Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 940.544947
EAN num: 9780897473415
ISBN number: 0897473418
Label: Squadron/Signal Publications
Manufacturer: Squadron/Signal Publications
Page Count: 50
Printing Date: 1995-09
Publishing house: Squadron/Signal Publications
Sale Popularity Level: 954514
Studio: Squadron/Signal Publications
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Rated by buyers 
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Stalin maintained that "the Red Army needs the IL-2 as it needs air and bread." The ungainly, slabsided Shturmovik was Russia's most important - and most produced - warbird of the Second World War, over 36,000 being produced. Prolific author Hans-Heiri Stapfer gives the IL-2 the usual quality Squadron/Signal treatment in this 1995 volume, #155 in their 'Aircraft' series.
IL-2s were just entering VVS service when Germany invaded in June 1941. Like all other Russian aircrew, the poorly-trained IL-2 crews, who also hadn't had time to develop ground-attack tactics, ceaselessly hurled themselves against the German invasion but suffered horrendous losses. This was to be the fate of Shturmovik crews for months. In time, IL-2 units would develop effective tactics and, with the addition of a rear gunner position and other improvements, transform the IL-2 into a more viable and deadly aircraft, pummeling Axis columns with cannon fire, rockets and bombs.
Stapfer effectively summarizes the technical development of the basic IL-2, various models and one-offs (IL-2M, IL-2 Type 3, IL-2M-82, etc.) and the follow-on IL-10 along with the combat record of the aircraft Luftwaffe fighter pilots nicknamed the "Cement Bomber." The book features over 90 grey & white photographs, four-views, scrap views and two pages of Don Greer profiles.
Though it's somewhat dated, IL-2 STORMOVIK IN ACTION is still a good introduction to the deadly aircraft Axis ground forces nicknamed "Black Death." Recommended.
*******
This book would be useful read in conjunction with Osprey's IL-2 SHTURMOVIK GUARDS UNITS OF WORLD WAR 2. The S/S volume is more nuts and bolts; the Osprey volume, more operational history. See also Yefim Gordon's Crowood Press book on the IL-2/IL-10.
Rated by buyers -
This book is what you expect from the Squadron In Action series: a readable narrative with interesting technical detail, good visuals with informative captions, and, above all, that detail you do not get in general histories. The In Action series illuminates and supports larger and broader works on aviation and military history. This work on the IL-2 and its' family is recommended to those interested in either area.
In my case, I found this volume far superior than the older Profile publication which until now has been my sole specialist work on the IL-2. I also enjoyed getting information on the IL-10 followup aircraft which US forces encountered in Korea. I am not without further questions: was the IL-10 really as manueverable as the sources cited claim?
Still, I am glad I made the purchase and regret not having done so earlier.
Rated by buyers 
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This book is great for fans of WWII aircraft. And it may help people who have a very limied knowledge of this great soviet aircraft learn how important it was to the battle on the eastern front. This aircraft was extreamly deadly as the German's must have seen, they refered to it as the "black death". Again a great book for those interested in soviet aircraft in WWII.
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