Unique P-47 Thunderbolt Model Exhibit

This unique and special donation is a scale model of the P-47M Thunderbolt flown by Lieutenant Philip Kuhn, during WWII. It is a 1/6 scale flyable radio controlled replica of Fire Ball, which had very stylish nose art painted on its cowling. It features a detailed cockpit, ammo/gunbay with machined brass .50 caliber rounds, working cowl flaps, operable wing flaps, retractable landing gear, a pneumatically powered canopy that opens and closes and a droppable external fuel tank.

The replica is made to look as his fighter did in the spring of 1945. The unusual paint scheme is accurate as was used by this squadron in the final months of the war.

This model was first flown in August 2007, and has participated in and won several awards in scale warbird competitions. It was a cooperative effort of David P. Gianakos of Littleton, Colorado and Bob Frey of Phoenix, Arizona. Bob was the pilot of the aircraft and skillfully flew it at many prestigious contests around the country. It's last flight was in October 2008 at the US Masters contest in Sarasota Florida.

It is donated by David P. Gianakos and is dedicated to the memory of Lt. Kuhn, the 56th Fighter Group and to all who served in the Eighth Air Force during WWII.

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