Tamiya 1:72 Ilyushin IL-2 Shturmovik

The Tamiya 1:72 Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik is a plastic scale model kit of the famous Soviet World War II ground-attack aircraft, often called the “flying tank” due to its heavy armour and battlefield durability.

About the aircraft

The real Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik was one of the most important Soviet aircraft of WWII, designed specifically for close air support and anti-armour operations on the Eastern Front.

Key characteristics of the real aircraft:

• single-engine Soviet ground-attack aircraft

• heavily armoured cockpit and engine protection (“armoured bathtub”)

• typically armed with:

  • 23mm or 37mm cannons (depending on variant)

  • rockets and bombs for ground targets

• crew of 1 (early) or 2 (later variants with rear gunner)

• extremely rugged and survivable design

• widely used by the Soviet Air Force from 1941–45

• one of the most produced military aircraft in history

It played a major role in destroying German armour, artillery, and supply lines.

About the model kit

The Tamiya 1:72 Il-2 Shturmovik is a compact-scale aircraft kit designed for accuracy and ease of assembly.

Typical features include:

• 1:72 scale plastic aircraft kit

• detailed armoured fuselage section

• accurately shaped wings and control surfaces

• cockpit interior (pilot and rear gunner depending on version)

• underwing rocket and bomb load options

• realistic landing gear

• Soviet Air Force decal markings

The kit is designed for quick builds and small-scale WWII diorama use.

Key features

✔ 1:72 scale Soviet WWII attack aircraft
✔ Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik “flying tank”
✔ Armoured cockpit and fuselage design
✔ Ground-attack weapon options
✔ Eastern Front configuration
✔ Soviet Air Force markings included

Typical build use

This kit is ideal for:

• Eastern Front WWII aircraft collections

• Soviet ground-attack dioramas

• tank vs aircraft battlefield scenes

• Red Army aviation displays

• 1:72 scale aircraft collections

Skill level

Beginner to Intermediate

Suitable for:

• modellers new to aircraft kits

• hobbyists interested in WWII Eastern Front subjects

• builders focused on quick assembly and painting practice

Ideal for

• Soviet WWII aviation enthusiasts

• Eastern Front diorama builders

• 1:72 scale aircraft modellers

• ground-attack aircraft collectors

• Tamiya aircraft kit fans

Summary

The Tamiya 1:72 Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik is a detailed small-scale model of the Soviet Union’s iconic armoured ground-attack aircraft, representing one of the most important and heavily produced combat aircraft of WWII.