The end of World War II and the introduction of jet fighters signaled the end of the P-47 “Thunderbolt’s” career in the USAF, despite being one of the most advanced piston-engine fighters. Numerous aircraft were subsequently transferred to the National Air Guard and widely sold to friendly nations. Chile was one such country, where these aircraft remained in service until July 1959.
Arrival and Initial Service
The first six P-47D aircraft of this type arrived in the Chilean Air Force in July 1946. An additional six fighters were delivered on November 13, 1947, further bolstering Chile’s air capabilities.
All P-47s were initially assigned to Grupo de Aviación N° 2, a unit that had previously operated aircraft such as the “Catalina,” “Kingfisher,” and “Mitchell.” This transition marked a significant step in modernizing their combat fleet.
On April 1, 1949, all fighters were transferred to an independent fighter unit, Grupo de Aviación N° 5, based in Quintero. Shortly thereafter, a specialized unit for the “Thunderbolts,” Grupo de Aviación N° 11, was established to optimize their operational deployment.
Expansion and Retirement
By 1952, only seven of the twelve initially received aircraft were airworthy. Faced with this situation, the Americans offered to supply additional P-47 fighters through the Mutual Defense Assistance Program.
Deliveries of this supplementary batch began in July 1953. By June 1957, thirteen of the twenty-one supplied aircraft were still flying. Finally, on April 21, 1959, the “Thunderbolts” were officially retired from local Air Force service, marking the end of an era. Only one aircraft was preserved and donated to the Aviation Museum in Santiago de Chile, where it remains to this day.