How many Il-2 attack aircraft were built (1941-1945)

Along with the T-34 tank, the PPSS automatic weapon, the Victory symbol is also considered to be the Il-2 attack aircraft. 1941-1945 became the time of testing for the strength of the Soviet state, they showed the titanic possibilities of domestic industry, which managed to deploy the world's largest mass production of military aircraft in a short time. During the war, the "humpbacked" Elians built more than 36,000. Such a "circulation" the story did not know before. This record is not beaten today.

Two attack aircraft

In the late thirties, the general concept of offensive tactics of all countries had an aviation component. The wars in Spain and on Khalkhin-Gol showed that without the support of airplanes, it is difficult to make an attack, and domination in the air ensures success on the ground. During this period, a certain class of aircraft, called storm troopers, was formed. The most famous of its representatives during the Second World War were two samples - the German Yu-87 and our IL-2. 1941 was the beginning of their practical comparison. The main characteristics for clarity are given in the table.

In fairness, it is worth mentioning that the IL-2 aircraft was designed somewhat later than the German car (five years for aviation - a long time). In addition, the Junkers-87 had an undoubted advantage in dealing with point shots due to the possibility of an almost vertical dive and perfect aiming system.

Nevertheless, according to most indicators, the German attack aircraft is inferior to the Soviet Il-2. 1941 was the date of the beginning of its mass production. It began in February, even before the war.

Basic concept

In the autumn of 1939, the famous pilot VK Kokkinaki picked up a secret "product" under the TsKB-55 index, known in the narrow circles of the Soviet military-technical elite as the BSh-2. It was just a prototype, with the finalization of which the IL-2 aircraft turned out. The Sturmovik was developed in accordance with the revolutionary concept that such parts of the fuselage as frames and spars were practically abolished, and the armored corps took over the armored hull, simultaneously shielding from the damaging factors the crew and vital units, including the engine, oil cooler and fuel tank . Previously, airplanes were built differently: a skeleton of transverse and longitudinal profiles was fitted with a shell, sometimes armored. S. V. Ilyushin reacted to the question of vitality with all attention.

Means of struggle for vitality

The most vulnerable point of the plane is its rear hemisphere. "To go in the tail" means almost guaranteed to win an air victory. The shooter controlling this dangerous zone is present on all bombers, including the U-87. The IL-2 aircraft differed from the world analogues in that it was produced in two versions: single and double (but more about this later). Fuel tanks had a unique design, which allows to minimize losses of fuel in case of their lumbago. A special substance, freezing in the open air, "healed" the wounds received in battle.

The armored glass of the lantern protected the pilot in the same way as the metal of the cabin. These and other design techniques proved to be so effective that Soviet ground-attack planes returned to their airfield, even after receiving five hundred holes.

Main options

A total of six modifications have been developed, but the main two deserve special description. Initially, Ilyushin was planning a double ground-attack aircraft with a radio shooter protecting the rear hemisphere. However, the military doctrine, which prevailed at the time , assuming absolute superiority in the air after the infliction of an instantaneous crushing blow and the transfer of hostilities to the enemy's territory, prompted the country's leadership to build simpler machines. The general designer was instructed to "remove unnecessary". The fallacy of this decision (and many others) was revealed by the war that began soon. Il-2, deprived of protection, became easy prey for the Messers. Mechanics at the rear airfields began self-alteration of aircraft, cutting out holes for the nest arrow in the upper shell. Stalin's leadership, however, can not be blamed for stupid persistence. The double scheme was again given a "green light", although, unfortunately, the shooter remained unprotected.

"Younger brother" IL-10

Undoubtedly, this legendary aircraft was a masterpiece of aircraft design, but the features of tactical use at low altitudes led to a high level of losses of Il-2 attack aircraft. 1941-1945 formed general statistics, according to which on average Ilyushin made about 53 sorties before being knocked down. At the final stage of the war, an advanced variant of the front-line attack aircraft was prepared, the design of which took into account the shortcomings of the prototype: the aerodynamics (the chassis were retracted into the wing, and not into special gondolas, the oil radiator was hidden from the "underbelly" in the fuselage), the arm and etc.

This modification received the designation Il-10 and even had time to fight in the Second World War and in Korea, but not for long. The era of jet speeds began ...