Posted on Dec 4, 2016
P-47 Thunderbolt versus P-51 Mustang: Which legend wins?
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The P-47 Thunderbolt and the P-51 Mustang fought side-by-side with the Allies in World War II. They even divided the job of kicking Axis ass between them by the end of the war. The Mustang became known as an escort fighter, while the Thunderbolt took more of a role as a fighter-bomber.
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WWII World War Two
Equipment
WWII World War Two Equipment
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 10
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Presuming you're talking post Merlin introduction. For pure dogfighting, which the P-47 wasn't designed for, it lags the P-51 in rate of climb, diving, and turn. Roll at the same speed is similar. The P-47 would need more hammering to bring it down. Armament was similar. German fighter pilots who flew captured ones much preferred the P-51 as it was more similar to what they were used to.
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SP5 Mark Kuzinski Each superior in its defined role. The P47 "Jug" was WW2 close air support and train killer while the P51 Mustang was an air superiority fighter. There is no equitable side-by-side comparison. Both great airframes. Had a friend who was infantry in the hedgerow country and he raved about the P47 support of the ground troops. Love 'em both.
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Both have their roles however, the P-51 edges past in overall combat power..
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it is so sad that there are not very many Thunderbolts around but yet there are many Mustangs flying around. I'm surprised to see them both flying together in a recent picture
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LTC Stephen Conway
SP5 Mark Kuzinski - I just realize that the warthog is called the Thunderbolt II based on the legacy of the P-47 for being a ground support fighter bomber
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What competition are you thinking about SP5 Mark Kuzinski?
Speed, stability under pressure, or some other particular fighter capability.
In the case of both the P-47 Thunderbolt and the P-51 Mustang the capability of the pilot is critical.
I am selecting the P-51 Mustang since it served as both a fighter/pursuit aircraft and a fighter-bomber. The most critical role was escorting the bombers over Europe as they attacked German infrastructure and capabilities.
Speed, stability under pressure, or some other particular fighter capability.
In the case of both the P-47 Thunderbolt and the P-51 Mustang the capability of the pilot is critical.
I am selecting the P-51 Mustang since it served as both a fighter/pursuit aircraft and a fighter-bomber. The most critical role was escorting the bombers over Europe as they attacked German infrastructure and capabilities.
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