"Tarheel Hal"

A more adventageous pass and we can now see that the P-47 is none other than "Tarheel Hal". A P-47D-40-RA (serial no. 44-90368), "Tarheel Hal" is owned by the Lone Star Air Muesum.

The P-47 Thunderbolt was the largest fighter in World War 2 and is a personal favorite of mine. Due to it's incredibly robust radial engine and airframe, it excelled in the ground support role.

There are untold number of accounts of this aircraft absorbing an amazing amount of battle damage while defending the troops on the ground, all the while protecting the pilot and returning him safely to his base.

Canon 20D - 1/250th second, 300mm @ f/ 10, ISO 100