Republic P-47 D-22-re Thunderbolt - Malcolm Hoods (Advanced Kit)
MiniArt 48038

P-47D Thunderbolt – American Fighter with the Distinctive Malcolm Hood

This plastic model kit represents the Republic P-47D-22RE Thunderbolt, an American fighter aircraft in 1:48 scale. The Advanced Kit depicts an early Razorback variant fitted with the distinctive Malcolm Hood canopy, whose bulged design improved the pilot's rearward visibility. The model features detailed surface panels and accurately represented metal airframe details.

The kit includes transparent parts, photo-etched details and decals for three aircraft operated by units of the USAAF Ninth Air Force. It also includes external stores, such as bombs and additional fuel tanks.

Marking options

• P-47D-22RE 42-26250 “Turtle No. 9” – code G9-G, 509th Fighter Squadron, 405th Fighter Group, France, winter 1944. Flown by Lt. Charles D. Dooney, this aircraft featured distinctive nose artwork depicting a yellow sunburst and a green turtle.
• P-47D-22RE 42-26261 – code K4-S, 511th Fighter Squadron, 405th Fighter Group, Italy, 1944–1945. Flown by Lt. Michael F. Tobin and Lt. Walter A. Grabowski.
• P-47D-22RE 42-25706 – code AJ-L, 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, Ninth Air Force, February 1945.

P-47 Thunderbolt – Heavy Fighter and Ground-Attack Aircraft

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the largest and heaviest single-engine fighters used during World War II. Designed by Republic Aviation, it was distinguished by its massive airframe, exceptional ruggedness and powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engine. Its eight .50-calibre machine guns provided formidable firepower.

The P-47D was produced in numerous sub-variants and became the principal production version of the Thunderbolt. Initially, the aircraft was used mainly for bomber escort and air combat. As long-range escort fighters became more widely available, ground-attack missions grew increasingly important. Thunderbolts proved highly effective against ground targets, including transport columns, vehicles, trains and artillery positions, using bombs and unguided rockets.

The D-22RE designation identifies a specific production block of the P-47D. The RE suffix indicates production at Republic's Farmingdale plant in New York State. Aircraft of this variant retained the distinctive Razorback fuselage, with its raised spine behind the cockpit.

Malcolm Hood – Improved Cockpit Visibility

One of the distinctive features of the aircraft represented in this kit is the Malcolm Hood canopy. This bulged, sliding cockpit enclosure was originally developed in Britain and was also used on American fighter aircraft. Its design improved rearward visibility compared with the conventional narrow Razorback canopy. The modification did not involve converting the entire fuselage to a low-back configuration, so the characteristic silhouette of the earlier Thunderbolt was retained.

This model kit requires assembly and painting. Glue and paints are not included.