P-47D ThunderboltDCS WORLD Startup Checklist · 154 steps
P-47D Thunderbolt
DCS WORLD - 0/154 STEPS
U.S. Air Force / Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain
FighterWWII
AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The Republic P-47D Thunderbolt was the heaviest and most powerful single-engine piston fighter of World War II, powered by the 2,535 hp Pratt and Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp 18-cylinder radial engine. First flying in 1941, it saw extensive combat from 1943 onwards in both Europe and the Pacific, excelling as a high-altitude escort fighter and devastating low-altitude ground attack platform thanks to its exceptional dive speed and ability to absorb punishment. Over 15,636 Thunderbolts were produced, making it the most numerous American fighter of the war.
RANGE VISUALIZER
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerRepublic Aviation Corporation
first Flight1941
roleFighter / Fighter-bomber
crew1 pilot
engines1x Pratt and Whitney R-2800-59 Double Wasp (2,535 hp)
max Speed697 km/h (376 kts)
range3,060 km (1,650 nmi) with drop tanks
ceiling42,000 ft
weight7,938 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning7 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefNOTE: Review mission objectives, target area, ROE, and attack profile. P-47D excels at low-altitude ground attack and escort. | REVIEWED | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingNOTE: Check cloud base, visibility, and icing. The R-2800 is vulnerable to carburettor icing in certain conditions. | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / Airspace | REVIEWED | |
| 04 | Fuel PlanningNOTE: Internal capacity ~305 US gal across main and aux tanks. External drop tanks extend range significantly. | SET | |
| 05 | Stores / LoadoutNOTE: Eight .50 cal M2 Browning machine guns. Up to 2,500 lb of bombs or rockets on wing and centerline hardpoints. | VERIFIED | |
| 06 | Radio FrequenciesNOTE: SCR-522 radio. Set channel before engine start. | SET | |
| 07 | Divert Bases | IDENTIFIED |
PHS 2 — Cockpit Preparation4 steps
| 01 | Seat Harness | FASTENED TIGHT | |
| 02 | Oxygen SystemNOTE: Oxygen essential above 10,000 ft. R-2800 operations at altitude require supplemental oxygen. | ON - CHECK FLOW AND QUANTITY | |
| 03 | Canopy | CLOSED AND LOCKED | |
| 04 | Parking Brake | SET |
PHS 3 — Electrical Power4 steps
| 01 | Battery (Master Switch) | ON | |
| 02 | Generator Switch | ON | |
| 03 | Circuit Breakers | ALL IN | |
| 04 | Instruments | CHECK - FUEL, OIL PRESSURE, VOLTMETER |
PHS 4 — Pre-Start12 steps
| 01 | Fuel Selector | MAIN TANK | |
| 02 | Fuel Boost PumpNOTE: Dual-position pump. Set to START AND ALTITUDE for engine start. | START AND ALTITUDE POSITION | |
| 03 | ThrottleCAUTION: Do not open throttle too far - risk of over-rich mixture and engine flooding. | CRACKED OPEN 1/4 TO 1/2 INCH | |
| 04 | Mixture Control | IDLE CUT-OFF | |
| 05 | Propeller Switch | AUTOMATIC CONSTANT SPEED | |
| 06 | Propeller Control | FULL FORWARD (2,700 RPM MAX) | |
| 07 | Supercharger LeverNOTE: Turbosupercharger should be fully off for engine start. | LOW BLOWER (FULL REAR / OFF) | |
| 08 | Intercooler ControlNOTE: Set intercooler to trail during ground operations. | TRAIL POSITION | |
| 09 | Cowl FlapsNOTE: Manually hand-pump hydraulic pressure if needed to open cowl flaps before start. | FULLY OPEN | |
| 10 | Hydraulic PressureNOTE: Use hand pump on left side of cockpit to build pressure for cowl flaps and landing flaps. | CHECK - HAND PUMP IF BELOW MINIMUM | |
| 11 | Air Filter ControlNOTE: Set to clean air position unless operating in dusty conditions. | UNFILTERED (CLEAN AIR) | |
| 12 | PrimerNOTE: Pump primer handle 4-6 times for cold start. Reduce for warm engine. Lock primer after use. | PRIME 4-6 STROKES (COLD ENGINE) |
PHS 5 — Engine Start10 steps
| 01 | Magneto Switch | BOTH | |
| 02 | Starter SwitchNOTE: Hold ENERGIZE position to wind up inertia starter. Count to 15-20 seconds then release to ENGAGE. | ENERGIZE - HOLD 15-20 SECONDS | |
| 03 | Starter SwitchNOTE: Move to ENGAGE to mesh starter gear. Engine should begin turning. | ENGAGE - RELEASE TO MESH | |
| 04 | Mixture ControlCAUTION: Advance mixture promptly when engine begins to catch. Do not advance before blades are turning. | ADVANCE TO RUN AS ENGINE FIRES | |
| 05 | Engine Start Confirmation | ENGINE RUNNING - VERIFY RPM STABILISING | |
| 06 | Oil PressureWARNING: If oil pressure does not rise within 30 seconds of start - shut down immediately to prevent R-2800 engine seizure. | RISING WITHIN 30 SECONDS | |
| 07 | Starter Switch | OFF AFTER ENGINE STARTS | |
| 08 | Throttle | ADJUST TO 1,000 RPM IDLE | |
| 09 | Oil Pressure | 60-90 PSI NORMAL RANGE | |
| 10 | Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT)NOTE: CHT must reach operating range before applying power. Maximum 400 deg F absolute limit. | RISING - MONITOR DURING WARM-UP |
PHS 6 — Engine Warm-Up6 steps
| 01 | Engine Idle | 1,000 RPM - ALLOW TO WARM UP | |
| 02 | Oil TemperatureNOTE: The R-2800 Double Wasp requires adequate oil temperature before any power increase. | RISING - WAIT FOR 40 C MINIMUM | |
| 03 | CHT | RISING - MINIMUM 100 DEG F BEFORE POWER INCREASE | |
| 04 | Mixture | RUN (FULL RICH FOR WARM-UP) | |
| 05 | Cowl FlapsCAUTION: CHT rises rapidly on the ground. Keep cowl flaps fully open and limit ground run time. | OPEN DURING WARM-UP - PREVENT OVERHEATING | |
| 06 | Magneto CheckNOTE: Run up to 2,000 RPM for mag check. Note drop on each mag. | LEFT AND RIGHT - RPM DROP LESS THAN 100 RPM EACH |
PHS 7 — Post-Start / Avionics10 steps
| 01 | Oil Pressure | 60-90 PSI CONFIRMED | |
| 02 | Oil Temperature | 40 C MINIMUM BEFORE TAXI | |
| 03 | Fuel Pressure | NORMAL - BOOST PUMP ON | |
| 04 | Gyro Instruments | UNCAGE AND ERECT | |
| 05 | Gunsight (K-14)NOTE: K-14 gyro gunsight. Set target wingspan and range for computed lead angle. | ON - SET WINGSPAN AND RANGE | |
| 06 | Radio (SCR-522) | ON - SET CHANNEL | |
| 07 | IFF | SET CODES | |
| 08 | Altimeter | SET QNH | |
| 09 | Compass | SYNCHRONISE TO MAGNETIC HEADING | |
| 10 | Turbo (Turbosupercharger) | CHECK - OFF FOR TAXI |
PHS 8 — Guns / Weapons Check3 steps
| 01 | Gun Switch | SAFE / OFF | |
| 02 | Bomb / Rocket Arming Levers | SAFE (CONFIRM NOT ARMED FOR TAXI) | |
| 03 | Drop Tank Selector | EXTERNAL (IF TANKS FITTED) |
PHS 9 — Before Taxi6 steps
| 01 | Oil Temperature | 40 C MINIMUM | |
| 02 | CHT | MINIMUM 100 DEG F - BELOW 260 DEG F | |
| 03 | Flight Controls | FULL TRAVEL - FREE AND CORRECT | |
| 04 | Flaps | UP | |
| 05 | Trim | SET RUDDER RIGHT SLIGHTLY FOR TORQUE, ELEVATOR NEUTRAL | |
| 06 | Cowl Flaps | OPEN |
PHS 10 — Taxi6 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | RELEASE | |
| 02 | Throttle | ADVANCE SMOOTHLY TO BREAK FREE | |
| 03 | S-TurnsNOTE: The P-47D has a large radial engine that completely blocks forward view. S-turn throughout taxi. | WEAVE CONTINUOUSLY - NO FORWARD VISIBILITY | |
| 04 | Brakes | CHECK - HEEL BRAKES FUNCTIONAL | |
| 05 | Taxi Speed | LESS THAN 10 KTS | |
| 06 | Turbo | MONITOR - OFF DURING TAXI |
PHS 11 — Before Takeoff14 steps
| 01 | Fuel Selector | MAIN TANK | |
| 02 | Fuel Boost Pump | ON (START AND ALTITUDE) | |
| 03 | Mixture | FULL RICH | |
| 04 | Propeller | FULL FORWARD (2,700 RPM MAX) | |
| 05 | Supercharger | LOW BLOWER FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 06 | Oil Temperature | 40 C MINIMUM FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 07 | CHT | 100-260 DEG F FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 08 | Run-Up Check | 2,300 RPM - CHECK BOTH MAGNETOS, DROP LESS THAN 100 RPM | |
| 09 | FlapsNOTE: Set flaps to 20 deg for loaded takeoff. UP for light / unloaded takeoff. | 20 DEG FOR NORMAL TAKEOFF (MARKS ON FLAP ROOT) | |
| 10 | Trim Tabs | SET - RUDDER 6 DEG RIGHT, ELEVATOR 1 DEG NOSE DOWN | |
| 11 | Cowl Flaps | FULLY OPEN | |
| 12 | Canopy | CLOSED AND LOCKED | |
| 13 | Harness | TIGHT AND LOCKED | |
| 14 | Controls Check | FULL AND FREE TRAVEL CONFIRMED |
PHS 12 — Takeoff7 steps
| 01 | ThrottleNOTE: Takeoff MAP is 52 in Hg normal power. Advance gradually to prevent torque snap. | ADVANCE SMOOTHLY TO 52 IN HG / 2,700 RPM | |
| 02 | Right RudderCAUTION: The P-47D has very strong torque. Significant right rudder is required throughout the takeoff roll. | APPLY FIRMLY TO COUNTER LEFT TORQUE AND P-FACTOR | |
| 03 | Directional Control | MAINTAIN RUNWAY CENTRELINE WITH RUDDER | |
| 04 | Rotation Speed | ~100-110 MPH (87-95 KTS) IAS | |
| 05 | RotateNOTE: Raise tail early to reduce torque effects then rotate to positive pitch attitude. | LIFT TAIL FIRST THEN ROTATE TO 10-12 DEG NOSE UP | |
| 06 | GearCAUTION: Confirm positive climb rate before gear retraction. | UP AFTER POSITIVE RATE OF CLIMB | |
| 07 | Climb Power | 46-52 IN HG / 2,700 RPM |
PHS 13 — After Takeoff / Climb9 steps
| 01 | Gear | UP AND LOCKED | |
| 02 | Flaps | UP ABOVE 150 MPH | |
| 03 | Climb Power | 46 IN HG / 2,700 RPM | |
| 04 | Climb Speed | 160-180 MPH IAS (140-155 KTS) | |
| 05 | Cowl Flaps | ADJUST TO MAINTAIN CHT BELOW 260 DEG F | |
| 06 | SuperchargerNOTE: Switch to high blower above critical altitude (~15,000 ft) for high-altitude performance. | LOW BLOWER BELOW 15,000 FT - HIGH BLOWER ABOVE | |
| 07 | Turbosupercharger | INCREASE AS REQUIRED FOR ALTITUDE BOOST PRESSURE | |
| 08 | Fuel Selector | EXTERNAL TANKS FIRST IF FITTED - USE TO EXHAUSTION THEN MAIN | |
| 09 | Mixture | LEAN AS ALTITUDE INCREASES FOR ECONOMY |
PHS 14 — Cruise / Transit8 steps
| 01 | Cruise PowerNOTE: Normal cruise at approximately 1,300-1,500 BHP. Manifold pressure set by throttle, turbo, and altitude. | 35-42 IN HG / 2,300-2,400 RPM | |
| 02 | Cruise Speed | 280-320 MPH IAS AT ALTITUDE | |
| 03 | Mixture | LEAN TO BEST ECONOMY | |
| 04 | Fuel State | MONITOR - SWITCH TANKS AS REQUIRED | |
| 05 | Oil Temperature | 65-80 C NORMAL RANGE | |
| 06 | CHT | 200-260 DEG F NORMAL RANGE | |
| 07 | Cowl Flaps | ADJUST TO MAINTAIN TEMPERATURE LIMITS | |
| 08 | Oil Pressure | 60-90 PSI CONFIRM |
PHS 15 — Combat10 steps
| 01 | Drop Tanks | JETTISON BEFORE ENTERING COMBAT | |
| 02 | Fuel Selector | MAIN TANK | |
| 03 | Supercharger | SET FOR ALTITUDE | |
| 04 | Military PowerNOTE: Standard military power. Available continuously up to 15 minutes. | 52 IN HG / 2,700 RPM (NORMAL COMBAT) | |
| 05 | War Emergency Power (WEP)WARNING: WEP strictly limited to 5 minutes. Exceeding time limit risks serious engine damage to the R-2800. | 64 IN HG / 2,700 RPM WITH WATER INJECTION | |
| 06 | Mixture | FULL RICH AT MILITARY POWER AND WEP | |
| 07 | Gun Switch | GUNS AND CAMERA ON | |
| 08 | Gunsight K-14 | ON - WINGSPAN AND RANGE SET | |
| 09 | CHTCAUTION: CHT rises rapidly in combat power. Monitor closely and reduce power if temperature approaches limits. | MONITOR - DO NOT EXCEED 260 DEG F (MAX 400 DEG F) | |
| 10 | Dive Limit SpeedWARNING: Compressibility effects occur in steep dives above 350 KIAS. Firm forward stick pressure will develop - do not overstress airframe. | DO NOT EXCEED 505 MPH BELOW 5,000 FT |
PHS 16 — Descent / Approach8 steps
| 01 | Altimeter | SET QNH | |
| 02 | Mixture | RICH BELOW 5,000 FT | |
| 03 | Guns | SAFE / OFF | |
| 04 | Bomb / Rocket Arming | SAFE | |
| 05 | Supercharger / Turbo | REDUCE TURBO AS DESCENDING | |
| 06 | Cowl FlapsCAUTION: During descent do not throttle back rapidly. Shock cooling of the R-2800 can cause cylinder cracking. | OPEN TO PREVENT SHOCK COOLING | |
| 07 | Fuel Selector | MAIN TANK | |
| 08 | Speed | REDUCE TO 160-180 MPH (140-155 KTS) ON APPROACH |
PHS 17 — Landing13 steps
| 01 | Fuel Boost Pump | ON | |
| 02 | Mixture | FULL RICH | |
| 03 | Propeller | FULL FORWARD (2,700 RPM) | |
| 04 | GearCAUTION: Gear limit speed approximately 200 MPH. Do not lower gear above this speed. | DOWN - CONFIRM THREE GREEN | |
| 05 | Gear Indicator | THREE GREEN LIGHTS CONFIRMED | |
| 06 | FlapsNOTE: Lower flaps to full (40 deg) for normal landing. Can use partial flap for power-on approaches. | DOWN BELOW 200 MPH | |
| 07 | Cowl Flaps | TRAIL / PARTLY CLOSED ON APPROACH | |
| 08 | Approach Speed | 120-130 MPH (105-113 KTS) IAS | |
| 09 | Threshold Speed | 110-115 MPH (95-100 KTS) | |
| 10 | TouchdownNOTE: Wheel landings preferred for better directional control. Touch down main gear first, fly tail on. | THREE-POINT OR WHEEL LANDING | |
| 11 | Throttle at Touchdown | IDLE | |
| 12 | Directional ControlCAUTION: P-47D prone to ground looping if asymmetric braking used. Use rudder for directional control first. | MAINTAIN WITH RUDDER - AVOID BRAKE STEERING | |
| 13 | Brakes | APPLY SMOOTHLY AFTER TAIL SETTLES |
PHS 18 — After Landing6 steps
| 01 | Flaps | UP | |
| 02 | Cowl Flaps | OPEN | |
| 03 | Turbo | OFF | |
| 04 | Supercharger | LOW BLOWER | |
| 05 | Guns / Armament | SAFE CONFIRMED | |
| 06 | Mixture | REDUCE TO LEAN FOR TAXI |
PHS 19 — Shutdown11 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | ThrottleNOTE: Allow engine to cool at idle before shutdown. Reduces thermal stress on cylinders. | IDLE - ALLOW 2 MINUTE COOLING PERIOD | |
| 03 | Turbo / Supercharger | OFF | |
| 04 | Cowl Flaps | OPEN FOR COOLING | |
| 05 | Fuel Boost Pump | OFF | |
| 06 | Mixture | IDLE CUT-OFF TO STOP ENGINE | |
| 07 | Magneto Switch | OFF AFTER ENGINE STOPS | |
| 08 | Battery / Generator | OFF | |
| 09 | Fuel Selector | OFF | |
| 10 | Gun Switch | OFF - CONFIRMED SAFE | |
| 11 | Canopy | OPEN |