Jugs In the Guard

[Subdeacon Joe]

As found on FB, tpyos (sic) and all.  This is mostly for the pictures. 

 

MINUTEMEN....the Republic P-47D /F-47D/N was used by ANG in 18 different states from 1946-1954 mostly in the south and eastern states  Puerto Rico and Hawaii. During the Korean conflict 1950-1953. the reliable and extremely tough thunderbolt was kept at home with the ANG because of a low availability and part's supplies while the F-51 was used in large numbers because of its speed and ability of parts to supply combat  units on the Korean front lines . I believe the F-47D whould probably done better with battle damage than the F-51D did especially if it took a round to its radiator and if it did u were not going to be home for dinner. The P-47 was battle tested just like the faster P-51(437-mph) but the thunderbolt took heavy battle damage... engine cylinders missing, giant holes in its wing's and propeller and yet made it home for supper God  willing. Anyhow 15,863 P-47 Airframes and models were built during 1942-1945 . The F-47D was powered by a PW R-2800-54 with a max mph of 428 with a GW of 19,400 lbs and had (8) 0.50 caliber machine guns.  The Republic F-47D served the ANG proudly for 8 years before being replaced by the new breed of jet's F-84/F-86 therefore opening a new chapter in ANG history. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Abilene Slim SASS 81783]

I recognize states abbreviations except TH. What is TH?

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

13 minutes ago, Abilene Slim SASS 81783 said:

I recognize states abbreviations except TH. What is TH?

Thailand maybe?

[Abilene Slim SASS 81783]

11 minutes ago, Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L said:

Thailand maybe?

I’m thinking if it was Thai, they wouldn’t have US markings. Perhaps it’s linked to a now-defunct air base?

[Subdeacon Joe]

31 minutes ago, Abilene Slim SASS 81783 said:

I recognize states abbreviations except TH. What is TH?

 

Territory of Hawaii 

[Cold Lake Kid, SASS # 51474]

Once upon a time, Canada had reserve air force as well..

I recall seeing a squadron of Mustangs on the tarmac at Cold Lake, from the City of Calgary Auxiliary RCAF,  just before they were disbanded.

Very sad.

Canada went from having the third largest Navy and the fourth largest Air Force.

Not too shabby for a country with a population of 12 million in 1945.

One can't help wondering what happened?

 

[Chantry]

The P-51H was also cheaper to fly and repair, which was apparently more important then the pilots and the troops on the ground that they supported.

[Dawg Hair, SASS #29557]

Puerto Rico ANG.  The JUG and the SLUF.

[Black Angus McPherson]

It has always surprised me that, for a plane with a reputation as being almost indestructible, I've never seen one at an air show.

 

Anyone have an idea how many air-worthy P-47's are still out there?

 

Angus

 

 

[Subdeacon Joe]

7 minutes ago, Black Angus McPherson said:

It has always surprised me that, for a plane with a reputation as being almost indestructible, I've never seen one at an air show.

 

Anyone have an idea how many air-worthy P-47's are still out there?

 

Angus

 

 

 

There are around a dozen that are airworthy.  Why so few? Because they were quickly taken out of service.  1949 for the Air Force,  1953 for the Guard.  Some some South American country didn't retire theirs until the 1960s, but they didn't have many. 

The Mustang was smaller, less expensive,  less expensive to maintain. This was the era of transition to jets, a general downsizing of the military,  and a shift in strategic priorities. The Bomber Boys had the whip hand, and the thinking was all long range nuclear and supersonic interceptors. 

 

So, they were scrapped. Stripped and melted down. 

[Still hand Bill]

46 minutes ago, Black Angus McPherson said:

It has always surprised me that, for a plane with a reputation as being almost indestructible, I've never seen one at an air show.

 

Anyone have an idea how many air-worthy P-47's are still out there?

 

Angus

 

 

No idea how many, but the air museum in Colorado Springs has one that air worthy and working on another to restore it.  They also have a p38 of which there are 13 or 14 still left flying.   

[Subdeacon Joe]

29 minutes ago, Still hand Bill said:

No idea how many, but the air museum in Colorado Springs has one that air worthy and working on another to restore it.  They also have a p38 of which there are 13 or 14 still left flying.   

 

I'm sometimes amazed at what some call a restoration. I don't recall the details,  but maybe a dozen years ago I read an article about a crash site find. Something like,  "We're really excited! We found a data plate, an oil pressure gauge,a landing gear strut, and about two square feet of fuselage skin.  I think we can RESTORE it. Does fabricating 99.9% of the aircraft from new metal count as restoration?

 

We run into Thesus' Paradox 

 

[Eyesa Horg]

 Yep, I'd say that's stretching the word RESTORE!

I've always loved the guy that brags and says he restored his whatever. Then ya learn he sent it out and got it restored by somebody else. The only thing he did was arrange and pay.

[Still hand Bill]

6 hours ago, Subdeacon Joe said:

 

I'm sometimes amazed at what some call a restoration. I don't recall the details,  but maybe a dozen years ago I read an article about a crash site find. Something like,  "We're really excited! We found a data plate, an oil pressure gauge,a landing gear strut, and about two square feet of fuselage skin.  I think we can RESTORE it. Does fabricating 99.9% of the aircraft from new metal count as restoration?

 

We run into Thesus' Paradox 

 

That’s about what they did for white 33, the p38.  I expect the P47 will be similar.  Almost a complete new build.   I am just glad to see another one flying.