From worldwar2aviation.com:
The production P-47M fighters did not reach operational status until after many of the V-1 launch sites were over-run by Allied ground forces. Deployed to 3 squadrons of the 56th Fighter Group, the new fighter likely did not chase very many flying bombs. Inasmuch as most aviation historians claim that the P-47M was designed specifically to intercept the V-1, it will come as a surprise to them to learn that the prototype existed more than a year before the first V-1 was launched at Britain. Moreover, the P-47D, deployed in large numbers, was certainly fast enough to overtake the V-1. It was only coincidence that the XP-47M and the R-2800 C series engines were available when the V-1's began falling on London.
The new M models also suffered a fair amount of teething troubles. The C series engines suffered from high altitude ignition leaks and burned pistons. The 56th kept many of their older D models until the new M had its bugs corrected. Nonetheless, once sorted out, the P-47M was the fastest propeller driven fighter to see combat service in any Air Force in the ETO. Capable of speeds up to 475 mph, the M was a true "hotrod"."
I believe that covers most of what ammo, MiloMorai and widewing said.
Since AH does not cover real life maintenance or reliability issues, I want to ask MiloMorai, what is your point about the initial problems the P-47M experienced? To point out flaws? To imply subtlely that the was a flawed bird and does not need to be modelled in AH?
If so, look at other planes and their reliability issues:
109G6.....mysterious engine fires, one of which killed Marseilles
N1K2J......engines were notoriously unreliable, prone to failure
Me262.....engine flameouts made this aircraft more suitable to experten than new pilots
Me163.....numerous problems with launching, extremely hazardous fuels prone to exploding...etc.
Just wondering.............
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