Tamiya 1/48 Republic P-47D Thunderbolt "Bubbletop"

The American Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, also known as T-bolt, Juggernaut or Jug was the largest single-engined fighter of its day. It was one of the main United States Army Air Force (USAAF) fighters of the Second World War. The P-47 was effective in air combat but proved especially adept in the ground attack role. Its modern-day equivalent, the A-10 Thunderbolt II takes its name from the P-47. The Thunderbolt also served with a number of other Allied air forces.

All the P-47s to this point had a "razorback" canopy configuration with a tall fuselage spine behind the pilot which resulted in poor visibility to the rear. The British also had this problem with their fighter aircraft, and had devised the bulged "Malcolm hood" canopy for the Spitfire as an initial solution. This was fitted in the field to many North American P-51 Mustangs, and to a handful of P-47Ds. However, the British then came up with a much better solution, devising an all-round vision "bubble" canopy for the Hawker Typhoon. USAAF officials liked the bubble canopy, and quickly adapted it to American fighters, including the P-51 and the Thunderbolt.  

• Overall length: 230mm, overall width: 259mm.
• Flaps can be positioned up or down.
• Parts for 3 types of mirrors & gun sights and 4 types of propellers are provided.
• Engine cowling flaps and the intercooler air outlets on each side of the fuselage can be in the open or closed position.
• 500lb bombs, rocket launchers and 3 types of drop tanks are included.
• Also included are a pilot figure and decals for two different aircraft.