The second prototype was to feature a true bubble canopy and perhaps a contra-rotating propeller unit to squeeze even more speed out of the design. However, budget issues curtailed its development and it was cancelled in March of 1944.
A first-flight of the XP-47J prototype was had in November 26th, 1943. It did not go airborne again until March of 1944 at which point it revealed itself to be one of the fastest prop-driven aircraft of the period (and the war for that matter) at 500 miles per hour in level flight. During testing on August 4th, 1944, the aircraft - now fitted with the GE CH-5 turbosupercharger - recorded a maximum speed of 505 miles per hour while flying at over 34,500 feet, the fastest speeds ever for a propeller-driven aircraft. Such capabilities gave the XP-47J the nickname of "Superbolt".
Notably, in USAAF hands during testing, the XP-47J is said to never have been able to exceed speeds beyond 493mph.
XP-47J remained a viable fighter development until it was found that another Republic offering, the XP-72 "Ultrabolt" (detailed elsewhere on this site) was showing more promise and more company personnel were appropriately being assigned to this venture instead of the Superbolt. Additionally, Army authorities were put off by the fact that Republic lines would have to be considerably retooled to accommodate mass production for the proposed XP-47J - there was only some 30% commonality of parts between base, in-service P-47 fighters and the proposed XP-47J. As such, this fast fighter prototype born from the P-47 line died before the end of the war in 1945.
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Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Republic XP-47J (Superbolt). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national aircraft listing.
Total Production: 1 Units
Contractor(s): Republic Aviation Corporation - USA
[ Untied States (cancelled) ]