P-47 Thunderbolt versus P-51 Mustang: Which legend wins?

2016-12-04T09:21:31-05:00

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.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 4 at 2016 9:42 AM

2016-12-04T09:42:41-05:00

Both Great Air Frames.

Response by SSG Steven Mangus made Dec 4 at 2016 10:10 AM

2016-12-04T10:10:52-05:00

Both have their roles however, the P-51 edges past in overall combat power..

Response by Alan K. made Dec 4 at 2016 10:31 AM

2016-12-04T10:31:52-05:00

Mustang....

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2016 10:56 AM

2016-12-04T10:56:43-05:00

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.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 4 at 2016 11:10 AM

2016-12-04T11:10:43-05:00

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.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Dec 4 at 2016 11:48 AM

2016-12-04T11:48:18-05:00

They are both pretty neat planes SP5 Mark Kuzinski

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2016 3:11 PM

2016-12-04T15:11:05-05:00

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

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 4 at 2016 3:47 PM

2016-12-04T15:47:28-05:00

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.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Dec 4 at 2016 5:42 PM

2016-12-04T17:42:53-05:00

P-51

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2016 9:00 PM

2016-12-04T21:00:22-05:00

No matter who wins it would be great to watch history come alive.