Tamiya Russian Ilyushin IL-2 Shturmovik 1/48 Aircraft Model Kit

1:48 scale plastic assembly kit of a late variant of the Ilyushin IL2 Shturmovik with two-seat cockpit and swept outer wings. One of the most significant ground-attack aircraft of WWII. Joseph Stalin himself famously noted that the aircraft was as vital to the Russian Army as air and bread.

• 3 kinds of canopies included and each may be depicted in either open or closed position.
• Highly-detailed cockpit accurately depicts the fuel tank positioned between pilot and gunner.
• Radiator and oil cooler reproduced accurately.
• Includes 2 kinds of covers for 23mm cannons.
• Parts for 100kg and 250kg bombs included.
• 3 kinds of rocket launcher parts included,
• Comes with 3 decal marking options.

This plastic kitset requires assembly, paints and glue to complete.

Suggested Paint Colors (not included):
X-10 – Gun Metal
X-11 – Chrome Silver
X-12 – Gold Leaf
X-18 – Semi Gloss Black
X-2 – White
X-5 – Green
X-7 – Red
XF-1 – Flat Black
XF-10 – Flat Brown
XF-15 – Flat Flesh
XF-16 – Flat Aluminum
XF-2 – Flat White
XF-22 – RLM Grey
XF-23 – Light Blue
XF-24 – Dark Grey
XF-49 – Khaki
XF-52 – Flat Earth
XF-56 – Metallic Grey
XF-57 – Buff
XF-58 – Olive Green
XF-59 – Desert Yellow
XF-6 – Copper
XF-64 – Red Brown
XF-7 – Flat Red
XF-8 – Flat Blue

The Ilyushin Il-2 incorporated a sturdy monocoque construction and excellent armor 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 re-designed 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.