1/48 Ilyushin IL-2 Shturmovik Tamiya 61113

The Ilyushin Il-2 was one of the most significant ground attack aircraft of WWII. It incorporated a sturdy monocoque construction and excellent armour protection to make it perfect for ground attack operations. It was initially conceived as a two seat design but due to weight issues it was redesigned as a lighter single seat aircraft in 1940. As production began in 1941, the aircraft was designated as the Il-2. Heavy losses of the single seat aircraft during combat forced the addition of a rear gunner position in 1943. Later variants featured improvements such as swept outer wings for better handling. The Il-2 contributed greatly to the eventual Russian victory over Nazi Germany. Joseph Stalin himself famously noted that the aircraft was as vital to the Russian Army as air and bread.