The Ilyushin IL-2 Sturmovik was the most produced military aircraft in aviation history, with over 36,000 units built. It was the Soviet Union's primary ground-attack aircraft during World War II, devastating German armored formations on the Eastern Front.
Design
The IL-2 was designed by Sergei Ilyushin with survivability as a primary consideration. The forward fuselage was essentially an armored shell of steel plate, protecting the engine, fuel tanks, and crew. This armored "bathtub" could resist most small-arms fire and light anti-aircraft weapons. Stalin famously declared the IL-2 was "needed by the Red Army like bread, like air."
Variants
Early single-seat versions proved vulnerable to fighter attack from the rear. The definitive two-seat version added a rear gunner, greatly improving survivability. The IL-2 Type 3 (1943) featured improved aerodynamics, more powerful armament including 37mm cannons, and could carry PTAB anti-tank cluster bombs.
Combat Record
The IL-2 was extremely effective against German armor, troop concentrations, and supply lines. At the Battle of Kursk in 1943, masses of IL-2s devastated German Panzer formations. German soldiers called it the "Black Death" (Schwarzer Tod), while Soviet troops affectionately called it the "Flying Tank" (Letayushchiy Tank).
Specifications (IL-2 Type 3)
- Crew: 2 (pilot and rear gunner)
- Engine: 1 x Mikulin AM-38F, 1,720 hp
- Maximum speed: 414 km/h (257 mph)
- Range: 720 km (450 miles)
- Armament: 2 x 23mm VYa-23 cannons, 2 x 7.62mm ShKAS MGs, 1 x 12.7mm rear MG; up to 600 kg of bombs and rockets