Customer Reviews

Il-2 Shturmovik Guards Units of World War 2 (Combat Aircraft)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

During WWII, Russian air force units that had particularly distinguished themselves in combat were awarded the 'Guards' title. Oleg Rastrenin's new volume for Osprey, #71 in their 'Combat Aircraft' series, traces those IL-2 units who received this most coveted award. IL-2 SHTURMOVIK GUARDS UNITS OF WORLD WAR 2 really lifts the lid off Russian Air Force combat in WWII to show readers some incredibly brave men in action.

As revealed in Rastrenin's book, it took horrendous IL-2 losses before VVS Shturmovik units developed effective ground-attack tactics. The book is replete with countless missions where poorly-trained IL-2 crews, usually without fighter escort, hurled themselves at Axis forces only to be slaughtered by flak and Luftwaffe aircrews. Initially developed as a two-seater, the IL-2's rear gunner position was dropped due to the design's poor performance, a decision that only increased the IL-2's vulnerability. Nevertheless, as documented in Rastrenin's book, the IL-2 was eventually transformed into an aircraft hated and feared by Axis ground forces, an aircraft labelled 'Black Death.'

'Combat Aircraft #71' certainly offers a fascinating account of IL-2 units - in this case Guards units - in action. You can't help but admire the courage and determination of the Shturmovik pilots and gunners even as you're saddened by the terrible losses they suffered. Rastrenin's books gives endless examples of why Stalin declared that "the Red Army needs the IL-2 as it needs air and bread."

The book features 80 black & white photographs of aircrews, aircraft, destroyed Axis equipment, etc. (Some of the photos that show flak-damaged IL-2s that made it back to base have to be seen to be believed). Along with four-views of various IL-2 models, eight pages of color profiles by Andrey Yurgenson illustrate the Shturmovik in all its glory.

Though I gave the book five stars, I do have two criticisms. First, in too many cases Rastrenin does not present actual German losses suffered in IL-2 attacks as opposed to what the Shturmovik crews claimed. Second the narrative sometimes reads like a textbook, being on the turgid side.

That said, there simply is no other book available offering aviation enthusiasts such an authoritative, comprehensive account of Guards units in action. Highly recommended.
*****

IL-2 fans should check out Yefim Gordon's wonderful IL-2/IL-10 book for Crowood Press and Hans-Heiri Stapfer's earlier book for Squadron/Signal.

The IL-2 series was the most successful and numerous ground attack aircraft of WW2. The IL-2 was infact the A10 of it's day. This title while ostensibly about the Guard units actually reads as a battle history of the IL2 aircraft, it's development and the evolution of it's combat roles.

The IL-2 had a reputation for being able to survive serious damage and there are plenty of photos in the book which demonstrate this. One in particular show's how the Pilot's rear head armour stopped two 20mm cannon rounds. From the summer of 1942 the addition of rear gunners also alleviated losses.

The IL-2's effectiveness was also due to it's weapon systems; a mix of cannon, rockets and bombs. The anti armour PTAB bomb's were very effective, especially when used in large numbers.
The Il-2 truly became a nightmare for the Germans from 1943 onwards as the Soviets were able to achieve local air superiority and improvements in pilot training, ground organisation and forward air control took effect.

The IL-2 could also catch out the unwary Luftwaffe fighter pilot who was in danger not only from the rear gunner but also from the IL-2's main guns if the fighter overshot on it's attack run.

Oleg Rastrenin has managed to pack in an incredible amount of information into this 96 page title . He also has a great writing style which is not only informative but also enjoyable to read. Many of the operation's flown by the IL-2 squadron's and tactic's used are described and individual crews named.
While Osprey titles can vary wildly in quality this is definitely one of their very best and I would highly recommend it.

My only minor criticism of the book would be that the plates have a slightly washed out look. An illustration of the revised battle tactics in use would have been nice too.
Also in the line drawings the IL-2 M-82 is shown but no description or use of this aircraft is given. I've not seen this aircraft before and would be interested to know more about it.

As indicated in the title, this is a well researched, well written book on a fairly little-known subject. As one who's interested in WW2 aviation and the European theater specifically, i found this book to give a great introduction to both the aircraft and the aircrews of the Soviet Union. The book contains a decent intro to the concept of Russia's ground attack theories and preliminary testing of the Il-2s. Many full color drawings of various planes from the course of the war as well as particular pilot's machines are included. There is a nice balance of personal aircrew stories along with tactics and the larger strategic use of Soviet airpower in the defeat of Nazi Germany. The pilots and gunners of these planes suffered terrible losses in their battles but ultimately won the war. This is a great book for those wanting to understand more about the Russian side of WW2 as well as modelers needing great pictures of Il-2's.

Excellent photos and drawings of the IL-2 and variants, but the text is a bit dry. It pays to be really into Soviet WWII aviation history to enjoy it, although I must say that some of the exploits of those brave pilots were amazing! Ramming enemy aircraft to bring them down when your ammunition runs out? Wow!

More of a running commentary than anything else, it does document an important part of history but the general public will probably enjoy it most for the photos and illustrations.

We must remember Soviet Union in World War2 developed remarkable planes. IL-2 represents highest achievement in Soviet aviation technology. IL-2 was an armoured low-flying attack aircraft. First armoured plane in history, a true flying tank. The crew cabin, engine ,fuel tanks were sheathed in armour. Only fuselage/tail section remained unarmoured. When bullets hit the glass covering which enclosed crew cabin it left only small cracks though fired from extremely close ranges. Because glass had a thickness of 63 mm which explains why plane could absorb such an enormous amount of punishment. Not because of what author says its mixed metal /wood construction.


IL-2 Shturmovik is predominantly an offensive weapon. Soviets developed the aircraft to strengthen offensive capabilities of its aviation armies. Plane's mission was to destroy enemy aviation in the ground besides striking at other targets. One can appreciate this fact by reading Red Army Field manual which has clearly specified the role of attack aviation.


June 22, 1941 Wehrmacht swept USSR in a surprise attack. Soon Shturmoviks found itself entangled in dogfights with Luftwaffe fighters and suffered heavy losses. This was not because aircraft was obsolete dubbed by some people in the west. Plane was pressed into a role for which it was not suited. But as Germans continued to advance deep and deeper into enemy territory, Soviet air force started using Shturmoviks for mounting attack missions. IL-2s tried to blunt German bid to seize Leningrad, Moscow, Stalingrad by attacking panzer spearheads, motorised infantry. Enemy supply columns, airfields,roads, bridges were also targeted.


At Kursk Shturmoviks proved its mettle. Afterward used extensively in tank busting operations was fitted with weaponry which proved very lethal for German armour. These were PTAB 2.5-1.5 ANTI-TANK BOMB AND 37 MM NS-37 cannon both had excellent armour- piercing qualities and could knock out any German tank. Morale of German crews plummeted.


After regaining strategic initiative Red Army initiated a sprawling offensive across whole length of the Soviet- German front. Shturmovik units were involved in providing fire support for advancing ground forces . Defending enemy forces , its artillery armour along the flanks had to be neutralised . Then faced a daunting task which was to find and suppress previously undetected enemy artillery emplacements and armour,for these occasionally halted Soviet advance.


In order to enhance co-operation between air and ground units air division commanders were embedded within Observation Posts of ground units, Spotters were also attached to units f first echelon. Their first job was ti pin-point FLOT ( Forward Line of Own troops) to avoid friendly fire. Equipped with VHF/UHF radio sets they relayed target designation information to Shturmoviks flying overhead.


From mid-1944 system worked at its peak of efficiency which resulted in considerable advance. However it should be noted growing scale Allied bomber offensive against Germany pulled Luftwaffe fighters away to defence of the Reich. As war reached its climax ,author rightly argues,IL-2 transformed into a highly lethal airborne artillery capable of destroying enemy strong points with pin-point accuracy. Shturmoviks became scourge much vaunted panzer units of Wehrmacht.


One thing I like in this book is author's frankness in admitting Soviet defeats which communist censors often try to conceal. Book carries photos seen for the first time. Contains sketch drawings, colour illustrations made possible by excellent art work. Shturmoviks carried unit designations such as SAD,ShAP,ShAK.ShAD read for the first time.Then some of the Russian names are tongue-twisting,but I relish the challenge of pronouncing such names. For a long time I was was seeking more information about remarkable plane. Rastrenin's book almost fills this void.

This unique pictorial book brings to us in detail a largely unknown aircraft of World War II that greatly helped defeat Hitler and his invading armies. The Il-2 Shturmovik was the workhorse of the Soviet Airforce and raised havoc with the German and their allied Axis forces invading the USSR and occupying Eastern Europe. One time during the war it was said that one of the factories in the Soviet Union which produced the famous ground attack aircraft fell behind in its production of IL-2's and Stalin himself issued a final warning to them, ordering them to produce their expected level or numbers of production or face dyre consequences. This aircraft was so versatile and their crews became so experienced they were credited with actually shooting down German and other Axis fighters in dogfights, which in military aviation is a miracle. This ground attack aircraft relentlessly followed the Nazi enemy into their capital Berlin, causing them devastating losses. It was also dubbed "The Flying Tank".
I highly recommend this pictorial book to all military aviation enthusiasts and historians. It shows us in detail this previously little known Russian military aircraft.

IL-2 SHTURMOVIK GUARDS UNITS OF WORLD WAR 2
IL-2's! Fighting Deffenders of Stalingrad,Deccessive, leading Babttle of Kursk,
and final victor of Berlin !

I am a americcan historian. Now,I intoduce Review of Young Ki Moon, Seoul,korea.
Before WW11,Attack Aviation was considerd as sperahead of Red Army.
The armoured IL-2(2 Seat AM-38 variants) was first purpose-designed Air Attacker.
Sergei Illyushin at Soviet Control Design Bureau(TsKB) produced a new design,
two-seat aircraft designated the TsKB-55 which first flew inDec,1939.
On 22,June,1941,when Germay aattacked the USSR,"Barbarossa",
Soviet AF's main aim was based on Heavily -Armoured, Grount -Attack monoplane's
Soviet Ground supportlng Attackers. Single seat Attacker started from !@,Oct,1940,
By experience of fleud pilot was unfavourable due to vulnerable back side of cockpit
from threre, enemy Fighter like start attack! With one pilot,attacking,measureing,
piloting using Radio transmmissions. They srongly requested 2-seat variant with
operating flexibly mounted machine guns against attacking German Fighters.
one of croiteria of success was it's survivability due to protection of main parts
of body, structures, guarding pilots,engine,fuel tank, bomber bay and cooling system
(Many German Aces disclosed main weak point of famous US p-51Mustang was
vulnerability of liquid cooling system damage with the Merlin liquid-cooled engine
Quoted from P-51 Mustang VS Fw-190. by Martin Bowman,2007)
They like yo use from low --level flight, from 100~200m Altitude,start gentle, 10~15 degree
Glide follwing Bombing with/without 4-Rocket attacking, and Strafing with
determined tlme interval.
They created IL-2 specific techacics like"closed loop","loose circle","Scissor's
Maneuuvr", " Fllattened V-shaped formations,basically keeping "in Pair"Operations.
Close cooperation between IL-2 and ground forces(Radio Target Infor mations) and
HQ of IL-2. Particular attack on German tank was by IL-2with 37mm NS-37 cannon and
PATB-2.5-1.5shaped-charge-anti-tank bomb-great success in Battle of Kursk.
After the experiences ShAK 20mm cannon changed to VYa 23mm cannon which made
more density of fire onthe ground.Also AZh-2 cluster bomb used on enemy Artillery positions.
Most crucial battle of il-2 was Stalingrad,under the severe AAA,extremly low flight,
among demolished building,they hunted weaoon implacement in specifif street, home,
prior to bdestroying them. !