IL-2 Shturmovik – PDF

The Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik was developed during the late 1930s to provide the Soviet Union with a specialized armored aircraft capable of attacking enemy forces directly over the battlefield. Designed by the Ilyushin design bureau, the Il-2 incorporated an armored shell around the engine, cockpit, and other vital components, allowing it to withstand considerable small-arms and anti-aircraft fire. Armed with machine guns or cannon and capable of carrying bombs and rockets, the Shturmovik was designed specifically for the demanding close-support and ground-attack mission.

Following the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, the Il-2 became an increasingly important component of Red Air Force operations. Shturmoviks attacked German armored columns, artillery positions, transportation networks, troop concentrations, and other battlefield targets throughout the Eastern Front. Early single-seat aircraft were vulnerable to attacks from enemy fighters, leading to the widespread introduction of two-seat versions carrying a rear gunner for additional protection.

As Soviet production expanded, enormous numbers of Il-2s entered frontline service and participated in virtually every major Soviet campaign from Stalingrad and Kursk to the final advance into Germany. Operating in coordinated formations and often in close cooperation with Soviet ground forces, the Shturmovik became closely associated with the Red Army’s increasingly powerful combined-arms offensives during the latter half of the war.

The Il-2 became one of the defining combat aircraft of the Eastern Front. Its rugged construction, heavy armament, enormous production numbers, and extensive battlefield service made it a symbol of Soviet wartime aviation. Although rapidly replaced by newer aircraft after World War II, the Shturmovik established a lasting reputation as one of history’s most significant dedicated ground-attack aircraft.

Service Branch: Soviet Air Forces (Red Air Force)
Soviet Service: 1941–1954
Number Built: 36,000+

What’s Included:

• 12 1.5” square counter images
• 24 1” square counter images
• 35 .75” square counter images
• 40 .625” square counter images
• Numbered Images to assist with game organization and tracking
• Printable PDF format for personal gaming use

Each image size is contained on a ½ sheet.

• Enables users to save paper and print 2 types of aircraft on the same page.
• Print one set of aircraft images then reverse the page in the printer and print a second type of your choice on the same page.