Tamiya 61113 1/48 Ilyushin IL-2 Shturmovik

Aerial Armor

The Ilyushin Il-2 Shuturmovik was the Russian military's main ground-attack aircraft during WWII. It was so important to the Russian war effort that Joseph Stalin personally intervened to ensure a high rate of its production. Over 36,000 examples were built by the end of the war, making it the most produced military aircraft in aviation history. The aircraft was characterized by armor that was integrated into its airframe to provide protection for vital areas such as the cockpit, engine, and fuel tank. Production of the single-seat version of the Il-2 began in March 1941 but severe losses led to the development of a two-seat version with a rear gunner. A version which featured outer wing sections swept back at 15-degrees for a better center of gravity was introduced in late-1943. Together with the T-34 tank, the Il-2 contributed greatly to the eventual Russian victory.

Features

• Length: 243mm, Wingspan: 305mm.
  
• Robust form of the aircraft, including the armament and heavy armor, is accurately reproduced.
  
• Sharp nose section, swept outer wing, and wooden rear fuselage are also faithfully rendered.
  
• Intake duct as well as radiator and oil cooler parts enable accurate reproduction of the radiator mechanism. Highly detailed fuselage surface details.
  
• 2-seat cockpit and wheel well also feature rich finish.
  
• Parts included to assemble open and closed canopies.
  
• Includes 2 types of 23mm cannon fairings.
  
• Parts for 100kg and 250kg bombs as well as 3 types of launch rails for RS-132 rockets are also included. Comes with pilot and gunner figures as well as 3 marking options.
  
• Canopy masks also included.