Difference between revisions of "IL-2 (1941)"

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(added stock and upgraded characteristics stats)
(Updated as of 1.89.1.87)
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{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = Russian attacker '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = Russian attacker '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = IL-2 (Family)
 
| link = IL-2 (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
 
 
[[File:GarageImage_IL-2_1941.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_IL-2_1941.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Russian attacker {{Battle-rating}}. This aircraft was introduced in [[Update 1.47 "Big Guns"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Russian attacker {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.47 "Big Guns"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
 
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
  
Line 27: Line 26:
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
Line 41: Line 40:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 2,500 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 2,500 m)
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
+
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
Line 57: Line 56:
 
|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps
! Take-off flap
+
! Take-off flaps
! Landing flap
+
! Landing flaps
 
! Air brakes
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
| X || X || X || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || X || || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 78: Line 77:
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
Line 84: Line 83:
 
! -
 
! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || ??? || ~?? || ~?
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 470 || ~15 || ~15
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 97: Line 96:
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
+
| < 320 || < 320 || < 370 || > 360
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 111: Line 110:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp
+
| 1,750 m || 1,500 hp || 1,593 hp
|-
 
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp  
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
 
|-
 
|-
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
Line 136: Line 119:
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
+
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|ShVAK (20 mm)|ShKAS (7.62 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
* 2 x 20 mm ShVAK cannons, wing-mounted (210 rpg = 420 total)
 +
* 2 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns, wing-mounted (750 rpg = 1,500 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|AO-25M-1 (25 kg)|FAB-50 (50 kg)|FAB-100 (100 kg)|FAB-250M43 (250 kg)}}
 +
{{main|RS-82|RBS-82|RS-132|RBS-132}}
  
=== Defensive armament ===
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.''
+
* Without load
 +
* 12 x 25 kg AO-25M-1 bombs (300 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs (200 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs (400 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M43 bombs (500 kg total)
 +
* 8 x RS-82 rockets
 +
* 8 x RBS-82 rockets
 +
* 8 x RS-132 rockets
 +
* 8 x RBS-132 rockets
 +
* 12 x 25 kg AO-25M-1 bombs + 8 x RS-82 rockets (300 kg total)
 +
* 12 x 25 kg AO-25M-1 bombs + 8 x RBS-82 rockets (300 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs + 8 x RS-82 rockets (200 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs + 8 x RBS-82 rockets (200 kg total)
 +
* 12 x 25 kg AO-25M-1 bombs + 4 x RS-132 rockets (300 kg total)
 +
* 12 x 25 kg AO-25M-1 bombs + 4 x RBS-132 rockets (300 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs + 4 x RS-132 rockets (200 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs + 4 x RBS-132 rockets (200 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs + 8 x RS-82 rockets (400 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs + 8 x RBS-82 rockets (400 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs + 4 x RS-132 rockets (400 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs + 4 x RBS-132 rockets (400 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs + 8 x RS-132 rockets (400 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs + 8 x RBS-132 rockets (400 kg total)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
  
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Oil
 
! Oil
 
! Water
 
! Water
! Type  
+
! Type
 
|-
 
|-
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>1 gear || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===Modules===
+
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
! colspan="1" | Tier
Line 174: Line 186:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
| Fuselage Repair
+
| Fuselage repair
 
| Radiator
 
| Radiator
|  
+
|
|  
+
| Offensive 7 mm
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
|  
+
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
|  
+
| New 7 mm MGs
 +
| RO-82
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
| Wings Repair
+
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
|  
+
|
|  
+
| Offensive 20 mm
 +
| Der-21
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
|  
+
|
| Engine Injection
+
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
|  
+
| New 20 mm cannons
 +
| RO-132
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!--Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
 
 
* Diverse payload options - allows for varied playstyles
 
* Diverse payload options - allows for varied playstyles
 
* Heavily armed, two cannons and two machine guns
 
* Heavily armed, two cannons and two machine guns
* Armored in the front
+
* Armoured in the front
 
* Usable as a fighter
 
* Usable as a fighter
 
* Large ammo pool, almost 50% more cannon ammo than a Yak-2
 
* Large ammo pool, almost 50% more cannon ammo than a Yak-2
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 
 
* Limited view from cockpit due to armour plates
 
* Limited view from cockpit due to armour plates
 
* Large drop in performance compared to a Yak-2
 
* Large drop in performance compared to a Yak-2
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
The famous IL-2 Sturmovik was a Soviet WWII-era attack aircraft created by the Ilyushin Design Bureau and nicknamed ''Hunchback'' by Red Army troops due to the distinct fuselage shape. While the designers nicknamed their aircraft the ''Flying Tank'', Luftwaffe pilots, due to the IL-2's incredible ability to withstand battle damage, instead called it the ''Betonflugzeug'' (Concrete Plane). German ground troops, conversely, despised and feared the IL-2, giving it a slew of unpleasant nicknames, such as ''Schlachter'' (Butcher); ''Fleischwolf'' (Meatgrinder); ''Eiserner Gustav'' (Iron Gustav) and ''Schwarzer Tod'' (the Black Death). Some historians believe that the ''Black Death'' was actually a successful invention of the Soviet propaganda machine that caught on with the Germans.
  
The famous IL-2 Sturmovik was a Soviet WWII-era attack aircraft created by the Ilyushin Design Bureau and nicknamed ''Hunchback'' by Red Army troops due to the distinct fuselage shape. While the designers nicknamed their aircraft the ''Flying Tank'', Luftwaffe pilots, due to the IL-2's incredible ability to withstand battle damage, instead called it the ''Betonflugzeug'' (Concrete Plane). German ground troops, conversely, despised and feared the IL-2, giving it a slew of unpleasant nicknames, such as ''Schlachter'' (Butcher); ''Fleischwolf'' (Meatgrinder); ''Eiserner Gustav'' (Iron Gustav) and ''Schwarzer Tod'' (the Black Death). Some historians believe that the ''Black Death'' was actually a successful invention of the Soviet propaganda machine that caught on with the Germans.
+
The IL-2 was the most mass-produced military aircraft in history. However, early in the war German air superiority coupled with the absence of rear gunners on early variants and poorly organized Soviet fighter escorts led to high rates of losses for the type. A favourite attack tactic for IL-2 pilots was a low-level attack run, first letting loose with rockets at 600-700 meters, then firing on-board armament from a distance of 400 to 600 meters. Bombs would be dropped in subsequent passes from an altitude of 100-200 meters, using an impact fuse. The recommended tactic for attacking concentrations of soft targets was a strafing run in a shallow dive from 100-200 meters and a subsequent dropping of bombs at a low level when exiting the dive.
 
 
The IL-2 was the most mass-produced military aircraft in history. However, early in the war German air superiority coupled with the absence of rear gunners on early variants and poorly organized Soviet fighter escorts led to high rates of losses for the type. A favourite attack tactic for IL-2 pilots was a low-level attack run, first letting loose with rockets at 600-700 meters, then firing onboard armament from a distance of 400 to 600 meters. Bombs would be dropped in subsequent passes from an altitude of 100-200 meters, using an impact fuse. The recommended tactic for attacking concentrations of soft targets was a strafing run in a shallow dive from 100-200 meters and a subsequent dropping of bombs at a low level when exiting the dive.
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 227: Line 240:
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
Line 233: Line 245:
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''

Revision as of 19:47, 4 July 2019

IL-2 (1941)
il_2_1941.png
IL-2 (1941)
AB RB SB
2.7 2.3 2.3
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the Russian attacker IL-2 (1941). For other versions, see IL-2 (Family).

Description

GarageImage IL-2 (1941).jpg


The IL-2 (1941) is a rank II Russian attacker with a battle rating of 2.7 (AB) and 2.3 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.47 "Big Guns".

General info

Flight performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 2,500 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
405 390 9500 25.9 26.7 6.1 6.1 450
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 2,500 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
447 425 9500 24.1 24.9 11.3 8.6 450

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flaps
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
470 ~15 ~15
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< 320 < 320 < 370 > 360
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,750 m 1,500 hp 1,593 hp

Survivability and armour

Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Armaments

Offensive armament

The IL-2 (1941) is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm ShVAK cannons, wing-mounted (210 rpg = 420 total)
  • 2 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns, wing-mounted (750 rpg = 1,500 total)

Suspended armament

Main articles: RS-82, RBS-82, RS-132, RBS-132

The IL-2 (1941) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 12 x 25 kg AO-25M-1 bombs (300 kg total)
  • 4 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs (200 kg total)
  • 4 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs (400 kg total)
  • 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M43 bombs (500 kg total)
  • 8 x RS-82 rockets
  • 8 x RBS-82 rockets
  • 8 x RS-132 rockets
  • 8 x RBS-132 rockets
  • 12 x 25 kg AO-25M-1 bombs + 8 x RS-82 rockets (300 kg total)
  • 12 x 25 kg AO-25M-1 bombs + 8 x RBS-82 rockets (300 kg total)
  • 4 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs + 8 x RS-82 rockets (200 kg total)
  • 4 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs + 8 x RBS-82 rockets (200 kg total)
  • 12 x 25 kg AO-25M-1 bombs + 4 x RS-132 rockets (300 kg total)
  • 12 x 25 kg AO-25M-1 bombs + 4 x RBS-132 rockets (300 kg total)
  • 4 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs + 4 x RS-132 rockets (200 kg total)
  • 4 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs + 4 x RBS-132 rockets (200 kg total)
  • 4 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs + 8 x RS-82 rockets (400 kg total)
  • 4 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs + 8 x RBS-82 rockets (400 kg total)
  • 4 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs + 4 x RS-132 rockets (400 kg total)
  • 4 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs + 4 x RBS-132 rockets (400 kg total)
  • 4 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs + 8 x RS-132 rockets (400 kg total)
  • 4 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs + 8 x RBS-132 rockets (400 kg total)

Usage in battles

Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Auto control available
Controllable
Auto control available
Separate Not controllable
1 gear
Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 7 mm
II Compressor Airframe New 7 mm MGs RO-82
III Wings repair Engine Offensive 20 mm Der-21
IV Engine injection Cover New 20 mm cannons RO-132

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Diverse payload options - allows for varied playstyles
  • Heavily armed, two cannons and two machine guns
  • Armoured in the front
  • Usable as a fighter
  • Large ammo pool, almost 50% more cannon ammo than a Yak-2

Cons:

  • Limited view from cockpit due to armour plates
  • Large drop in performance compared to a Yak-2

History

The famous IL-2 Sturmovik was a Soviet WWII-era attack aircraft created by the Ilyushin Design Bureau and nicknamed Hunchback by Red Army troops due to the distinct fuselage shape. While the designers nicknamed their aircraft the Flying Tank, Luftwaffe pilots, due to the IL-2's incredible ability to withstand battle damage, instead called it the Betonflugzeug (Concrete Plane). German ground troops, conversely, despised and feared the IL-2, giving it a slew of unpleasant nicknames, such as Schlachter (Butcher); Fleischwolf (Meatgrinder); Eiserner Gustav (Iron Gustav) and Schwarzer Tod (the Black Death). Some historians believe that the Black Death was actually a successful invention of the Soviet propaganda machine that caught on with the Germans.

The IL-2 was the most mass-produced military aircraft in history. However, early in the war German air superiority coupled with the absence of rear gunners on early variants and poorly organized Soviet fighter escorts led to high rates of losses for the type. A favourite attack tactic for IL-2 pilots was a low-level attack run, first letting loose with rockets at 600-700 meters, then firing on-board armament from a distance of 400 to 600 meters. Bombs would be dropped in subsequent passes from an altitude of 100-200 meters, using an impact fuse. The recommended tactic for attacking concentrations of soft targets was a strafing run in a shallow dive from 100-200 meters and a subsequent dropping of bombs at a low level when exiting the dive.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


USSR strike aircraft
IL-2  IL-2 (1941) · IL-2 (1942) · IL-2M (1943) · IL-2M type 3 · IL-2M "Avenger" · IL-2-37 · IL-2 M-82
IL-8  IL-8 (1944)
IL-10  IL-10 · IL-10 (1946)
Pe-3  Pe-3 (e) · Pe-3 · Pe-3bis
Su-2  BB-1 · Su-2 MV-5 · Su-2 TSS-1 · Su-2 (M-82)
Su-6  Su-6 · Su-6 (AM-42) · Su-6 (M-71F)
Su-8  Su-8
Tandem MAI  Tandem MAI
TIS MA  TIS MA
Tu-1  Tu-1
Yak-2  Yak-2 KABB