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Republic claimed that the XP-47J (one of) attained a recorded top speed of 507mph. (According to Republic, and referenced by Warren Bodie). The P&W R-2800-57w/GE CH-3 turbo deivered 2800hp at 36000 feet.
Note that it was not flown and tested by cold hearted AAF flight test engineers. Note also that at NAA when the XP-51G attained 495mph that it was a speed run by NAA top test pilot Bob Chilton. Neither of the two aircraft types were carrying a full combat load - reducing induced drag contribution by 3-5mph - nor carrying installed combat pylons which would further reduce top speed with significant added parasite drag. In production and in combat configuration and load out, it (P-47J) would be estimated 30+ mph slower at top speed.
The top production Republic a/c was the P-47M, of which few were built and only saw combat in ETO with 56th FG. The P-47M was faster at WEP/32,000 ft = 475mph (marginally) than P-47N at 467 mph. I haven't read the flight tests that specify the Gross Take Off weights for either. - but suspect Fighter config with reduced fuel and ammo load. Note that GW for P-47M is 2500 pounds less than P-47N in the attached AAF Flight test summary between P-47D, M and N.
The long standing Rare Bear closed circuit top speed of average of 5 flights - was broken by Voodoo which averaged 531mph One of Voodoo's runs attained 550+ mph, and ony the last run with a slightly sick engine dropped the average from the 540's. Voodoo (Steve Hinton, Jr.) was a highly modified P-51D
WoottttFYI only, Yanks Air Museum P-63A is due for its first post-restoration test flight.
I doubt Zero pilots were too thrilled of P-51's roaring past at 440+ either.Imagine if the Seafang had made it to the Pacific, facing 340 mph Zeros? Those IJN will be sitting still when a 460 mph Seafang zooms past.
True, but I was more thinking of carrier aircraft encounters. I thus nominate the 460 mph Grumman F7F Tigercat.I doubt Zero pilots were too thrilled of P-51's roaring past at 440+ either.
Good point, I was just on the "Mustangs of Iwo" site so that was fresh in the old brainbox.True, but I was more thinking of carrier aircraft encounters. I thus nominate the 460 mph Grumman F7F Tigercat.
Eh, the F8F is a myth, they took some Hellcats and added some plywood to make them look different and then fudged the performance numbers...There is also the F8F...
I Knew It!Eh, the F8F is a myth, they took some Hellcats and added some plywood to make them look different and then fudged the performance numbers...
They also removed the nose armor.Eh, the F8F is a myth, they took some Hellcats and added some plywood to make them look different and then fudged the performance numbers...
Eh, the F8F is a myth, they took some Hellcats and added some plywood to make them look different and then fudged the performance numbers...
Was that the magic number where the pixie dust didn't work any more?Piston engined fighters reached their development peak when they reached @450mph