Thunderbolts Now in Action in New Guinea
Received Sunday, 8.50 p.m. SYDNEY, Sept. 19.
Thunderbolts, America’s largest and most formidable single-engined lighters, are in action in New Guinea. They were in their first battle several weeks ago when a number of Zeros were caught between layers of Lightnings and Thunderbolts as close cover for transports. Twelve Zeros were des troyed.
The Thunderbolt is powered by the 2000-horsepower Pratt-Whitney radial engine which gives it a speed stated to De at least equal to that of the Lightning. Equipped with the Turbo supercharger the Thunderbolt is capable of a remarkable performance at altitudes oi over 30,000 feet. It weighs 13,0001b5. compared with the Spitfire’s 53001b5. and is well armed and heavily armourplated. Thunderbolts can dive at terrific speed but require plenty of room to move in. The pilots of the new fighters have been specially trained in the United States.
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Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 223, 20 September 1943, Page 5
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148Thunderbolts Now in Action in New Guinea Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 223, 20 September 1943, Page 5
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