Il-2 Shturmovik: Red Avenger
By Jason Nicholas Moore
Hardcover in dustjacket, 256 pages, bibliography, and index
Published by Fonthill Media
Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-62545-042-5
Dimensions: 7.0 x 10.0 x 1.0 inches
The Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik (also spelled Stormovic or Sturmovik) was the most numerous aircraft type operated by the Soviet Air Force (VVS) during the Great Patriotic War. It was produced in vast numbers, over 42,000 airframes if the Il-10 version is included, making it the second most produced aircraft type in history second only to the Cessna 172. The pilot, engine, and radiator were protected by an armored box which gave these vital components some degree of protection. Luftwaffe pilots nicknamed the Il-2 the “Zementbomber” (or concrete bomber) due to its ability to absorb punishment. In spite of this, Luftwaffe Experten and light flak units claimed thousands of Il-2s, only 1 in every 4 produced survived the War.
Despite the Shturmovik’s importance, English language books on the type are comparatively rare. Author Jason Moore is an Il-2 enthusiast and his book goes a long way to address this shortfall. Red Avenger examines the evolution of the Shturmovik design and the production differences between the three factories producing the Il-2 during the War. The various armament changes and sub-types are also described. The book is well-illustrated with black & white photographs and maps throughout. There is also a generous color section featuring walk-around photographs of surviving examples along with 41 pages of color profiles by artist Massimo Tessitori which expertly explain the evolution of camouflage schemes worn by the Shtumovik. There is a short modelers’ section which explains the pros and cons of several kits in the three major modeling scales, a nice bonus!
This book helps clear up the confusion surrounding the Il-2, not an insignificant task considering Soviet records persistently refer to almost all versions and variations simply as “Il-2” regardless of armament, wing type, number of crew members, or construction materials. The text is detailed and informative, and there is ample content which is usually reserved for a dedicated modeling reference. There is room to produce a revised version of this book aimed directly at modelers, with a larger format to better display the photographs and a series of line drawings to show the evolution of the design graphically. Until such a volume hits the shelves, this book will likely be the best overall reference on the Shturmovik available. Recommended!
Inch High Guy 