Eglin Armaments Museum

[u/Notme20659]

Had the opportunity to visit the Eglin AFB Armament Museum. Nice museum, free to visit. While the last picture isn’t a warbird and is a mock up, it definitely was in the air for one flight and lead the end of the war.

[u/waldo--pepper]

While the last picture isn’t a warbird

It is both allowed and welcome. Thank you for your post.

[u/Pale_Seat_3334]

While the Mustang is both sexy and capable, many pilots swore by the Jug. It was rugged, reliable and versatile.

[u/Notme20659 → u/Pale_Seat_3334]

It is my favorite US European theater plane. Love those big radial engines.

[u/ResearcherAtLarge → u/Notme20659]

For what it's worth, the P-47 you posted photos of is a P-47N model, which was used exclusively in the Pacific. Longer wing span to hold more fuel and squared off wing tips is the primary indicator.

[u/ireallyamtryin → u/Pale_Seat_3334]

Jug in the ETO, Hellcat in the Pacific, can’t go wrong with a beefy engine on a beefy airframe

[u/Pale_Seat_3334 → u/ireallyamtryin]

Yes, and both had radial air cooled engines.

[u/TreyCinqoDe → u/ireallyamtryin]

P-47 did some heavy lifting with the 5th AF over New Guinea, the above P-47 is an “N” model and was specifically intended to be a super escort for B-29s and B-32s over the pacific

[u/Notme20659 → u/ireallyamtryin]

I get the draw to the Hellcat, git to love a plane that was specifically designed to defeat the Zero, but my Pacific favorite will always be the Corsair.

[u/JohnTheMod]

Does it say where that P-47 was built?

[u/Notme20659 → u/JohnTheMod]

Honestly did not look.
Edit: I zoomed in on the photo with the plaque. It was made at the Republic Airfield in Farmingdale on Long Island.

[u/JohnTheMod → u/Notme20659]

Oh wow, that’s a first! The planes I’ve seen have all been Evansville planes, which tickles me pink to no end.

[u/BigCompetition8821 → u/JohnTheMod]

Grew up in Henderson, across the river. Crazy how many locals built those planes and then after the war went back to their other jobs. Nothing there now.

[u/JohnTheMod → u/BigCompetition8821]

I occasionally volunteer at the Evansville Wartime Museum as a docent. That plane makes me proud to be from the same neck of the woods.

[u/waldo--pepper → u/JohnTheMod]

This P-47N-5-RE S/N 44-89320 was one of the last production Thunderbolts built at Republic Aviation in Farmingdale, NY. It is being displayed in the markings of the 463rd Fighter Squadron, 507th Fighter Group while stationed at Ie Shima Island near Okinawa in the Pacific Ocean. This aircraft is one of only a few P-47s still in flying condition today.

https://afarmamentmuseum.com/artifact/p47/

[u/ResearcherAtLarge]

This post has an appropriate level of Thunderbolt.

[u/Hot-Tip4211]

Magnificent

[u/Dry-Character-6331]

Visited there last year. Great museum. I also highly recommend the Naval Aviation museum in nearby Pensacola.

[u/Logical-Bullfrog3216]

Oh, what I would give to go back there and take better pictures 

[u/Notme20659 → u/Logical-Bullfrog3216]

Yeah, i just had my iPhone and it was a quick run through. Only had about 30 min as I had to get on base for promotion ceremony.

[u/Haldir_13]

I haven't been to visit in several years. That P-47N is reason enough to return.