75 years ago on May 6, 1941, test pilot Lowry P. Brabham took the Republic XP-47B, the first of the Thunderbolts, on its maiden flight. Best all-round AAF fighter of WWII in my opinion.

"If it can be said that the P-38 struck the Luftwaffe in its vitals and the P-51s are giving it the coup de grace, it was the Thunderbolt that broke its back." - Brig. General William Kepner, Commander - 8th Fighter Command.

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