World’s First Flying Il-2 Since WW2 Takes Off

As Authentic As It Can Be!

Of the more than 40,000 IL-2’s produced during WWII, this was the only one in the world that was still flying at the time.

The aircraft finished its restoration in Russia in late 2011, and was received by the organization in early 2012.

This historic aircraft was initially test piloted by none other than Steve Hinton.

In the video below, we get to see the IL-2 take off powered by a P-38 Lightning’s Allison 1710 engine. You’ll notice this when you see the propeller turning in the counterclockwise direction!

What’s even more amazing about this aircraft is that you see several bullet holes on the air frame.

The armor around the engine and cockpit was retained from when it was shot down. Wow!