Ilyushin Il-2M3 Stormovik
close support and ground attack aircraft

Ilyushin Il-2M3 Stormovik

Ilyushin Il-2 Stormovik
Type: Close support and ground attack aircraft.
History: Especially when a second crew-member was added, the Stormovik (more accurately BSh, Bronirovanni Shtoormovik, armoured attacker) had a lot in common with the Fairey Battle. They were similar in shape, size, weight and general performance. But, while the underpowered and underarmed Battle was a deathtrap, hastily forgotten, the Soviet machine sustained what is believed to have been the biggest production run of any aircraft in history. Throughout WW2 production from three large plants averaged about 1,200 per month and total Il-2 output exceeded 36,000. When the Il-10 is included the total of all versions reaches about 42,330.

In fact, resemblance to the Battle was only skin-deep. The skin of even the prototype BSh-2 was steel armour in all vital areas, the armour forming part of the structure and weighing over 1,540lb (15 per cent of gross weight). Vladimir Kokkinaki flew the prototype, finding it under-powered. With the AM-38 engine subsequent TsKB-57 prototypes did better and production began on a large scale in time for squadrons to have formed at the start of the German invasion. The single-seat Il-2 had a considerable fuel load and heavy armament which, for the first time, included effective ground-attack rockets.

Manoevrable, incredibly tough and with devastating forward-firing armament, the Il-2 was no easy prey even for Luftwaffe fighters. These are rear-gunned models in 1944.

Produced in vast numbers in 1942, changes were called for which resulted in the Il-2M3 version with AM-38F engine, rear gun and heavier anti-tank armament. Operating in pairs at nought feet or in sections of ten with escort at 1,000 ft the Il-2s fought day and night along the Eastern Front and often shot down Bf 109s, besides (with new guns and special bombs) managing to defeat the thick armour of Panzer V Panther and Panzer VI Tiger tanks. No other aircraft played so decisive a role in modern land warfare.

Ammunition for the rear gun of a Stormovik. Note, the ground crew and the rear gunner are both women.

Preparing an Il-2M3 Stormovik on a landing ground for the next mission.

By 1943 Ilyushin's bureau was designing the more streamlined Il-10, with wheels which turned to lie flush in the revised wing, all-stressed-skin structure, more power and improved armour and armament. Chosen over the rival SU-6, it went into production following the last Il-2s in June 1944 and was in service in large numbers by VE-day. Many remained in service in Communist forces until after the Korean war (1953).

Stormovik's over Berlin in 1945.

Users: Soviet Union (Russia).

3d model of Ilyushin Il-2 Stormovik.

This 3d model is a current element of the WW2 game WW2 Total. The data for production, movement and combat of the Axis and Allies units are here !

A Il2-M3 Stormovik is releasing a bomb.