Ilyushin Il-2 facts for kids

Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik

The Ilyushin Il-2 (also known as the "Shturmovik") was a famous Soviet airplane used during World War II. It was built by the Ilyushin company. This aircraft was special because it was designed to attack targets on the ground, like tanks, trains, and enemy soldiers. It was like a flying tank itself, very tough and powerful.

What was the Il-2?

The Il-2 was a "ground-attack aircraft." This means its main job was to fly low and attack things on the ground. It was heavily armored to protect the pilot and important parts of the plane from enemy fire. This armor made it very strong and hard to shoot down.

Why was it so important?

The Il-2 played a huge role for the Soviet Union during World War II. It helped stop the German army's advance and supported Soviet ground troops. Pilots often called it the "flying tank" because of its strong armor and powerful weapons. It was also nicknamed "Black Death" by German soldiers because it was so effective and feared.

How many were made?

More than 36,000 Il-2 aircraft were built during the war. This makes it the most produced military aircraft in history. Building so many planes showed how important it was to the Soviet war effort.

Design and Features

The Il-2 was designed to be simple to build and easy to fly, even for new pilots. It had a powerful engine and carried many different weapons.

Armor Protection

One of the most unique things about the Il-2 was its built-in armor. The engine, cockpit, and fuel tanks were protected by a strong, thick shell of steel. This armor weighed a lot, but it made the plane very durable. It could take a lot of damage and still keep flying.

Weapons Carried

The Il-2 could carry a variety of weapons to attack ground targets.

• It had machine guns and cannons in its wings to fire at enemy vehicles and troops.
• It could also carry bombs to destroy buildings or large groups of enemies.
• Some versions even carried rockets, which were very effective against tanks.

Single-seat vs. Two-seat versions

At first, the Il-2 was designed for just one pilot. However, pilots found it hard to defend against enemy fighter planes attacking from behind. So, later versions of the Il-2 were made with a second seat for a rear gunner. This gunner operated a machine gun to protect the plane from attacks from the back. This two-seat version was called the Il-2M3.

Impact in World War II

The Il-2 was used in almost every major battle on the Eastern Front of World War II. Its ability to destroy tanks and disrupt enemy supply lines was crucial.

Stopping Tanks

During battles like the Battle of Kursk, the Il-2 was vital for stopping German tank attacks. Its cannons and rockets could pierce the armor of even the toughest German tanks. This helped turn the tide of many battles.

Supporting Ground Troops

Il-2 planes often flew close to the ground, providing direct support to Soviet soldiers. They would attack enemy positions, clear paths for advancing troops, and protect them from enemy attacks. This close air support was very important for the morale and success of the ground forces.

Legacy

The Ilyushin Il-2 is remembered as one of the most important and effective aircraft of World War II. Its design influenced many future ground-attack planes.

A Symbol of Victory

For the Soviet Union, the Il-2 became a symbol of their strength and determination during the war. It was a key tool in their victory against the invading forces. Many pilots became heroes flying the Il-2.

Surviving Aircraft

Today, only a few Il-2 aircraft still exist in museums around the world. Some have even been restored to flying condition, allowing people to see this amazing piece of history in action.

Images for kids

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  Il-2M at MAKS air show

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  Il-2 in Museum of the Polish Army in Warsaw.

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  Soviet Il-2 planes attacking a German column during the battle of Kursk

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  Il-2M cockpit. Museum of Aviation in Belgrade, Serbia

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  Il-2m with the NS-37 cannon in conformal gun pods beneath the wings

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  Ilyushin Il-2 of the 30th air regiment, 4. air division Czechoslovak Air Force, 1946

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  The restored Ilyushin IL-2m3 Shturmovik at Sør-Varanger museum in Kirkenes, Norway

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  Ilyushin Il-2 S/N 21 in Warsaw

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  Forward fuselage of Ilyushin Il-2 c/n 7826 at Patriot Park

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  The restored Ilyushin IL-2 Shturmovik at the Central Air Force Museum, Monino

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  The airworthy Ilyushin Il-2M3 of the Flying Heritage Collection, flown with an Allison V-1710 powerplant

See also

In Spanish: Ilyushin Il-2 para niños