P-51D versus P-47M

[Jank]

The P-47 D and M models had an internal fuel capacity of 370 gallons. The N had an internal fuel capacity of 570 gallons. At about 6.5lbs per gallon, that would be 1,300 pounds. The P-47 N had a combat weight of 16,300lbs so the weight would drop to 15,000 lbs.

P-47 D - 14,500lbs

P-47 M - 13,275lbs

P-47 N - 15,000lbs

It would still weigh 500lbs more than a D but would have the benefit of larger wing area and the horsepower of the M.

Frankly, I don't think that at 5,000 ft, she would be able to climb much more than about 3,350fpm or so.

At combat load (16,300lbs), she climbed 2,950fpm at 5,000ft. Still, I might add, impressive for a single engined airplane weighing more than 8 tons. In fact, even at combat weight, she could climb at 1,600fpm vs. the P-51D at 1,030fpm at an altitude of 28,000ft.