Found this on the net:
"The XP-47N took to the air for the first time on July 22, 1944. Test comparisons were made with a P-47D-30-RE throughout the early portion
of the evaluation period. Much to everyone’s surprise, the XP-47N, with its greater wingspan and higher weight actually proved to have
better roll performance than the D model. At 250 mph TAS, the N attained a maximum roll rate just over 100 degrees/second. The
P-47D-30-RE could manage but 85 degrees/second at the same speed. At higher speeds, the N widened the gap further. In mock combat
with a P-47D-25-RE, the new fighter proved to be notably superior in every category of performance. In short, the XP-47 waxed the
venerable D model regardless of who was piloting the older fighter. The new wing was part of this newfound dogfighting ability, however,
the more powerful C series engine played a role too. The additional horsepower allowed the N to retain its energy better than the older
Thunderbolt. Perhaps the greatest performance increase was in maximum speed. Though not as fast as the stunning P-47M, the heavier N
was fully 40 mph faster than the P-47D-25-RE and could generate speeds 30 mph greater than its principal rival, the Mustang. Scorching
along at 467 mph @ 32,000 ft., the N could not be caught by any fighter in regular service with any air force on earth with the single
exception of its M model sibling. This combination of wing and engine had pushed the N model up to the top rank of the superlative prop
driven fighters then in existence."
www.home.att.net/~Historyzone/Seversky-Republic9.html Also found more P47M info:
P-47M performance was as follows:
Max speed: 470-480 mph @ 28,500 ft. Climb, at max. gross weight (including three 75 gallon drop tanks): 4.9 minutes to 15,000 feet
at 2,600 rpm (1700 hp). Reportedly, the "M" could reach 20,000 feet in 5.7 minutes at military power (2,100 hp @ 2,800 rpm). 20,000
feet in 4.75 minutes in WEP (2,800 hp @ 2,800 rpm). This is with full internal fuel and ammo. No external stores or drop tanks. In
other words, normal load, clean configuration.
http://www.geocities.com/pentagon/quarters/9485/P-47M.html I would rather have the P47M, but will be happy with either model. Just am dreading hearing the Luftwabble whines when they get into a tailchase and get left behind, or find that fat Jug climbing up their 6 in a climb
..........then we will probably see the Jug toned down again to pacify our LW loving brethren.
