This Plane Was The A-10 Warthog of WWII

During World War II, the Soviet Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik played an essential role on the Eastern Front. While it remains relatively unknown in the West, its impact was significant in the fight against the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The Il-2 was the most-produced combat aircraft of World War II, and it is the second most-produced aircraft ever, only surpassed by the Cessna 172. Despite its vast numbers during the war, only about a dozen remain today, a testament to the conflict’s severe nature.

The Soviet Air Force and the Onset of Operation Barbarossa

When the German army launched a surprise attack on the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941, the Soviet government was caught off guard. At that time, the Soviet Air Force was in the midst of a modernization process, introducing various new warplanes. However, the rollout of these new aircraft was slow, and few had made it to frontline units. Among these new aircraft was the Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik, a rugged, single-engine ground attack plane that originated in the mid-1930s. The need for a specialized aircraft with dive-bombing capabilities, able to attack and disable enemy ground forces independently, was recognized by Soviet military specialists.

In early 1938, Sergei Ilyushin, head of the Ilyushin aircraft design bureau, proposed the idea of a “flying tank” to Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. Obtaining approval to design and build such an aircraft was unusual for the time, as there was no design competition or proposals requested from other design bureaus. The first prototype flew in October 1939, and despite some initial design changes, the Il-2 was quickly ordered into production. By the time Germany invaded the Soviet Union, around 249 Il-2s had been constructed, but only 70 were in service, with a mere 20 located in frontline military districts. Their pilots had minimal training, and effective operational tactics had yet to be developed.

Increasing Production and the Robustness of the Il-2 Shturmovik

Production of the Il-2 needed to be increased rapidly, but this was complicated by the dislocation of production facilities caused by the German advance. Stalin’s frustration was evident in a stern telegram to the directors of an Il-2 manufacturing plant, demanding a significant increase in production. In response, production rates of the Il-2 rose sharply within a few weeks.

Over the war, between 31,000 and 36,000 Il-2s were produced, more than any other combat aircraft in WWII. The construction of the Il-2 was not advanced; it used a mix of wood and metal, making it relatively easy to produce in large numbers with unskilled labor. The aircraft’s greatest asset was its durability in combat. The forward fuselage, which housed the fuel system, radiators, and crew station, was built entirely from armor plate. The use of a special alloy for the armor contributed to its ability to withstand significant battle damage. Maintenance crews could stamp repair parts in the field, allowing for greater flexibility, especially in primitive forward battle areas.

Combat Effectiveness and Developments of the Il-2 Shturmovik

The heavy armor earned the Il-2 the German nickname “Betonflugzeug,” meaning “concrete plane,” as it was almost impossible to shoot down with machine guns or 20 mm cannons. However, early combat experience showed the vulnerability of the single-seat Il-2 to attacks from behind. This issue was compounded by the inability of escorting Russian fighters, which flew at higher altitudes, to protect the low-flying Il-2s. Consequently, a two-seat version with a rear-facing machine gun was developed, eventually replacing the single-seat model.

Il-2 pilot Yurii Khukhrikov recalled that the aircraft carried a substantial payload, including bombs, rockets, and shells for cannons and machine guns. Khukhrikov noted that the most vulnerable part of the Il-2 was the engine, but innovative measures like filling fuel tanks with carbon dioxide helped mitigate the risk of combustion if the tanks were pierced.

The Il-2 had its limitations. Its attacks were often inaccurate, and it could not carry heavy bomb loads due to the weight of its armor. Despite these drawbacks, the Il-2 played a critical role in the Soviet counteroffensives against German forces. It was particularly effective against transport and logistical equipment. In November 1942, hundreds of Il-2s provided close air support during the encirclement of German forces near Stalingrad. In one notable attack, Il-2s destroyed 72 German aircraft at an airfield near Salsk.

Notable Il-2 Pilots and Their Challenges

Several Il-2 pilots became highly successful, including Senior Lieutenant Anna Yegorowa, who flew 243 missions, and Lieutenant Colonel Nelson Stepayan, who reportedly destroyed numerous enemy targets during his 239 combat sorties. Squadron commander Leonid Beda also made a significant impact, leading attacks that inflicted severe damage on enemy positions and vehicles.

However, the Il-2’s slow speed and lack of agile maneuverability made it vulnerable to enemy fighters and anti-aircraft fire. During the Battle of Stalingrad, for example, Il-2s suffered heavy losses, with one aircraft lost for every 10-12 combat missions.