PEACHTREE CITY, GA. (December 7, 2025) – As the nation reflects on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Airbase Georgia, the largest flying museum in Georgia and one of the largest in the Southeast, is advancing one of its most ambitious restoration projects: returning a rare World War II–era P-47N Thunderbolt to flight.
Built in 1945, the Thunderbolt served with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard and the Nicaraguan Air Force before its final flight in 2006. Airbase Georgia began a full restoration in 2022. With only about 13 airworthy Thunderbolts remaining nationwide, the effort represents a significant contribution to preserving America’s aviation heritage.
“Restoring this P-47 is about honoring the men and women who built, maintained, and flew these aircraft—and ensuring future generations can learn from and be inspired by them,” said Airbase Leader Joel Perkins. “Every donation brings us one step closer to seeing this Thunderbolt roar back to life as a flying tribute to American innovation, service and sacrifice.”
Airbase Georgia is recognized across the Commemorative Air Force for taking on historically significant restorations. Over the past three decades, volunteers have returned the SBD-5 Dauntless, P-63 Kingcobra, LT-6 Mosquito, and PT-19 Cornell to flight, and are nearing completion on an N2S Stearman biplane. The P-47N, however, stands out as the most complex, comprehensive restorations the all-volunteer unit has ever attempted.
Over the past three years, substantial progress has been made. Volunteers have documented thousands of components, repaired major structural elements, and fabricated intricate parts, all while working closely with AirCorps Aviation, a leading specialist in WWII aircraft restoration. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, nearly $350,000 has already been invested in the Thunderbolt’s return to flight, bringing the project to a pivotal stage in its restoration.
In 2026, the team will focus on rebuilding the rudder assembly, restoring the hydraulic tank and connections, fabricating precision-machined fittings, and completing the bellcrank mechanisms essential to safe flight.
To help advance this next phase, Airbase Georgia is participating in the Commemorative Air Force’s national “12 Planes of Christmas” campaign, an annual online initiative showcasing key CAF restoration projects. The goal of this year’s campaign is to raise $25,000 to fund the critical systems work required to move the aircraft closer to flight status.
“Returning the P-47 to flight is not only an engineering achievement; it is an investment in education and inspiration,” continued Perkins. “Once airborne, the Thunderbolt will serve as a living classroom—connecting students, families, and aviation enthusiasts to the people and stories that shaped World War II, and ensuring that the sights, sounds, and lessons of America’s aviation heritage remain alive for generations to come.”
Donate today and help bring the P-47N Thunderbolt back to life: https://fundrazr.com/22eLrc