P-47D Thunderbolt (oz4794)

About this Plan

P-47D Thunderbolt. Radio control scale model WWII fighter. A stand off scale model for 2 function R/C and 0.15 motors.

Quote: "Full-size pull-out plans for this 0.10 - 0.15 cu in model 2/3 function R/C. P-47D Thunderbolt by Clive Smalley.

THE P-47D THUNDERBOLT was one of the really great aeroplanes produced during World War Two. Known as the 'Juggernaut' or simply 'Jug' to its pilots, due to its size and shape, it featured in many operational theatres, from Europe to the Pacific. Its exploits are legion, time and again badly damaged aircraft bringing pilots back to fight again, where lesser machines would have failed. Its ruggedness was a byword among American and British pilots, and perhaps matched only by the ruggedness of its Pratt and Whitney R2800 engine.

The Thunderbolt was used in many roles from escort fighter to ground attack, and although perhaps best remembered today in the former role, its most useful work was probably after the invasion of France, in preventing the Germans from moving troops and supplies in daylight. This effectively prevented reinforcements being moved to check the Allied troops from breaking out of the beach bridgeheads and racing across France.

Many of the top American Aces flew in this aeroplane and from its widespread use there are many highly colourful marking schemes, well documented in books and magazines. I have appended a list of useful references, though I make no claim as to its completeness.

The model was designed as a follow-on to my previously published FW190D (oz7556) (see RCME Scale Special 1979). The outline is as accurate as I could make it, the only obvious deviations from scale being the aero-foil section and the omission of some 'bitty' detail. There is plenty of scope to add what-ever detail you wish, even a full cockpit interior could be included!

Using the micro servos and a 225mAH Ni-Cad it would be possible to add further func-tions, which would give some variation to the aerobatic performance, but beware of increasing the weight overmuch. The prototype performed well with two functions at a ready to fly weight of 1 lb 15 oz, using a 0.15 cu in engine.

Construction is simple enough. If you don't fancy planking the fuselage you can easily resort to using large pieces of sheet, either wetted on the outside or doped on the inside to assist curvature. The prototype was in fact built this way, but a word of warning. It is easy to twist the fuselage out of true unless great care is taken to apply the sheet equally around the fuselage section. Planking is probably the better method on balance, and is the method I would adopt next time.

The order of construction is fairly important. The wing must be built to the finishing stage before the fuselage can be skinned. Other than that no problems should be experienced.

The Wing: The wing is constructed directly on to the bottom skin, which is cut out to outline, minus the tip block. Add the spar, leading-edge, ribs, aileron spars, not forgetting to provide an exit hole for the aileron cable. Carve the LE to match the rib profile. Add the top skin, blocking up the LE at the centre and pinning down all the TE and tip to form the washout, as per the sketch on the plan. The washout is vital and it is important to make this equal in each wing panel. When the structure is completely dry, cut out the ailerons, sand and hinge in position. The wing panels can be joined at the dihedral..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 29/06/2016: article pages, text & pics added, thanks to RFJ.

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