The P-47 Thunderbolt The P47 was initially was designed to house an Allison engine and only 2 0.50 caliber machine guns. When the AAC increased the performance requirements, Republic Chief Engineer Alexander Kartveli delivered with what would become the P47B Thunderbolt. This 2,000 horsepower, 8 0.50 caliber machine gun beast was nearly twice the weight of other aircraft but just as capable of bringing its pilot back safely making it incredibly valued in the war. #P47 #Thunderbolt #Jug #eaa #avg