By Todd and Kelley Whitaker, EAA 1571783 and 1571782
On a fogless Saturday morning in March 2024, we had the opportunity to see history and make a little history. One more significant than the other.
P-47D Thunderbolt Razorback — The Jug
Bonnie, a Republic P-47D Thunderbolt, flew over the San Francisco Bay area at sunrise with the picturesque Golden Gate Bridge in the background as a welcoming symbol to come out and play. This P-47D is the only Republic-built “D” model Razorback flying in the world, and we were the first to photograph it over the Golden Gate Bridge. So much for current history.
Republic Aviation manufactured more than 15,600 P-47s from 1941 to 1945. The Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp with turbosupercharger could generate 2,600 hp, propelling the P-47 to a top speed of 426 mph. Each airplane was equipped with eight .50 caliber machine guns, capable of carrying up to 2,500 pounds of bombs, and had the ability to use under-wing rockets, having a range of 801 miles. This beast could carry the load and deliver the punishment.
Larger, heavier, and less agile than the sleek P-51 Mustang or the gull-winged Corsair, the P-47 could withstand an amazing amount of damage and still fly. The airplane and its pilots are credited with destroying more than 7,000 enemy aircraft; more than half in air-to-air combat from the D-Day invasion through the end of WWII. The “Jug,” as it was known in the European theater, had a primary ground attack role. These airplanes were credited with destroying 86,000 rail cars, 9,000 locomotives, 6,000 armored fighting vehicles, and 68,000 trucks. While the P-47 earned fame from its success in Europe, in the Pacific theater it was not as well known. The pilots were uncertain about the heavy airplane and its true abilities.
This P-47D-23RA started out in Evansville, Indiana, and was found halfway around the world resting in the northern province of Papua New Guinea. It was acquired in 1998. It was crated and shipped to AirCorps Aviation in 2010 in Minnesota, beginning Bonnie’s restoration program. The paint scheme honors retired Brigadier General Bill Dunham of Tacoma, Washington, the second-leading ace in the Pacific theater. His airplane was named for the love of his life, his loving wife, Bonnie. The shiny silver beast was brought back to life to fly once again and made an unforgettable appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023.
Our history-making adventure has many people to thank. Owner Bruce Eames, aerial coordinator and pilot Scott Slocum, and the pilot flying Bonnie, the highly skilled Bernie Vasquez.
Goldfinger Without 007
The polished and glistening P-51D Mustang Goldfinger flies over California wine country en route to the golden coast for a sunset photo op. Goldfinger, owned by Gary Heck, president and chairman of Korbel California Champagne, had pilot Will Whitehead meet WhitPics Photography for a “Toast on the Coast.” Photo director and pilot Scott Slocum in his B-58 Baron coordinated the rendezvous point and photo mission.
The rugged yet picturesque coastline, the deep blue Pacific Ocean, and the glorious setting sun provided perfect backdrops to photograph the sleek reflective beauty of Goldfinger. Scott was able to direct and position Whitehead in the Mustang to achieve multiple reflections and blending of colors over the coast. These maneuvers allowed the sun to blend the gold and silver colors of the P-51D into the sparkling shades of a fine bottle of champagne lacking only the effervescent bubbles to photograph.
Banks and turns along the coast put us in the ideal position to be able to maximize the vistas under our wings while capturing the grace and beauty of Goldfinger. The direction and flying skills of the pilots were exceptional. Tight formations, rolling away, above, and below the Mustang as it moved effortlessly around the Baron providing wonderful photo opportunities. The sun slowly began to descend far in the distant western skies above the magnificent blue Pacific as we said goodbye. As with the last sip of a fine glass of champagne, our session with Goldfinger ended as we parted ways.