IL-28Sh

This page is about the Soviet jet bomber IL-28Sh. For other versions, see IL-28 (Family).

IL-28Sh

IL-28

Su-25

IL-28Sh

IL-28

Su-25

USSR

V Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
8.0	8.0	8.0

Class:

Bomber

Jet bomber

Research:61 000

Purchase:340 000

Show in game

Description

The IL-28Sh was a modified version of the IL-28 that featured 12 additional underwing rocket pylons. This was an attempt to expand the IL-28's capabilities to engage ground targets more effectively, addressing the need for a dedicated attack aircraft. Testing began in the autumn of 1967, and engineers quickly realized that the aircraft would have to operate at elevated levels of risk due to its insufficient armour protection, large profile, and lack of low-level ejection seats. Although it had some advantages, such as crew visibility, the drawbacks were deemed too great to move forward with the project, and a shift was made toward developing a distinctive attack platform. A total of 300 IL-28s were planned to be converted, but only a small number had actually been modified before the project was ultimately abandoned.

The IL-28Sh was introduced in Update 1.79 "Project X". The main difference with the IL-28 is the additional suspended armament featuring extra cannons, rockets, and even incendiary bombs. This makes it a positively lethal aircraft in combined battles, assuming that it can survive long enough to unleash its firepower.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed

at 4 500 m905 km/h

Turn time48 s

Max altitude11 500 m

Engine2 х Klimov VK-1

TypeJet

Cooling systemAir

Take-off weight23 t

The IL-28Sh 'Beagle', being a attacker modification of the previous IL-28, retains its predecessor's characteristics. The aircraft has lacklustre acceleration and top speed for its BR, which is to be expected as it was derived from a bomber. In fact, the aircraft has a set of takeoff boosters to help get it off the runway! Typically, these are not absolutely necessary to get the plane off the ground, but are a helpful addition as they can boost the IL-28's acceleration significantly for a short duration of time. The aircraft's top speed of 933 km/h spaded allows it to outrun most aircraft it faces in downtiers, but this advantage is lost in higher-tier battles.

The 'Beagle' has relatively mediocre flight characteristics given its size and weight. When flying it, it is to be expected that the aircraft feels rather sluggish. That said, the control surfaces are large, and remain responsive up to the airframe's critical speed. The plane's roll rate and turn rate are both unimpressive, though it is able to turn relatively quickly at the expense of speed. As well, be aware that the airframe has a critical speed of just 850 km/h IAS - this means that the IL-28Sh will frequently break its wings in dives.

Characteristics	Max speed (km/h at 4,500 m)		Max altitude (metres)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (metres/second)		Take-off run (metres)
	AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
Stock	866	842	11500	49.3	50.1	16.3	15.4	1,480
Upgraded	945	905		46.9	48.0	24.1	20.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps	Take-off flaps	Landing flaps	Air brakes	Arrestor gear	Drogue chute
✓	✓	✓	X	X	X

Limits
Wings (km/h)	Gear (km/h)	Flaps (km/h)			Max Static G
		Combat	Take-off	Landing	+	-
850	400	577	548	400	~7	~4

Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons	Rudder	Elevators	Radiator
< 500	< 600	< 600	-

Engine performance

Engine			Aircraft mass
Engine name		Number	Basic mass			Wing loading (full fuel)
Klimov VK-1		2	13,471 kg			330 kg/m2
Engine characteristics			Mass with fuel (no weapons load, no boosters)					Max Takeoff Weight
Weight (each)	Type		23m fuel	30m fuel	45m fuel	60m fuel	77m fuel
892 kg	Centrifugal-flow turbojet		15,451 kg	16,015 kg	17,286 kg	18,558 kg	20,071 kg	23,200 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)			Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%, no boosters)
Condition	100%	WEP	23m fuel	30m fuel	45m fuel	60m fuel	77m fuel	MTOW
Stationary	2,678 kgf	N/A	0.35	0.33	0.31	0.29	0.27	0.23
Optimal	2,678 kgf (0 km/h)	N/A	0.35	0.33	0.31	0.29	0.27	0.23

Booster (Solid fuel rocket)						Aircraft mass
Number	Booster weight (each)	Fuel weight (each)	Burn time	Can be shutdown	Jettisoned after use	Mass with full booster fuel (no weapons load)
						23m fuel	30m fuel	45m fuel	60m fuel	77m fuel
2	50 kg	190 kg	13s	No	Yes	15,931 kg	16,495 kg	17,765 kg	19,039 kg	20,551 kg
Condition		Maximum booster thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)		Combined engine & booster thrust @ 0 m		Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100% with booster)
						23m fuel	30m fuel	45m fuel	60m fuel	77m fuel
Stationary		1,682 kgf		8,720 kgf		0.55	0.53	0.49	0.46	0.43
Optimal		1,682 kgf (any speed)		8,720 kgf (0 km/h)		0.55	0.53	0.49	0.46	0.43

Survivability and armour

Crew3 people

Speed of destruction

Structural0 km/h

Gear400 km/h

Armour plates

Front gunner

• 6 mm steel plate for the front gunner's seat.
• 10 mm (bottom) and 32 mm (top) steel plates behind the front gunner.
• 10 mm steel plate under the nose.

Pilot

• 6 mm steel plate for the pilot's seat.
• 10 mm steel plate behind the pilot.
• 32 mm (top) steel plate in front of the pilot (part of the steel plate behind the front gunner).

Tail gunner

• 10 mm steel plate under the tail gunner.
• 8 mm steel plates in front of tail gunner.
• 102 mm (rear) and 68 mm (sides) bulletproof glass panes in front of tail gunner.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB3 162 → 4 338

RB10 957 → 15 033

SB16 520 → 22 665

Total cost of modifications101 800

165 000

Talisman cost2 200

Crew training98 000

Experts340 000

Aces1 800

Research Aces780 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

100 / 310 / 600 %

202 / 202 / 202 %

Modifications

Flight performance	Survivability	Weaponry
Fuselage repair Research: 4 100 Cost: 6 600 250 Compressor Research: 4 100 Cost: 6 600 250 Airframe Research: 7 600 Cost: 12 000 470 Wings repair Research: 5 100 Cost: 8 200 310 Engine Research: 5 100 Cost: 8 200 310 Cover Research: 6 600 Cost: 11 000 400	EFS Research: 6 600 Cost: 11 000 400	ns23_belt_pack Research: 4 100 Cost: 6 600 250 ZB-500 Research: 4 100 Cost: 6 600 250 Gun pod UPK-23-250 Research: 4 100 Cost: 6 600 250 ns23_new_gun Research: 7 600 Cost: 12 000 470 FAB-250 Research: 7 600 Cost: 12 000 470 nr23_turret_belt_pack Research: 5 100 Cost: 8 200 310 KD-3 Research: 5 100 Cost: 8 200 310 S-24 Research: 5 100 Cost: 8 200 310 nr23_turret_new_gun Research: 6 600 Cost: 11 000 400 BD-4 Research: 6 600 Cost: 11 000 400 UB-16-57 Research: 6 600 Cost: 11 000 400

Armaments

Offensive armament

The IL-28Sh is armed with:

• 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons, nose-mounted (100 rpg = 200 total)

Suspended armament

The IL-28Sh can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13
23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg)						1		1
100 kg FAB-100M-43 bombs							12
250 kg FAB-250M-46 bombs		1	1	1	1	1	8	1	1	1	1	1
500 kg FAB-500M-46 bombs							4
1,500 kg FAB-1500M-46 bombs							1
3,000 kg FAB-3000M-46 bombs							1
ZB-500 incendiary bombs					1	1		1	1
S-5K rockets	16	16	16	16	16	16		16	16	16	16	16	16
S-24 rockets				1	1	1		1	1	1
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 3,010 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,250 kg

Default weapon presets
12 x 100 kg FAB-100M-43 bombs (1,200 kg total) 192 x S-5K rockets 6 x S-24 rockets 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-46 bombs (2,000 kg total) 10 x 250 kg FAB-250M-46 bombs (2,500 kg total) 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-46 bombs (2,000 kg total) 1 x 1,500 kg FAB-1500M-46 bomb (1,500 kg total) 1 x 3,000 kg FAB-3000M-46 bomb (3,000 kg total) 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)

Defensive armament

The IL-28Sh is defended by:

• 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons, tail turret (225 rpg = 450 total)

Usage in battles

The IL-28Sh is an extremely versatile aircraft, thanks to its extensive suspended ordnance options. The aircraft can be used as a bomber, or as a CAS aircraft with its rockets. As well, the IL-28Sh gets access to a powerful forward-firing and defensive set of 23 mm cannons, which can be further augmented by a pair of UPK-23-250 gunpods each carrying a GSh-23L cannon - combined, these can provide a forward firing burst mass of over 25 kilograms, which is the highest burst mass of any aircraft at its BR.

As with its predecessor, the IL-28Sh can be used as a base-bomber in RB. This is initially difficult due to its small stock load of twelve 100 kg bombs, but becomes much easier once the 3,000 kg bomb is unlocked. This bomb can one-shot bases very easily when used in this manner. Proceed to the nearest base as fast as possible (possibly in a slight dive), drop ordnance, and run. This ensures that the IL-28Sh won't be intercepted by any fighters, which will take more time to get there. Attempting to climb may not be the best option, as many enemy fighters can get to bomber altitude very quickly.

The second, and more interesting option for the IL-28Sh is ground attack. The aircraft can carry a variety of powerful ground-attack ordnance (namely the aforementioned 3,000 kg bomb and the six S-24 rockets), which make the aircraft extremely effective in mixed battles. When used in this manner, it is worth noting that the aircraft is much more vulnerable, especially in air battles where enemy fighters will arrive extremely quickly. The first effective load for ground attack is the aforementioned 3,000 kg bomb; despite only having a single drop, the bomb is effective enough to take out every enemy tank at a base. This option also ensures the safety of the aircraft, as you will be able to escape quickly after dropping the bomb.

The second, and more interesting option, are the S-24 rockets. These rockets, similar to the earlier S-21 and American Tiny Tim rockets, are massive, and pack 25 kilograms of explosive filler. They are especially effective against lighter-armoured targets, which will be destroyed by the rocket's huge blast. The IL-28 can carry six of these rockets, which fire singly. The aircraft can also carry 192 S-5K rockets, but these are less effective due to their much smaller warhead. More hits will be required to destroy the targets.

The IL-28Sh shouldn't be used in an air-to-air role, as it will be outmanoeuvred and outspeeded by most fighters at its BR. If being pursued, employ evasive manoeuvres, and utilize the IL-28's powerful tail gun to shoot at pursuing fighters. The tail turret, packing two NR-23 autocannons, is especially effective, and can easily destroy pursuing attackers. As well, the IL-28 can encounter early missiles such as the AIM-9B. If an enemy fires a missile at you, wait until the missile gets close, then perform a sharp manoeuvre. The early missile's weak seeker and G-force capability prevents it from tracking reliably.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Reasonable bomb load in air RB
• Good armaments for ground RB
• Good high speed manoeuvrability
• Turret and frontal armament are both useful against enemy planes
• Quick stock grind

Cons:

• Low top speed and acceleration, especially when stock
• Poor dogfighting capability

History

Development work on the IL-28Sh (Sh = Shturmovik; attacker) began in 1967 after it became clear that the main fighter-bomber of the Soviet air force, the MiG-15, had insufficient combat loads. As a result of this, Soviet engineers once more began looking into the possibility of converting some IL-28 bombers into attack aircraft. This resulted in the creation of the IL-28Sh, a regular IL-28 modified to fit 12 external pylons suspended underneath the wings. This allowed the IL-28Sh to carry, in addition to its standard internal payloads, a large number of suspended ordnance options ranging from rocket-and gunpods to additional bombs.

Testing of the modified machine began in autumn 1967, showing positive results. However, the way the Soviet high command envisioned to use the aircraft as an attacker contradicted some of the design choices made initially, while the aircraft was still intended to be used as a bomber. To fully utilize the destructive power of its expanded payload options and to avoid premature detection as well as anti-aircraft fire, the IL-28Sh was intended to be used at low to extremely low altitudes (going as low as 60 m). Operating at extremely low altitude like this meant that the crew of the Il-28Sh had to undergo special training in order to acquire the skills needed to use the machine this way. However, the biggest advantage that this kind of low-level flying offered was excellent visibility for both the pilot and bombardier as well as allowing the aircraft to be operated from front-line airfields. Nonetheless, testing also showed that the IL-28Sh wasn't without its flaws. Not only did the IL-28Sh lack sufficient enough armour protection to be used in this kind of role, but that the risk of losing the crew in an emergency situation was far greater than usually. These severe drawbacks ultimately led to the IL-28Sh being classified as unsuitable for the role of an attack aircraft and the project was shut down soon afterwards. Despite 70 regular IL-28 units being planned to be converted to the attacker version, only a handful of them was actually modified before the project was shut down.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the IL-28Sh from live.warthunder.com.

Videos

The Shooting Range #112 - War Machines section at 04:32 discusses the IL-28Sh.

Best Combo #2 discusses the IL-28Sh at 4:27 - War Thunder Official Channel

Tank busters discusses the IL-28Sh at 2:40 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Aircraft of a similar role, configuration or era

• Canberra (Family)
• Tu-14T

External links

• [Devblog] IL-28Sh: The Soviet Rocketeer
• Official data sheet - more details about the performance

Ilyushin Design Bureau (Илью́шинa Опытное конструкторское бюро)
Bombers	DB-3B · IL-4
Jet Bombers	IL-28* · IL-28Sh
Strike Aircraft	IL-8 (1944)
Il-2	IL-2 (1941) · IL-2 (1942) · IL-2M type 3 · IL-2M "Avenger" · IL-2M (1943) · IL-2-37 · IL-2 M-82
Il-10	IL-10 · IL-10 (1946)
Export/Captured
Bombers	␗DB-3A · ◊IL-28 · ◔IL-28
Strike Aircraft	▀IL-2 (1942) · ␗IL-10 (1946) · ◔IL-10
	* The Chinese Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation built unlicensed copies of the Il-28 known as the H-5.