Allied air superiority in 1944: P-47 D Razorback decided it?

[GuerraCivil]

Of all USAAF fighter units in Europe the most efficient to my knowledge was 56th FG and they flew with P-47 until the end of war. Perhaps speaks something for the merit of P-47 that 56 FG kept flying with it although "better" P-51 would have been available.

Although Mustang was somewhat better technically (specially longer range) the P-47 Razorback was essential in building up the self-confidence and combat experience of USAAF fighter units during 1943 and early 1944 (when big numbers of efficient fighter version of P-51 were not yet available).

P-47 airframe could also take lots of punishment of enemy fire and still bring the pilot home. This probably saved the life of many less experienced USAAF fighter pilots and increased their survival chances from their first combats. The famous episode of Robert Johnson surviving with totally holed-up P-47 on 17.6.1943 is perhaps the best example of the strength of P-47 airframe.

Later the same abilities made P-47 ideal fighter-bomber which was able to deal with intercepting enemy fighters if necessary. The P-51 was perhaps the best piston-engined fighter of WW2 but USAAF had to have P-47 also!

[Paul Thompson]

Originally Posted by GuerraCivil

Of all USAAF fighter units in Europe the most efficient to my knowledge was 56th FG and they flew with P-47 until the end of war. Perhaps speaks something for the merit of P-47 that 56 FG kept flying with it although "better" P-51 would have been available.

Although Mustang was somewhat better technically (specially longer range) the P-47 Razorback was essential in building up the self-confidence and combat experience of USAAF fighter units during 1943 and early 1944 ...

The P-51 was perhaps the best piston-engined fighter of WW2 but USAAF had to have P-47 also!

Hello GuerraCivil,

I think the 56th is an exception that proves the rule. The 56th was extremely experienced in the use of dive attack tactics which made best use of the Thunderbolt's high service ceiling and high diving speed, its two primary performance advantages.

The Mustang was not somewhat better than the P-47, but decisively so. It had lower drag and higher acceleration, contribution to substantially better overall manoeuvrability. Bill has discussed above the P-51s advantage in the dive.

I would strongly suggest that the USAAF did not, strictly speaking, need either the P-47 or P-51. The Lightning did encounter serious problems over Europe, but any long-range escort fighter was an insurmountable problem for the Luftwaffe, as the Tunisian campaign demonstrated.

Regards,

Paul