Soviet Air Forces Ilyushin IL-10

Developed as a Soviet ground attack aircraft, the Ilyushin Il-10 was introduced in 1944, going under the NATO reporting name of 'Beast', a name which subsequently stuck. Produced until 1954 by the Soviet construction bureau Ilyushin, the spec called for a one engine two-seater monoplane with a metal covered frame. It had a three-blade propeller and a retractable undercarriage. Heavily armoured, the front part of the fuselage including the cockpit was a shell of 4-8 mm armoured plates. The cockpit was protected on all sides. The aircraft was equipped to carry two bomb bays with a maximum of 600 kg., as well as guns and rockets. It was powered by a 12-cylinder inline V Mikulin AM-42 engine with take-off power of 2000 hp. Maximum speed was 342 mph at a height of 18.000 ft and 315 mph at sea level and had a range of 500 miles. Just over 6000 were built before production ceased in 1954 although it was flown by other Eastern European Air Forces until 1962.

The first Il-10 entered service with the 108^th Guards Assault Aviation Regiment on 16^th April 1945, taking part in the final combat actions of World War II in Europe, during which time the Il-10 appeared to be successful against the German Luftwaffe.

Our model is as used by the 108^th Guards Assault Aviation Regiment during this time, Decorated in a mid and dark grey camouflage scheme to the upper wings, the underside is painted a pale blue grey. The Soviet Star is painted in red on the underwings, rear fuselage and the tailfin. All the gun barrels are coloured matt black, as are the wheels, prop blades and intakes. The 'Beast' will be an unusual addition to your Oxford World War II airfield.