492nd Fighter Squadron - Past & Present

By Joseph Evans

 The 492nd Fighter Squadron has an interesting History, back then it was part of the 48th Fighter Bomber Group. Most famously the Group took part in European Operations during the Invasion of Normandy on the 6th of June 1944.

Although G-THUN didn’t take part in D Day, it’s painted to represent the ones that did who were part of the 492nd Fighter Squadron of the 48th Fighter Group based at Ibsley in Hampshire during 1944.

Republic P-47D Thunderbolt taxis past the crowd at the Abingdon Air and Country show 2023.

Republic P-47D Thunderbolt being put through its paces at Abingdon Air and Country show 2023, in the hands of experienced display and RAF F-35 pilot Nick Smith.

During the Invasion of Normandy the 48th FBG carried out 2,000 sorties, released around 500 Tons of Bombs and 160,000 rounds of Ammunition were fired.

This P-47D (G-THUN) named Nellie B is owned and operated by Fighter Aviation at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire.

492nd FS F-15E Strike Eagle conducts a low approach before landing at RIAT 2022. In the Markings of the 70th Anniversary of the 48th FW, the USAF 75th and USAFE 80th.

The 492nd Fighter Squadron are most commonly known as the Madhatters, they are now based at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk since their relocation in 1960. During that time the Squadron have operated a wide variety of Aircraft such as the F-100D, F-4 Phantom and the F-111F Aardvark under the designation of a Tactical Fighter Squadron.
492nd FS F-15E Strike Eagle shortly before touchdown at RAF Fairford on the Thursday arrivals day of RIAT 2022.

It was replaced with one of the best and most deadliest Mud Movers of them all, the mighty F-15E Strike Eagle. At this present time the Strike Eagle is still active with numerous upgrades over the last decade to keep it airborne for the next 15 to 20 years. Whatever conflict kicks off next, I can assure you the 492nd are ready and waiting !