P-47D Bubble Top In PTO?

[dvslats]

I have always been curious as to why there were only P-47D Razorbacks in the Pacific, and then the series jumped right into the "N" variant. Take a look at this picture and tell me I'm not crazy. It sure looks like a "D" model to me. The markings look similar to cobrauk's Bonnie that he did for a P-47D-22-RE, Razor. Too bad there was not any information to go along with the pic. It came from a B-24 pilot's personal picture scrapbook. I took the picture and ran it through a paint program to remove as much jpeg distortion without trashing the detail.
PS, cobrauk's readme for the Bonnie skin states: 460th FS, 348th FG, Leyte

 

[langereis]

Hi Dvslats,

Yes the latest models (with increased range had been used in the pacific.
The final version, the P-47N, was built primarily for use against the Japanese in the Pacific theater. Shown is a XP-47N fitted with a bubble canopy. (Photo).
See the link on Jaxonsite:
http://www.michael-reimer.com/CFS2/CFS2_Profiles/PTO_Allies_5_USAAF.html

and
http://video.aol.com/channel/military-channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shsxuauQA3w

 

[dvslats]

Hi langereis, So according to Jaxon's site there were P-47D's bubble tops in the Pacific. I never knew this. I thought only the N's. Thanks for the information you provided. Jaxons web-site.....a great referance! Should have checked there first. Newly updated stuff is always showing up.