P47 fighter aircraft on the invasion front in 1944. ; The P-47 Thunderbolt was an impressive fighter aircraft used by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II. In Europe, the P-47 became famous for its effectiveness in escorting Allied bombers deep into enemy territory, for example in the strategic bombing raids on Germany. It also played a key role in providing air support during the D-Day landings and subsequent operations in France.