As Ming says, the gases for the engine travelled under the cockpit three times! before being expelled from the aircraft. In addition, some of the air collected in the lower part of the cowling passed through the oil coolers then was released through the...

As Ming says, the gases for the engine travelled under the cockpit three times! before being expelled from the aircraft. In addition, some of the air collected in the lower part of the cowling passed through the oil coolers then was released through the vent in front of the turbocharger waste gate. All those items are visible downstream of the fixed part of the cowling.

The bulk was caused by the large exhaust pipes to the turbos in the tail and the large air ducts going back forward to the compressor behind the engine. One bullet could cause immediate total failure in a Mustang or a Me-109, but the jug could have a...

The bulk was caused by the large exhaust pipes to the turbos in the tail and the large air ducts going back forward to the compressor behind the engine. One bullet could cause immediate total failure in a Mustang or a Me-109, but the jug could have a thousand holes in these air and exhaust passages and not be bothered at all!

they sure could take a pounding , and keep on flying and fighting

This photo shows the massive bulk of the P-47,as opposed to the pilot/aircrew.Great plane!