Mission Ready Airmen Case Studies: Data Wins Battles

Photo By Joe Gangemi | The last 130 P-47D-30-RE aircraft delivered by Republic were fitted with a special high-performance engine the P&W R2800-57 and the aircraft was redesignated P-47M-1-RE. Performance included a top speed of 453 mph at 25,000 feet, and 500+ mph above 30,000 feet, making it the fastest operational piston-driven fighter of World War II. But its performance had been dogged by mysterious engine trouble until the final months of the war. Searching for actionable data, maintainers fixed the issues, (L to R) Crew Chiefs Sgt Thurman E. Schreel, Sgt James A. Wiley and Sgt Joseph G. Russin stand in front of a 56 FS P-47M(Courtesy photo).  

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, TX, UNITED STATES

01.16.2024

Story by Joe Gangemi 

Air Education and Training Command

Air Education and Training Command is reviewing moments of aviation history to reflect the importance of Agile Combat Employment, in addition to the warrior mindset and mission readiness its Airmen must sustain while preparing for the future fight.

Sergeant James “Noah” Wiley, a crew chief assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron within the 56th Fighter Group, successfully resolved a challenging issue with the group's P-47M Thunderbolts. These aircraft, plagued by persistent engine problems, were on the verge of being phased into the P-51 by Eighth Air Force. However, Wiley observed an inconsistency during the pre-start propeller checks and took decisive action. He had the engine of his assigned aircraft removed, disassembled, and revealed extensive corrosion. Further investigation uncovered similar fouling across much of the fleet.

The 56th maintenance team determined that the M-models, renowned as the fastest piston-engine fighter of World War II at altitude, had suffered from inadequate storage during their journey across the Atlantic.

The timely intervention across more than 100 P-47Ms preserved their operational readiness, keeping them in the fight and maintaining the strength of the
“Wolfpack” in Thunderbolts.

“Responsiveness is that part of airmanship that involves anticipation of enemy actions,” said Retired General Tod D. Wolters “A crucial aspect of Airmanship involves the proactive anticipation of enemy actions. This can manifest through participation in exercises, completion of coursework for Professional Military Education (PME) or an Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC), and a thorough understanding of Air Force Instructions (AFIs) and war plans relevant to one's responsibilities, contemplating their connection to mission success.”

• Date Taken: 01.16.2024
• Date Posted: 01.16.2024 15:17
• Story ID: 461903
• Location: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, TX, US