In Futrell’s USAF history of the Korean War, he mentions that two Il-28’s flew near the Yalu River on December 17,1952 in full view of some F-86’s. His source is an official USAF Intelligence report. Additionally, other sources refer to the presence of 100 Il-28’s in the region during the later half of the Korean War.
Can anyone confirm the presence of Il-28 medium bombers in the Korean Theatre, 1952-1953, and to the extent they were present in Manchuria, were they in PLAAF, VVS or North Korean markings? Does anyone know the units involved?
Finally, when did North Korea receive its first Il-28’s? Some sources state 1953, while others cite transfer of Il-28’s in 1960. Does anyone know when N.Korea received dedicated jet bombers?
Thank you in advance for any response on this topic.
By: J Boyle - 15th February 2016 at 02:57
I’m not sure why IL-28s would have impacted the fighter escorts for B-29s…Beagles were bomber, correct?
Not fighters.
By: bigron427 - 15th February 2016 at 02:43
I realize that this is now an old thread, but am researching F3D Skyknight and F-94B operations during the Korean War, and just ran across the same reference to the IL-28 in my copy of Futrell. I would very much like to know more details of IL-28 operations during the war, and where in Manchuria they were based. F-94s were authorized for combat operations over North Korea at the beginning of November 1952 but until the end of January 1953, these missions seem to have been limited to occasional support of B-26 light bomber missions. In the meantime, Bomber Command B-29s were taking a real beating with four combat losses and three more having to divert to South Korean based for emergency landings due to severe damage. Marine F3D night fighters had responsibility for the B-29 escort and barrier missions during that time. I’m trying to gauge how the IL-28 threat might have impacted any decisions about committing F-94s to support the B-29s prior to the ultimate decision to do so on 27 January 1953. It seems as though they could have used the help from the faster F-94s in the barrier mission.
By: Farmgate - 2nd December 2013 at 00:10
Flyer, thank you very much. This is extremely interesting news and history. Certainly the Soviets operated any Il-28’s near the Korean pennisula, despite the markings or references to “North Korea” Il-28’s. Certainly the markings were either North Korean or Chinese.
As for the statement about the Il-28 intrusion into South Korean airspace, this is really news to me and a major unknown fact of the Korean War.
This is the first jet versus jet shootdown in history, if true. I find it incredible that a jet bomber attack on South Korea was never mentioned in the official U.S. Navy history of the Korean War, or any where else until now, but the level of detail plus the names of the crew lend credibilty to the story. Can you please contact me with a list of you sources as I would like to review them if possible. Thank you again!
By: Wyvernfan - 29th November 2013 at 09:14
Fascinating information Flyer, thanks for posting. And a Chinese marked Il-28 Beagle being shot down by a US navy F9F Panther would make interesting material for a painting, along the same lines as the Carmichael Seafury Mig15 scenario.
Rob
By: Flyer - 29th November 2013 at 07:06
Before the War ended, the North Koreans have received first batch of Il-28 jets. 10 aircrafts from this batch were used during Victory Parade over Pyongyang in July 28, 1953.
The Russian press have the opinion, that Il-28 Bombers were supplied to China, but they were not used for combat flights. The US press states the opposite opinion.
But real things are the following.
The latest modern researches of Russian aviation historians have given the information, that in March 1950 the special group of Soviet airmen with Il-28 Bombers has arrived to China. These men and airplanes were from 132nd Bomber Division. The Commander of this group was Major N. A. Arsenyev, the Hero of Soviet Union. The group consisted from two squadrons.
With the beginning of active combat actions the crews of Il-28s from this group began to be involved actively for reconnaissance flights over South Korean territory. The planes were painted with Chinese insignia; all crewmen had the Chinese uniform.
These historians have found the real participant of those events – P. A. Shpak. According to his statement, airmen from his unit carried out the reconnaissance and supervision over US Navy and allied ships and naval bases in South Korea. Besides, P. A. Shpak has told, that his crew (P. A. Shpak – the pilot, A. S. Pashchenko – the navigator, S. S. Bocharov – gunner/radio operator) was shot down in their 13th sortie, but they has made the emergency landing in North Korea. 12 from these 13 sorties were the reconnaissance sorties in morning and night time, and one sortie was the combat sortie to target in South Korea. According to P. A. Shpak’s words, their plane was shot down by F-80 fighter (or – and this is most probably – this was F9F naval fighter, because of Soviet pilots went towards the target from the sea side, and they went after attack from the target to sea side again).
Sadly, this veteran pilot does not remember the exact date of those events; but he have the medical certificate, which have the record about the treatment of P. A. Shpak from July 31, 1950 until October 2, 1950 in military hospital; thus, it is possible to make the conclusion, that Il-28 was shot down approximately in July 30 or July 31, 1950.
Also, according to P. A. Shpak words, their air group was in China till the end of War. After the War this group has transferred their Il-28s to Chinese, and has left for the USSR. During the War total losses were 2 Il-28 aircrafts and one crew (it was lost approximately in 1952 – 1953).
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November 27, 2013 at 4:22 am