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Ilyushin
IL-2M3 - Soviet Union |
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A heavily armored ground-attack monoplane, the Il-2M3 was the
backbone of the Soviet ground-attack units in WWII. Its
deadly efficiency originated not only from powerful weapon, but
also from unprecedented (and for years not overcome) armoring of
all vital elements: pilot cockpit, engine, cooling system,
internal bomb bays. Other earlier and contemporary aircraft (with
few exceptions) had armor as a addition to the airframe, and
suffered from its passive weight.
As Shturmovik pilots skills grew with time and more efficient tactics (the circle) was developed, losses went down
considerably. During 1943 only 2.8% were lost during missions, despite 50% of the aircraft
returned to the bases with some damage. 90% of the damaged Il's
were repaired at the front - thanks to simple design and armor protection of all vulnerable parts. There were serious
ground crew complains against wooden wing sections: enemy
shells make holes like 1 square meter... and it takes too much
efforts to fix! What other aircraft of this class can claim
such a 'complains'?
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Ilyushin
IL-2M3
From our Premier
Series. 1/32nd scale. 16" wingspan x 13"
long.
No. AEW3D-PR. Only $194.95
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Ilyushin
IL-2M3
From our
Deluxe Series.
1/28nd scale. 18" wingspan 14.34" long
No. AEW3D-DX. Only $139.95 |
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