The Sturmovik was renowned by the Soviets as a ubiquitous, potent close air support aircraft at the spearhead of the Soviets’ war-winning counter-offensive, its ability to soak up tremendous battle damage whilst reportedly destroying scores of tanks and sweeping the Germans from the countryside giving it an almost mythical aura. By the time manufacturing ceased, the Il-2 and the up-rated Il-10 enjoyed the distinction of having the largest production run of any military aircraft design in aviation history, with more than 42,000 built. The Sturmovik first took flight in autumn 1939 and served extensively in the ground attack role with the Soviet Air Force on the Eastern Front from 1941-1945. ![]() In this fascinating, in-depth assessment of the Il-2’s operation and handling characteristics, Ross offers The Vintage Aviation Echo a comprehensive account of flying the Sturmovik. ![]() ![]() The aircraft is owned by Paul Allen’s Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum (FHCAM) at Paine Field, Washington and is one of the rarest Second World War aeroplanes flying today. Ross Granley is one of a distinguished few western pilots entrusted with flying the Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik, the first of just two airworthy examples of the type in existence.
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