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Republic XP-72 Super Thunderbolt
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NOTE: RC AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.


Specifications

        Primary Function:
        Crew:
        Engine:
        Power:
        Length:
        Wingspan:
        Weight Empty:
        Max. Weight:
        Machine Guns:
        Bombs:
        Cruise Speed:
        Max. Speed:
        Climb Rate:
        Ceiling:
        Range:
        First Flight:
experimental
one
P&W Wasp Major
3,450 hp.
36' 7"
40' 11"
10,965 lbs.
14,750 lbs.
6- .50 cal.
2,000 lbs.
294 mph
490 mph
5,800 fpm
42,000 feet
1,200 miles
2/2/44






Republic XP-72 Super Thunderbolt aircraft resembled their predecessors, but with a different nose treatment.

Two prototypes were built. A 3,450 horsepower Pratt and Whitney Wasp Major radial engine resided under the cowl.

The first prototype flew on February 2, 1944 using a standard four bladed propeller. The second flew in July of 1944 using a special contra rotating six bladed propeller to offset the torque effects of the engine.

The second prototype was lost early in its flight test program, but the first prototype aircraft so impressed the United States Air Force that they ordered 100 production aircraft.

Republic XP-72 orders were canceled at the end of World War II prior to any other aircraft being produced when it was realized that jet powered aircraft were superior in performance.


A rc Republic XP-72 built by Harold Weaver.

Pictured above and immediately below is the RC Republic XP-72 Super Thunderbolt scale model airplane scratch built by Harold Weaver. It has a 92" wingspan and is powered by a Quadra 100 engine. Harold tells us that the all up weight is 35.5 lbs.

Pictured next is the rc XP-72 Super Thunderbolt project by Roscoedude. You can find the build thread on RC Groups. Its wingspan is about 31" and possible power may come from micro counter rotating motors.

We don't know of any other rc XP-72 Super Thunderbolt scale model airplanes.

Pictured last below is a nice example of a Thunderbolt rc airplane from a Yellow Aircraft kit. It has a wing span of 80” with a length of 70”. Construction materials used are fiberglass for the fuselage and balsa sheeting over foam for the wings. It can be powered by 1.8 - 2.1 or larger engines. All up weight is from about 19 to 26 lbs.

If you know of a rc XP-72 Super Thunderbolt, please send us an email about it.


A rc Republic XP-72 on the ground.


Roscoedude's rc XP-72 Super Thunderbolt.


RC Airplane from Yellow Aircraft