While the XP-47J never entered series production, the C-series engine did see operational use, starting with the P-47M. Development of this "hot rod" Thunderbolt was pushed as an interim measure to counter the German jet aircraft and cruise missiles such as the V-1 that were starting to appear. In the early fall of 1944, a quartet of D-models were rebuilt with -57(cs) and CH-5 turbosuperchargers; the D-model wing was retained but modified with air brakes and the deletion of a pair of guns.
Although not as fast as the XP-47J, the M-model could still top 470mph, and 130 examples were turned out to equip the 56th Fighter Group. M-models began arriving in the UK in early January 1945, but serious and prolonged problems with the new engines were soon being encountered. There were several groundings, and at one point there were preparations underway to convert to the P-51, but a concerted effort allowed the P-47M to enter combat by March, and by V-E Day pilots flying the type had accounted for fifteen air to air kills, seven of these being jets.
Bibliography
Steve Evans "Jugg-M-Naut" Model Airplane International May 2006 Building the 1/48 scale P-47M from Tamiya. Includes a page of color profiles.
