Ilyushin Il-2

Image: Wikimedia Commons

The Il-2 ground-attack aircraft of 1939 became one of history's most heavily-produced warbirds, serving the Soviet Union across WWII. Its robust armoured fuselage protected crew and engines during low-level attack missions, while 410 km/h speed and 765-kilometre range enabled flexible deployment. The two-crew configuration separated pilot and gunner, reflecting dedicated ground-attack doctrine.