The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was a single-seat fighter aircraft used extensively by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II. Known for its rugged construction and its powerful armament, the Thunderbolt was particularly effective in ground-attack roles. It was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine and was armed with eight machine guns. The Thunderbolt’s heavy weight and powerful engine gave it a high dive speed, making it a formidable adversary against German fighters.