IL2 Stormovik's

[O.P.]

Are there any IL2's in the US? Are there any flying? I saw the ones in the registry, and they're listed as IL10's. They look like IL2's to me, must be a variant or later model. I've always liked that plane. You'd think that with all of the Yak's imported here, someone would have picked up an IL2.

[rudie]

NASM has an IL2M3 out at Garber. Last time I saw it, it was in pieces, and had been painted overal in primer. Looked to be in great shape, though.

[bilwor]

The Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, AZ has one in unrestored condition.
bill word

[Dan K]

OP,

Concerning the recognition of IL-2 vs IL-10: I'm certainly no expert on Russian aircraft, but a quick external identifier between the two would be the landing gear.

All the aircraft pictured in the registry have the single leg arrangement of the IL-10, whereas the IL-2 series uses a twin fork support.

That's my good deed for the day...time for a reward!

[Dan K]

Scott,

While we're on the topic of Russian warbirds, the aircraft you have listed in the registry as a Pe-2 (belonging to War Eagles) is in actuality a Tupolev Tu-2. I don't have any specific identification for that airframe though.

http://www.war-eagles-air-museum.com/tu-2_1.html

[bdk]

Concerning the recognition of IL-2 vs IL-10: I'm certainly no expert on Russian aircraft, but a quick external identifier between the two would be the landing gear.

Since I took the photos of the Il-10 in Beijing...

The Il-10 gear operates like that of a Hellcat, Corsair, or Skyraider- it rotates 90 degrees and retracts aft while the Il-2 folds straight aft without rotating like a DC-3. Not as readily apparent, the Il-10 is all steel and aluminum, while the Il-2 is steel and wood. That's why far fewer Il-2's survive.

[Scott Rose]

Scott,

While we're on the topic of Russian warbirds, the aircraft you have listed in the registry as a Pe-2 (belonging to War Eagles) is in actuality a Tupolev Tu-2. I don't have any specific identification for that airframe though.

http://www.war-eagles-air-museum.com/tu-2_1.html

Thanks Dan, I'll look into it when I get back.

[T J Johansen]

Am I toatlly lost here, or is the IL-10 a single seater while the IL-2 has a rear facing gunner:?:

T J Johansen
Oslo, NORWAY

[Dan K]

TJ,

Actually you have that a little backwards. Both the prototype and first production series of the IL-2 were single seaters.

I believe what most enthusiasts picture in their heads as an "IL-2" is more accurately the IL-2m3, which served in combat from around August, 1942 to the end of fighting. The first were IL-2's modified right on the production line by lengthening the fuselage and adding room for a gunner.

Although the seating arrangement was quite close together, I don't believe
any IL-10's came off the production line as single seaters. The Russians were always big on field modifications though, and I suppose it's possible that a single seater may have been created in the field (although I can't imagine why).

[O.P.]

Thanks everyone! Thats why I like this board! I gotta find a Squadron/Osprey book on this bird.

bdk, do your have more photos of the plane in Bejing? What do you think the chances are of getting that plane over here?

[bdk]

Although the seating arrangement was quite close together, I don't believe any IL-10's came off the production line as single seaters.

As I recall, I did see a single seater on display in Beijing. I believe the two seaters in Beijing were trainers.

As far as getting an Il-10 over in the US, I suppose it is possible. The problem is that it would be difficult to get an engine into airworthy condition, and it would cost as much to restore as a fighter- which would be much more desirable to a collector (look at the price of a Firefly project compared to a Mustang project).

There was a group of Tu-2's imported from China some years ago, and basically nothing has happened to them except for the static restoration of one at the War Eagles Museum in New Mexico.

O.P.- send me an e-mail and I'll look through what I have.

[Dan K]

I'd be very interested in seeing a photo of the IL-10 single seater. Info I have shows the IL-10 was produced in three variants (and each of the three with varying canopy dimensions), but all of them seating 2 flightcrew. Sure wouldn't mind seeing the info proven wrong though.

Word has it that a collector in Prescott AZ is having a couple rebuilt in China and will end up in AZ. Not sure how much will be done on the planes in China but I imagine they will be completly gone through stateside.

[T J Johansen]

Here is an interesting page. Check out the IL-18 photo, and the gems in front of it. There must be something you can trde for these babies...

http://www.ruudleeuw.com/china2002.htm

T J Johansen

[TimAPNY]

Here is an interesting page. Check out the IL-18 photo, and the gems in front of it. There must be something you can trde for these babies...

http://www.ruudleeuw.com/china2002.htm

T J Johansen

In the picture with the C-46, I see a couple tails that jump out at me, Are the B-29 tails I see?