Other minor changes were made to the turbo-supercharger air duct, elevator control system, and controls. Minor changes to the main undercarriage were made, and tailwheel steering was omitted. P-47C-1-RE, with 8-inch fuselage extension to move the center of gravity, improving flight characteristics.P-47C-RE, initial production block as described above.The C variant was built in four production blocks totaling 602 aircraft, with production ending in February 1943 when Republic's Farmingdale, New York plant switched to the P-47D. The main external difference between the P-47B and C was the upright antenna mast, which replaced the B's forward-swept mast. A revised oxygen system was fitted, as were new SCR-274-N and SCR-515-A radios. The resulting P-47C featured a redesigned metal rudder, as the original fabric-covered unit was prone to tail flutter which frequently led to crashes. Several improvements were incorporated into the Thunderbolt starting with the 172nd production aircraft on September 14, 1942. Later applied to all P-47Bs in 1944 to denote its status as restricted from combat. RP-47B, designation originally applied to a handful of P-47B modified into photo-reconnaissance aircraft with a camera mounted in the port intercooler vent.P-47B-RE, 171 aircraft powered by a 2,000 hp R-2800-21 engine with other modifications.
![prototype 1 xp prototype 1 xp](https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/ibimg/hgm/1920x1080-1/100/776/hyperion-xp-1-hydrogen-supercar-is-real-first-prototype-hits-the-road_100776999.jpg)
XP-47B, single prototype powered by a 1,960 hp XR-2800-21 engine.The aircraft's nickname, Thunderbolt, was created by Republic's Director of Military Contracts, C. Only 171 of the original order were completed as P-47Bs before production switched to the P-47C. The production aircraft, designated P-47B, differed from the prototype in that they were powered by a 2,000 hp production R-2800-21 engine, a sliding canopy in place of the original hinged unit, and redesigned metal ailerons and elevators. The XP-47B crashed on August 8, 1942, however, an order for 773 production aircraft had been placed almost two years before on September 13, 1940. Performance was higher than expected with a maximum speed of 412 mph. With a loaded weight of 12,086 lb, the XP-47B was almost twice as heavy as its competitors. The main landing gear retracted inward into the wings, telescoping nine inches to clear the underside of the fuselage, and the steerable tailwheel was fully retractable. It was powered by a 1,960 hp XR-2800-21 engine and featured an elliptical wing, an all-metal construction (except for the fabric-covered control surfaces), and a hinged canopy. The XP-47B was first flown on May 6, 1941. Despite this, the USAAC ordered a prototype of the improved design as the XP-47B, on September 6, 1940. The expected performance met USAAC requirements, however, its fuel load fell slightly short. Armament was increased to eight M2 Brownings, four mounted in each wing, making it one of the heaviest-armed fighters considered by the USAAC at the time. The new aircraft was much larger than the original, and the inline engine was swapped for a turbo-supercharged Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp 18-cylinder radial engine. On June 12, 1940, Kartveli submitted the redesigned AP-10 to the USAAC. Razorback Thunderbolts P-47B Įleventh production P-47B-RE, s/n 41-5905, with both the sliding canopy and original rear-cockpit windows. Expecting the USAAC to reject the XP-47 for the more suitable Curtiss XP-46, Republic canceled the XP-47 and XP-47A and Kartveli began an extensive redesign of the aircraft. 50 in machine guns, cockpit armor plating, self-sealing fuel tanks, and a minimum fuel load of 315 gallons.
![prototype 1 xp prototype 1 xp](https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/ibimg/hgm/1920x1080-1/100/776/hyperion-xp-1-hydrogen-supercar-is-real-first-prototype-hits-the-road_100776996.jpg)
![prototype 1 xp prototype 1 xp](https://www.mad4wheels.com/img/free-car-images/mobile/18246/hyperion-xp-1-prototype-2020-594673.jpg)
In response, the USAAC issued new requirements for a fighter including an airspeed of 400 mph at 25,000 ft, an armament of six or (preferably) eight. In early 1940, combat reports from war in Europe indicated that the P-47 was inferior to Luftwaffe fighters. This prototype was ordered without military equipment, allowing for it to be finished and tested before the XP-47. In addition to the XP-47, the USAAC also ordered another prototype as the XP-47A. Satisfied, the USAAC ordered a single prototype under the designation XP-47, in November 1939. 30 in (7.62 mm) M1919 Browning machine guns in each wing, raising the gross weight to 6,570 lb.
![prototype 1 xp prototype 1 xp](https://likeit.guru/images2/prototype_9569.jpg)
Kartveli revised the AP-10 by slightly increasing its size and mounting two. The USAAC was impressed by the AP-10 proposal, but expressed concerns that it would be underarmed. Maximum speed was estimated to be 415 mph, while gross weight was to be 4,900 lb. 50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns. As originally proposed, the AP-10 was to have been powered by a 1,150 hp Allison V-1710-39 12-cylinder inline engine and have an armament consisting of two nose-mounted. In response to a USAAC requirement for a new fighter aircraft, Republic Aviation engineer Alexander Kartveli proposed the AP-10 lightweight high-altitude interceptor on August 1, 1939.