Bomber escort missions for P-47s

Bomber escort missions for P-47s

One of the earliest mission types flown by P-47 aircraft were those of escorting bombers to and from their targets

Every aircraft in the Army Air Corps had their missions, but none were more diverse than those held by pilots of P-47s. For example, the 362nd Fighter Group had four mission types over the course of their time in service: bomber escort, air interdiction, close air support, and fighter-sweeps. Bomber escort, as seen in this photo, was one of the first mission types performed by P-47 pilots and were quite successful for a while. However, the short range of the P-47 proved disastrous for their bomber compatriots as the German Luftwaffe learned of their weaknesses. As the fighters would turn to refuel in England, Luftwaffe aircraft would attack the vulnerable bombers, leading to disaster for the Army Air Corps. Eventually, P-51 Mustangs would take over the bomber escort missions as their range was more than double that of a P-47.

National Museum of the United States Air Force

United States Air Force

1943-1944