IL-2 Aircraft review: IL-2 Sturmovik Model 1944
Quick summary· AI-generated
The author reviews the IL-2 Model 1944, explaining how the increased wing sweep-back (from 9 to 15 degrees) was introduced to compensate for center-of-gravity shifts caused by adding a rear gunner and armor. The review notes that while performance differences from earlier IL-2 variants are subtle, the handling improvements—particularly easier nose control during strafing runs—are positive. The piece positions this as the last major modification before IL-2 production ended and the IL-10 entered service.
Excerpt from Stormbirds
Over the years, I’ve reviewed most of the aircraft of the IL-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles Series. These have less been reviews of aircraft from a quality standpoint and more done as an overview of features and capabilities that you can expect while flying them. A little different than my typical review these days. Most recently in this series, I’ve reviewed the releases for aircraft like the I-153, La-7, Bf109E-4, and Ju87D-5. One that I haven’t done? The IL-2 Model 1944! Well let’s set that straight and make sure I’ve completed the series.
The “Arrow-winged” IL-2
In modern aerodynamics, wing sweep is typically part of a collection of design features that aims to improve speed or efficiency. So when you read that the IL-2 Model 1944 (also known as the IL-2M3) had its wing sweep-back increased from 9 to 15 degrees you might assume that they were trying to find speed or efficiency goals but that was not the driving force.
When the IL-2M series added the rear gunner and its armor plate, the centre of gravity moved rearwards negatively affecting the handling of the aircraft. To redress that, Ilyushin proposed a modification in May of 1943 and by the end of 1943 both wood and metal winged IL-2 models were being produced with the modification. It had no official designation but was often called “So Strelkoi” or “Arrow.”
This would be the popular configuration for the IL-2 series through to the end of the war and the end of production. The IL-2 production lines would continue to make smaller modifications, however, this was the last of the significant modifications before production ceased and the first of the IL-10s began to roll off the production line.
Flying and fighting the IL-2 Model 1944
In a lot of ways, you’re not going to notice all that much different between this version and the previous version of the IL-2. Head on down to the performance comparison section to see how the IL-2 series has changed over time, however, the key take away is that you’re flying essentially the same airplane.
There are some subtle differences caused by the centre of gravity shift and I think that does positively affect the handling of the aircraft. It is marginally noted at best but I do find that my strafing attacks are a little easier to stabilize and the nose is easier to predict which is certainly a positive thing.
As with other models of the IL-2 Sturmovik, this is an aircraft that is optimized in its role as a close support airplane. It is intended to get close…
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