Republic P-47D Thunderbolt
Força Aérea Portuguesa (FAP)

F-47D-30-RE of Esquadrão 10, Força Aérea Portuguesa (FAP) at Base Aérea 3, Tancos c.1955

This is a fairly straightforward, out-of-the-box build using the Academy P-47D as the basis for the variant used by the Força Aérea Portuguesa (FAP). Based on the limited written and visual information, I believe the Thunderbolt variant used is the P-47D-30-RE, which I think was labeled F-47, either as an export product or possibly locally by the FAP.

Much of the painting and marking information will follow the NMF (Natural Metal Finish) of the kit instructions, but with the Santa Cruz decals replacing the USAF national markings. One thing that's still uncertain is the color of the anti-dazzle/reflection/glare strip painted on the upper fuselage, forward of the canopy. In some sources, it's black, while in others, it's olive drab.

One significant caveat is the dorsal spine extension running from the base of the vertical stabilizer to midway up the tail. The Academy kit does not include this part because it's based on a more generic P-47D. The FAP variant, which I believe is the P-47D-30-RE, had this added feature. I’m considering scratch-building it but don’t know yet how to approach it or if my skills are there yet.