P47 was used as such

[@jacktattis]

@@oscargrouch7962 But the RAF had the Mustang in its Service from Oct 41 a long time before the P47 and they did not market the P51

[@oscargrouch7962]

@@jacktattis North American did not have to market its A-36s to the RAF before the USA was fully involved in WW2 because the RAF was already demanding all of the A-36s North American could produce. The RAF preferred its turbocharged Rolls-Royce-engined Supermarine Spitfires to the normally-aspirated Allison-engine A-36s but Spitfires were not being produced enough early in WW2 so the RAF had to rely on lower-performance USA-made A-36s to supplement the limited supply of Spitfires and Hurricanes. After Spitfires were in full production (along with Hawker Tempests and Typhoons) the RAF had to rely less on North American Aviation for A-36s. With the RAF no longer buying as many A-36s, North American Aviation would either have to shut down production or intensely marketed its P-51s (A-36 airframe with Rolls-Royce-designed, Packard-built turbocharged engine) to the rapidly expanding USAAF to compete with Republic Aviation's P-47s and Lockheed's P-38s.

[@mpersad]

A tremendous series on a wonderful aircraft. For what it's worth, and even though I'm a Brit, I absolutely agree with your conclusion that this was the most important Allied fighter in the European theatre. Thank you for all the work you do on your channel.

[@danconser6709]

Greg, I'm a long time admirer of your work, get diverted, but make my way back to your channel. I'm just an Engineer with an interest in History & enjoy learning about War Aircraft - I've always been fascinated by flying since I was a child. I REALLY appreciate the work you put into the research of your topic and ability to find "primary source" material on obsure WWII information. Also, you do a good job explaining aviation in a way anyone with a basic understanding of mechenics can follow. Thank you,and GOOD Work!

[@swagner58]

This has been been a most awesome series. I love creators that take the time to do a total deep dive into a subject.

[@seaglider844]

I refer to this series in the comments section of every P47 video I see posted in KZbin. Most perpetuate some of the misconceptions well debunked by Greg. This tremendous work has opened my eyes to the potential for gross inaccuracies in the historic record. You have to take into account pressures when reputations and politics are pushing in any particular direction. Many thanks to Greg for doing the work!

[@robertadams2857]

Great videos. Just turned on the movie “Fighter Squadron”. It is packed with P47s. Never really looked at the 47. After watching your videos, I feel the P47 is tops. When I was at Oshkosh back in the 70s I was taken in by the flashy movie star qualities of the 51 and 38. The workhorse, for the job at the time was the P47.

[@myparceltape1169]

I smiled when I first heard that someone had decided to design a plane around the biggest engine they could get. It worked and I breathed again.

[@CFarnwide]

Sounds like the same concept as having a seriously devastating cannon and building an airframe around it resulting in the A10. 😎

[@vladdrakul7851]

So great to have you back Greg. As promised as well!! I have been waiting for this. Hope all is going well for you! It's chill time now with some great food as well. My evening is made! Thanks again. Sterling stuff!

[@chestercallahan8856]

Greg, thank you so much for your research, dedication, and knowledge resulting in this great content! Your videos are simply amazing!

[@mikemazzola6595]

Thank you Greg on this data driven explanation for your P47 “Uber alles” conclusion. No need to apologize about your commitment to review the prospects for commercial pilots. While I have no ambitions for flying for the airlines (one in the family that does that is enough) I think it will be interesting to view nonetheless.

[@robertmoyse4414]

I think this is the best WW2 aviation channel of all. Eight months between the Tempest and P-47 N is not a short time by WW2 standards - comparable to Gladiator to Bf-109. By the time the P-47N came about there were a lot of Tempests in active service so I don't think they were really contemporaries.

[@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles]

There is a big difference between the changes going on in 1934 vs. 1944 in regards to piston engine airplanes. No matter what version I use, someone will think it's unfair, especially if British aircraft are involved. The Tempest was awesome but a newer over all design than the Thunderbolt. The Thunderbolt N is the closest one to the Tempest by most standards of measurement.

[@The7humpwump]

Awesome awesome awesome. I personally love the great detail and back up information. Top notch series, my favorite channel hands down

[@briantincher9284]

Still coming back to this amazing collection of documentaries!!! Thanks Greg!

[@cannonfodder4376]

Got done watching the premiere. A fantastic summation of an extraordinarily informative series. Taught more than any documentary out there and dispelled misinformation and myths I took for granted. I look forward to later videos. And have a Happy Thanksgiving Greg!

[@tiaborges]

Amazing work. I was never much a P-47 guy. I always tended to the smaller european machines. But against facts, there was no argument. And you did such a incredible research. Congratulations. I never saw anything like.

[@dsdy1205]

*Sees recommendation for Part 8* :) *Part 8: Conclusions* :(

[@eduardocharlier7560]

This is not the end, not even the beginning of the end, this is just the end of the beginning

[@zJoriz]

For a conclusion video, this one sure is packed with extra info & even a fair number of sidetracking topics. So don't worry.

[@mustanglimey]

Wish Greg was on TV doing this. I’ve learned so much listening. Love the P47 so great to hear and see so much on the Jug. Fantastic channel 👌🏼

[@neilwilson5785]

TV producers would have dumbed this excellent series down. It's great right here.

[@jacktattis]

He has got to leave his bias at home.

[@briancavanagh7048]

Thank you Greg for such a well researched production, it’s been an absolute joy to watch & to absorb. What makes your videos so fantastic is the detail you go into on the aviation subject. So interesting when you add in & discuss the associated parts of the story such as aero dynamics, aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, flight crew training, aircraft maintenance, history, military doctrine & tactics, politics, economics and just about any thing that has relevance to the subject at hand. I think you could do a video on tiddlywinks & it would be a fascinating viewing experience. Thank you sir, you deserve a doctorate in history.

[@TheQuestionMarkWasEmphasized]

Fantastic work, Greg. I've learned so much from you.

[@laheu]

Thanks for the series, it's been a great run. Looking forward to future videos, especially if it's a surprise. If the P-47 in Pacific war comes up some months from now, I'll bring up the Japanese army interceptor Ki-44; it's surprising visual similiarty to P-47 (ditto P-35, P-43) is a fun mention. Not much info around the aircraft, but would be a fun interlude. Regards.

[@gernaneering]

Greg i can never fault your analysis across the whole range of WW2 combat aircraft you have become a leading authority in this field, and you have my total respect and quite often leave my technical understanding way behind and that is due to my own limitations. I only wish i had you as my personal pilot whenever i boarded plane, On one aspect alone i have one preference alone for U.S. aircraft, which is the spacious nature their cockpits, so amongst my favourite fighter aircraft of WW2 is P 47, in either razor back or bubble canopy form and their sheer solid constructional quality and secondly protection level giving their pilots an increased survival ability, the next would be the P 51s, but the Thunderbolt still remains my top choice for me in whatever role it was assigned and thank you Greg for your in depth highly detailed analysis on you tube of such in depth and quality it was a sheer pleasure to see on You tube.

[@allwinds3786]

I second Curtis's statement tremendous work sir. I also commend you on making your manuals and research materials available to those who wish to do more research this will be invaluable to those who are armchair historians. I'm a long distance terrestrial cargo pilot (truck driver) and your work keeps me on my toes and thinking about other things then the road rages, around me thank you.

[@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles]

Hi Don, thanks for your kind words.

[@slmyatt]

I knew Col James "Turkey" Wilson. He flew the P-47 in ww2. By Vietnam he told incoming pilots "They taught you how to fly. I'll teach you how to stay alive".

[@jonvicsison4895]

Tremendous scholarly work Greg! I could not put it down and the video provides a lot of new credible insights for me. Thank you!

[@RivetGardener]

Always thought the Thunderbolt was a better airplane, and you have demonstrated why. Thank you sir. Gabby Gabreski was my hero as a little kid growing up, and he flew this plane.

[@gsr4535]

Greg loves the T-Bolt! So do I! Thanks for a wonderful series! 👍

[@kenbrown9164]

Greg, thanks so much for the great series on the P-47! My uncle, 1st Lt. August Garcea, flew the P-47D in the ETO. He was a little guy...5' 4" and 140 pounds and flew with the 358th FG, 365 Fighter Squadron (Orange Tails.) He flew 24 missions and was sadly killed in November 1944 near Hagenau, France. His plane was damaged in a dog fight with a Me 109, but he landed it safely. He was later found wrapped in his parachute and buried next to his plane which was only slightly damaged. His wounds were consistent with being stabbed with a pitchfork. The local farmers did not like the Jabos since they commonly shot up horse-pulled farm wagons that the Germans used for transporting equipment and ammunition. There was a statement taken from a local farmer that observed the dogfight and the landing of the plane in an open field.

[@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles]

Thanks for the story Ken, I'm sorry about your uncle, it sounds like he was a brave man.

[@kenbrown9164]

@@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles He was just one of many P-47 pilots that didn't survive the war. Flying low to attack ground targets they often didn't have the opportunity to use their parachutes to attempt or survive a bailout. Also, the German quad 20mm anti-aircraft guns were deadly to low flying planes.

[@pascalchauvet7625]

I've been watching this time and time again. Each time I realize somewhat more what a great fighter the P-47 really was...dive recovery flaps...fantastic

[@steffen19k]

Well, Greg, as much as I hate to see an end to Thunderbolt info, I owe you a huge debt of gratitude for you attention to detail and attempting to fix the popular perceptions of how WW2 happened. I am looking forward to your next videos on whatever aircraft you cover next.

[@jontaylor1652]

Thanks Greg, this has been a fantastic, interesting series on what I consider to be a magnificent aircraft.

[@texhaines9957]

Thank you. My Dad didn't need all these charts and facts: he would agree with you because he was there P47'Ds. He volunteered for the draft in September 1942 (US Army Air Corp) and was at the final fighter then fighter- Bomber training (Millville Army Air Field NJ) in March 1943. Thanks. Really liked your P47 series.

[@cameronalexander359]

Bravo Greg. Comprehensive and without par!

[@garyhill2740]

Greg points out in the video that we don't have info for the P-47 "Mike". It isn't too difficult to find pilot and flight manuals for the D or "November" variants. I have never run across anyone who has even SEEN a manual for the "Mike". Obviously, it was a lower production aircraft. But surely there were some kind of training materials issued for the P-47M? These videos are so amazing and informative. I am glued to my screen and find myself watching them repeatedly. I have always liked the Jug, Greg's videos have given me enhanced respect for the P-47. I am especially smitten with the "November" which I didn't know much about before watching this series. I hope more info eventually surfaces about the M variation, which itself apparently gave birth to the N?

[@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles]

I may put some M documentation in the next Patreon update which will come after the debate. I do have three or four new P-47 manuals to put up, but no M pilot manual, only an M parts manual.

[@garyhill2740]

Thanks, Greg! Why do you think the M manuals are so nonexistent?

[@stevejohnson174]

I thought this entire series was simply outstanding. I'm looking forward to your exhaustive approach on the P-38 and am hoping for something in the future on the P-40 and maybe some Russian aircraft. Thank you!

[@jrod1019kw]

DEFFINTLY the P-38!

[@craigkdillon]

HI, I am a history nerd. I never heard of the Taiwan Strait Crisis. I will look that up. I love your research, and your interpretation of it. You do not burden yourself with preconceived ideas, and just listen to the research. I respect your production very highly.

[@TheDeJureTour]

Another incredible presentation! Thank you Sir! Nobody else is producing content like this.

[@tomwaltermayer2702]

Wonderful. Greg, you are the gold standard. You do the technical material better, by far, than anything comparable I've seen. Your history is good grad school level. Harvard and the War College ought to recruit you. For an old pilot, with some war bird time and beaucoup thousand hours flying radials, these vids are pure delight. Thanks.

[@jefferynelson]

The only people who know more about the P 47 are those who maintain/fly the remaining models. What a series !

[@theegg-viator4707]

Amazing dedication and professionalism in everything produced and spoken here! Greg, the internet exists because of great people like you willing and able to devote your time to the preservation of history and education! Salute!

[@danphariss133]

Thank you so much. The amount of research here is staggering. Thank you.

[@merlball8520]

I've looked at combat statistics and raw load, speed, climb rate, etc info before and long ago the P47 became my favorite and most respected aircraft of WW2. I've long thought it to be the best aircraft of the war. Your series was historic/factual candy for someone like myself who has long had a strong interest in this particular plane. Thank you for your work in this series, and I will happily refer people to these video as often as warranted so that they too can expand their knowledge of WW2 aircraft in general.

[@Sophocles13]

Thank you so much for everything you do! I'm no aviator but I love these videos.

[@Air-Striegler]

Simply outstanding. Hands down the best aircraft history and research channel on the internet. Very impressive. My deepest gratitude for your incredible and mindboggling work. You're the best Greg!

[@dennismason3740]

I was two years old when the last P-47 rolled off the line. I am vindicated. See what happens when you live long enough?

[@benwalker4660]

you get to see all your favourite aircraft in museums that were once- front line- back then.

[@dennismason3740]

@@benwalker4660 - I do not own a car nor am I rich so Warbirds in KZbin will do quite well. One operational B-29 - Fifi I think - on earth today. My dad got to know that airplane and the Norden bombsight quite well when there were hundreds in the sky. I would feel quite comfortable in a P-47 D.

[@dennismason3740]

@Hoa Tattis Yes. My dad used one for his job on the B-29. Clouds. get outta my way!

[@heydonray]

Outstanding. There’s simply no peer to Greg’s explorations on these topics.

[@mattdumbrill8324]

Great end to the series, finally managed to get around to watching this due to studies getting in the way. Now to watch the other new videos.

[@randalkeller4845]

Great video and I agree the p47 was the most important fighter in the war. Thanks for sharing so much information and entertainment.

[@alanwright3172]

The Hurricane was more important than the Spitfire, the B24 was more numerous than the B17( by 50%) the P47 was more important than the P51, just shows you the power of the press and PR of some companies.

[@gordonmcinnes8328]

Well done Gregg. Honest, authorative and insightful. How history should be done.

[@pattonpending7390]

I would love to see an unabashed list of Greg's top ten pilots, including why some should not be included... I'll bet it'll be a spicy episode.

[@pattonpending7390]

@Hoa Tattis : Yeah, exactly! If you look at WWI alone; Von Richthofen (M not L) lead the pack in kills, but by most accounts just hung out on top and swooped down to pick off confused or unsuspecting prey, whereas Oswald Boelke literally wrote the book on fighter piloting and some form of his tactics are still being taught today: It's easy to say who is the best based on their stats, but I know who I would rather have as my squadron leader.

[@davidgouty6011]

You are like a coach or crew chief on this stuff. Think I've learned more from you here in the last few weeks watching your videos more than my dad and I over the past 10 years. My dad and I both enjoy NASCAR a lot not many people around. But it is so interesting here you talking about these extreme cool world war II fighter planes. Especially the detail that you use man to be blunt that sounds crazy I'm going through a divorce with my wife and really getting my mind into watching your videos it's really help me to try to get mind off of other things sometimes racing don't with your stuff you really got to think a lot more you take care and you do such a great job

[@chrisvandecar4676]

Yehaaaaa! A new video on the Jug! You have spent serious time researching this plane, it sure seems like a labor of love/lust/like. What originally drew to the Jug?

[@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles]

I do love the Thunderbolt, but it was really the most logical choice for a first series on this channel because there is a lot of data for it, and because it has all the needed tech in it.

[@robmarsh6668]

I think it also deserves some love as compared to mustang and corsair

[@audiophil4946]

Excellent video as always Greg. Your technical knowledge and insistence on original sources (where possible) are highly commendable. This is my fave You Tube channel, as I am a complete WW2 aviation history geek, and also a private pilot. I eagerly await your next video! Cheers!

[@WildBillCox13]

Interesting and engaging. I have especially enjoyed your in depth looks at period fighters.

[@speedintraffic]

Greg you don't seem to (but perhaps I missed it) explicitly mention that the P47 was almost twice the price of the P51. To me that price difference raises a lot of potential explanations not only the move away from the P47, but also the subsequent marketing of the P51 as the greatest plane ever and the war winning aeroplane. Apologies if I missed you discussing this

[@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles]

I have absolutely discussed aircraft cost on this channel. Yes, a P51 was less expensive. You could get 5 P-51s for the price of 3 Thunderbolts.