Republic F-47D-30-RE Thunderbolt
Esquadrão 10, Tancos, Força Aérea Portuguesa (FAP)

F-47D-30-RE, Esquadrão 10, Força Aérea Portuguesa (FAP), Base Aérea 3, Tancos, c.1955

This project is a straightforward, out-of-the-box build of the Academy P-47D kit, adapted to represent the variant operated by the Força Aérea Portuguesa (FAP). Based on limited written and photographic sources, I believe the aircraft was the P-47D-30-RE. It was designated F-47, either as an export label or possibly a local designation adopted by the FAP.

The overall paint scheme and most markings follow the kit’s instructions for a Natural Metal Finish NMF, with Santa Cruz decals replacing the USAF national insignia. One detail still under review is the anti-dazzle (glare) panel on the upper fuselage ahead of the canopy. Sources disagree on its color, with some indicating black and others olive drab.

A notable feature missing from the Academy kit is the dorsal spine extension that runs from the base of the vertical stabilizer to roughly midway up the tail. This component was present on the FAP’s P-47D-30-RE but is absent because the kit represents a more generic P-47D configuration. I am considering scratch-building this extension, although I have yet to decide how to tackle it, or whether my current skills are up to the task.