ILYUSHIN IL-2 SHTURMOVIK

Designed in 1938 as a medium range, single-seat bomber the IL-2 became the most produced aircraft of World War II. The initial single seat version entered production in early 1941 and remained in production until the summer of 1942 when it was replaced on the assembly line by the two-seat version. This version was a stopgap design rushed into production to address the most serious flaw in the aircraft, the lack of a rear-firing gun. It was quickly replaced by another variant that further modified the design to improve performance and stability. The modifications included a 15-degree sweep on the leading edge of the wing that improved the plane's stability, and a more powerful engine. The shortage of aircraft aluminum that plagued the Soviet Union for most of the war resulted in some of the Sturmovik's most interesting features. Until late in 1944 the wings and rear fuselage of the plane were built of wood, with only the heavily armored center section and nose of the aircraft being of metal construction. Eventually, over 36,000 Sturmoviks of all models were produced.

 

 

The museum's aircraft is one of the second variant of the Il-2, often incorrectly called the Il-2M.  It is believed to have been built in late 1942 or early 1943.