88 Hyushin H-2

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Publisher: Profile Publications England
Cover: Soft
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Synopsis: The Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik stands as the most produced military aircraft in history and the backbone of Soviet ground attack aviation during World War II, earning the fearsome nickname "flying tank" from German forces who faced its devastating attacks. This comprehensive profile examines the development of this revolutionary aircraft under Sergei Ilyushin's design leadership, creating an armored ground-attack aircraft that integrated armor protection as a structural element rather than added weight. The book details the innovative design philosophy where the pilot and engine were protected by an armored shell up to 12mm thick, making the aircraft virtually immune to small arms fire and light anti-aircraft weapons that devastated conventional aircraft in low-level operations. Technical analysis reveals the Il-2's unique construction: powered by a Mikulin AM-38F liquid-cooled engine producing 1,720 horsepower, achieving maximum speed of 257 mph at 6,560 feet, with exceptional survivability due to integrated armor protection totaling nearly 1,500 pounds. The profile examines the aircraft's devastating armament including two 23mm VYa cannons, two 7.62mm ShKAS machine guns, plus external loads of rockets, bombs, or anti-tank cluster munitions specifically designed for destroying German armor. Operational history chronicles the Il-2's combat introduction during the desperate days of 1941 when German forces threatened Moscow, analyzing early tactical development and the evolution of ground-attack techniques that maximized the aircraft's armored protection advantages. The book covers major operations including the Battle of Kursk where Il-2 regiments played crucial roles in destroying German tank concentrations, demonstrating unprecedented effectiveness in close air support operations. Combat accounts detail the aircraft's survival capabilities, with numerous examples of Il-2s returning to base despite extensive battle damage that would have destroyed conventional aircraft. The profile examines the transition from single-seat Il-2M to the two-seat Il-2M3 variant, analyzing the addition of rear gunner position to improve defensive capabilities against German fighter attacks. Technical sections cover specialized ammunition including armor-piercing rounds, PTAB anti-tank bomblets, and rocket projectiles specifically developed for the Il-2's ground-attack mission. The book details production achievements with over 36,000 Il-2s manufactured, making it not only the most numerous Soviet aircraft but the most produced military aircraft of any nation during World War II. Notable pilots featured include Anna Yegorova and other female pilots who flew Il-2s in combat, along with leading Soviet aces who achieved remarkable success in ground-attack operations. The profile analyzes tactical development including the famous "circle of death" attack formation where Il-2s would continuously attack target areas, maintaining constant pressure on German ground forces. Post-war service coverage includes the aircraft's use in Korea, where surviving Il-2s faced jet fighters and modern air defenses, demonstrating both the aircraft's enduring capabilities and the evolution of aerial warfare technology.

88 Hyushin H-2, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.