Successful P-47 first engine run

AirCorps Aviation of Bemidji (MN), USA announced an important step in the restoration of one of their projects, Republic P-47D-23RA 42-27609 (c/n 1771 ).

The engine of the fighter, a Pratt & Whitney Double Wasp R-2800 was successfully test run for the first time on 27 October 2022. The R-2800 is an impressive eighteen-cylinder, double-row radial.

The Thunderbolt is owned by and restored for the Dakota Territory Air Museum in North Hill, Minot (ND).

After its production the P-47 was shipped to Australia an assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF). It was possibly assigned to the 348th Fighter Group (348th FG) or 58th Fighter Group (58th FG) and operated from Dobodura.

This aircraft was officially condemned on 18 September 1944, stripped for usable parts and abandoned at Dobodura. During the late 1970s, the fuselage center section of this P-47 plus wings and tail section were stored in the garden next to a house near Popondetta.

At a certain date, the P-47 was removed by Robert Greinert / HARS and shipped to Sydney and placed into storage at HARS near Sydney Airport (Mascot). This aircraft was deskinned and parts swapped with P-47D 42-27608 to confuse the providence and export of each aircraft.

The plane was later offered for sale by Robert Greinert. In 2013 the P-47 project was acquired by the Texas Flying Legends Museum that planned to restore it to flying status. Late 2014 42-27609 was transported to Aircorps Aviation in Bemidji (MN).

During January 2015, restoration was began on the aircraft including tear down, part inventory and part replacement.

A link to the actual startup movie on Youtube can be found HERE !

Sources: AirCorps Aviation and Pacific Wrecks