The P-47 wing, or What am I looking at?

[engarde]

well, look up the Reynolds number for an understanding of the graphs.

just by pure cross section, the lower curved undersection means poor inverted flight.

this wing seems to have been made similar to the highest lift airfoil, that being a flat bottom, although the leading edge has a sharpish lower curve, suggesting inverted flight is just not a good idea.

the generous curve on top of the leading edge makes me think it was an attempt to keep airflow where its supposed to be at higher angles of attack, a broad smooth curve, not as sharp as the underside.

its not very thick, so speed was a consideration. Note the long run aft, with no obvious laminar flow? A x-section of a mustang wing is very different.

not being an aerodynamics expert, im guessing a wing designed for low drag + speed, with no plans for inverted flight.