Ilyushin Il-2T and Naval Service (1942-45)

Il-2: 36,183 built 1941-45.

The Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik served extensively with Soviet Naval Aviation (the air arms of the Soviet Navy's Baltic, Black Sea, and Northern Fleets) during World War II, operating as shore-based attack aircraft against enemy shipping and coastal installations.Role in Soviet Naval AviationShore-Based Operations: Because the Soviet Navy did not operate aircraft carriers, naval Il-2 regiments operated exclusively from land and coastal airfields under the command of the respective fleet air forces (such as the Red Banner Baltic Fleet or the Northern Fleet).Targeting Shipping: Naval Sturmovik units specialized in attacking Axis convoy vessels, transport ships, E-boats, and small warships operating in coastal waters, fjords (particularly in the Arctic/Northern sector), and enclosed seas.Armament Adaptations: They deployed standard anti-personnel/anti-armor loads including high-explosive bombs, RS-82/RS-132 rockets, and PTAB anti-tank shaped-charge submunitions, which proved highly destructive when catching enemy transports moored in harbors or moving in tightly packed coastal convoys.Notable Units and Aces46th Assault Aviation Regiment: Part of the Northern Fleet Air Force, this unit famously operated naval-configured Il-2s in harsh Arctic conditions.Hero of the Soviet Union Recipients: Naval pilots such as Captain Ilya Katunin (commanding a squadron in the Northern Fleet) distinguished themselves by pressing home low-level attacks against heavily defended enemy convoys before sacrificing their aircraft in deliberate ramming attacks (taran) when hit.7th Guards Assault Aviation Regiment: Served with distinction under the Red Banner Baltic Fleet, providing critical strikes against German ground and naval logistics during the campaigns around Leningrad and the Baltic coast.

Development

Design specifics

General conception

Engine

Armament

⚙ PLANE specifications
Gross Weight
Max Takeoff weight
Lenght
Wingspan
Height
Wing Area
Engine
Top Speed, sea level
Cruise Speed
Range
Climb Rate
Ceiling
Armament
Crew