P-47 Thunderbolts @ TN Museum of Aviation 09/27/08

[chubsmagoo]

Trane Company made the intercoolers for the P47 and also for the B24 if I'm not mistaken.

[vetitoe362]

Is this an annual event?

[bdrws6]

Usually its bi-annual. One in the Spring, one in the Fall.

[mmmsikim]

mind if i ask, what's with this particular P 47 named Hun Hunter? where did it serve, Pacific theater or the European theater of war?

[bdrws6]

Both of these P-47s are painted in the markings of the 65 FS, 57th FG. They served in the European Theater. The original Hun Hunter was flown by Lt. Col. Gilbert O. Wymond. The one showcased here is 1 of ~4 still flying with an operational turbo-supercharger today. I recommend a search on youtube for the "Thunderbolt!" multi part video for original WWII footage of P-47s, mostly all from the 65th.

[mmmsikim]

I see.. thanks for the info... I'm amazed this jug still has its turbo supercharger...

[riderpoet]

@mmmsikim During the Battle of Britain, British fighter pilots began calling the Germans "the Huns," in comparison to the brutal marauders of ancient times. When American pilots appeared, their nickname for the Germans was usually "Jerry" or "Krauts." My guess is that this particular American fighter plane would have been named as a polite nod to our British allies.

[PKP405]

Do you know if they're doing one in the Spring of 2010?

[bdrws6]

No date annouced yet. The museum just got a Skyraider so I am thinking they'll have one in April again. Just waiting for the annoucment, and date so I can start making plans.

[clay4916]

It is so gratifying to see T-Bolts flying! The sound of those huge 18 - cylinder radial engines is so intoxicating! Congrats to all those who spend time and money keeping those beautiful warbirds flying!