IL-2M type 3

Description

The IL-2M type 3 is a rank Soviet strike aircraft with a battle rating of (AB), (RB), and (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The IL-2M type 3 is an improved version of the famous "Sturmovik" ground attack aircraft. It featured an "arrow wing" design, possessed leading edges that were swept back 15 degrees on the outer panels, giving it a better manoeuvrability and aerodynamic characteristics.

General info

Flight performance

While the IL-2M type 3 is still very slow in straight line like the other IL-2s, it retains a good handling characteristic similar to the IL-2 (1942). This, combined with an addition of combat flaps, makes the plane very flexible and can take on almost every enemy at its BR.

Details

Survivability and armour

• 4 mm steel surrounding engine and frontal fuel tank
• 4 mm steel above pilot
• 5 mm steel underneath rear fuel tanks
• 6 mm steel surrounding pilot
• 6 mm steel underneath belly oil cooling system
• 6 mm steel in front of gunner*
• 6 mm steel disc behind propeller spinner
• 12 mm steel behind gunner*
• 64 mm bulletproof glass in front of pilot
• Self-sealing fuel tanks, with neutral gas pressurization system (1 in front of pilot's feet, 1 under pilot, 1 behind gunner*)

*Note that the gunner is rear-facing

Modifications and economy

Armaments

Offensive armament

The IL-2M type 3 is armed with:

• 2 x 23 mm VYa-23 cannons, wing-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total)
• 2 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns, wing-mounted (750 rpg = 1,500 total)

Suspended armament

The IL-2M type 3 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

	1	2	3	4	5	6
25 kg AO-25M-1 bombs			6*	6*
50 kg FAB-50sv bombs		1*	2*	2*	1*
100 kg FAB-100M-43 bombs		1*	2*	2*	1*
250 kg FAB-250M-43 bombs		1*			1*
ROS-82 rockets	2					2
RBS-82 rockets	2					2
ROS-132 rockets	2					2
ROFS-132 rockets	2					2
RBS-132 rockets	2					2
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 625 kg
* Bombs on hardpoints 2/5 cannot be equipped in conjunction with bombs on hardpoints 3/4 respectively

Defensive armament

The IL-2M type 3 is defended by:

• 1 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun, dorsal turret (150 rpg)

Usage in battles

The IL-2M type 3 is an attacker which excels at low altitude. You'll be flying close to the ground in order to hit your targets with your cannons and machine guns, so watch for obstacles and use the IL-2's phenomenal low-speed performance and tight turning circle to get out of harm's way, though beware of the mediocre roll rate and the weak acceleration. Give yourself time to build up a good amount of speed before going for another attack, otherwise, you'll struggle to climb away. Make note of what targets you can eliminate: light pillboxes can be destroyed by your cannons, and even extended MG fire from your 7.62 mm guns, but other pillboxes will be impossible to destroy with your guns, and bombs will need a direct hit. Likewise, light tanks and armoured cars can be destroyed with your guns, but medium tanks will need to be hit from the top or rear to penetrate the thicker armour, and heavy tanks are invulnerable unless you land a direct bomb or rocket hit.

The most interesting additions of the IL-2M type 3 is the wing redesign. An addition of combat flaps and more aerodynamically efficient wing design means that the plane is now more nimble than the single seat IL-2 (1942). This makes the Type 3 capable of executing some tight turns to caught an enemy off guard, or attacking ground targets more efficiently.

Manual Engine Control

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Numerous payload arrangements (24) including bombs and rockets of varying size, flexible ground attack options
• Sturdy airframe as with other versions of IL-2s
• Strong protection surrounds the pilot and engine
• Powerful 23 mm VYa cannons allows it to tackle any kinds of targets
• Redesigned wings with combat flaps significantly improve its turn rate, especially at higher speeds
• Rear gunner is equipped with a powerful 12.7 mm Berezin MG to ward off any chasers

Cons:

• Awfully slow top speed
• Heavy plane; horrible climb rate and sluggish acceleration
• Poor energy retention
• Tail section blocked most of rear gunner's firing range
• Rear gunner carries very limited ammunition

History

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the IL-2M type 3 from live.warthunder.com.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

• reference to the series of the aircraft;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

• Official data sheet - more details about the performance