P-47N Thunderbolt's History

More than fifteen thousand P-47 Thunderbolts were built by Republic to serve in World War II, but only about thirteen remain airworthy in the U.S. today.  The CAF's P-47N Thunderbolt was built in 1945 and did not see combat during WWII.  After the war, the aircraft was assigned to the Puerto Rico Air National Guard before transfer to the Nicaraguan Air Force, eventually seeing combat in Central America.  The P-47N is one of the CAF’s original aircraft acquired by CAF founder Lloyd P. Nolen in 1963. 

The restoration project for this P-47N Thunderbolt is extensive, but Airbase Georgia volunteers are dedicated to making sure she flies again.  The aircraft will require thousands of hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars in work and materials.  Airbase Georgia members kicked-off the project when it acquired the P-47N in August 2022.

P-47N Thunderbolt's New Mission

The P-47 is one of the iconic airplanes of the Second World War.  As members of the world’s largest World War II flying museum, Airbase Georgia volunteers are committed to restoring a flying example to the CAF fleet. Connecting a compelling story with the aircraft that Educates, Inspires and Honors is critical to achieving the CAF mission in Georgia where the type was flown by the Air National Guard after World War II.

Airbase Georgia may retain the livery of “Lil’ Meaties Meat Chopper”, a P-47N assigned to the 464th FS/507th FG based on Ie Shima in 1945.  The aircraft was flown by Lt. Oscar Francis Perdomo, the last “Ace in a Day” for the United States in the War.  By flying the aircraft as a tribute to Perdomo, the CAF will honor the contributions of Hispanic Americans and all veterans who defended our freedom during World War II.

Recap of 2022 12 Planes of Christmas
A Fast Start

After acquiring the Thunderbolt, Airbase Georgia members quickly and meticulously organized and cataloged parts in a dedicated storage container.  Since then, volunteers have repaired damage to the wings and prepared fittings and parts in the group’s well equipped machine shop.  Donations received from the 2022 12 Planes of Christmas campaign were used to restore the engine mount and buy brakes.  Planned fuselage work includes wires, piping, turbo, and instruments fuel system.  Airbase Georgia is working with AirCorps Aviation, a premier warbird restoration company, to manufacture a new cowling, dishpan, and cowl flaps.

2023 12 Planes of Christmas
50,000 Matching Grant!

Our goal this year is to raise $50,000 to help us to restore the flaps and alerions.  To achieve our goal, Airbase Georgia has once again partnered with AirCorps Aviation.  With work continuing on the wings outsourcing these major parts will help speed up getting the Thunderbolt back where she belongs, IN THE AIR!  There is an exciting twist this year, the Ray Foundation, Inc. has offered to match up to $50,000 in donations made to the P-47N.  The Ray Foundation, Inc. was co-founded by James C. Ray, a distinguished World War II pilot who believed that American youth can benefit from the lessons learned in aviation.  Any money you give will be matched, doubling your gift.  If we are successful in raising $50,000 we have a stretch goal in mind that will help get the aircraft on its gear next year.   

Meet the P-47N Thunderbolt on CAF Warbird Tube

Click Here: CAF Warbird Tube (May 2023): Airbase Georgia P-47 Restoration Update