* The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the main US Army Air Forces (USAAF) fighters of World War II. The P-47 was a big, rugged, overbuilt aircraft that was effective in air combat but proved particularly useful as a fighter-bomber. The Thunderbolt also served with a number of other air arms. This document provides a history and description of the P-47 Thunderbolt -- as well as Republic's "XF-12 Rainbow" long-range reconnaissance platform.