Tamiya 1/48 Ilyushin IL-2 Shturmovik & GAZ-67B Set

1/48 Ilyushin IL-2 Shturmovik & GAZ-67B Set

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.

Developed as a small liaison and reconnaissance vehicle along the same lines as the American Jeep, the GAZ-67B featured a 54 horsepower 3,280cc 4-cylinder engine which allowed it to reach speeds of 90km/h. It proved to be a rugged vehicle with excellent off-road capabilities, and the over 60,000 produced were used by both the Russian forces as well as those of Warsaw Pact countries until well after the end of WWII.