May 13, 2016 at 5:22 pm
Are there still a couple of IL2s here or have they moved on?
By: scotavia - 14th May 2016 at 09:33
Just for the fascination i have added this link to the airworthy one first USA flight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXejUgnxQps
And some interesting close ups of the restoration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf6gV3T7iCw
perhaps this Soviet company is the only one with the expertise and drawings to build another?
By: SADSACK - 14th May 2016 at 08:37
It would depend if they wish to portray different WW2 campaigns, or simply exhibit the aircraft used by the Raf? The majority of visitors want to see an eye catching brutal exhibit. And I believe for whatever reason one was going to be donated. The P51 looks fantastic. She isn’t in RAF markings but never mind. It’s about time the other one was put into camo and invasion stripes?
By: NEEMA - 14th May 2016 at 07:14
Decades ago some at senior management in the RAF Museum did indeed consider an Il2. However, discussions with the Russians were not very successful. ( I had a chat with the Deputy Russian Air Attaché on exactly this subject at a cocktail party in late 1982).
At that time the museum was looking well beyond the RAF, possibly to becoming a de facto national military aircraft collection: hence such actions as getting the Do 24 on loan. The acquisition remit of the RAF Museum has for many years now become much more focussed on the Service itself.
As a P.S. I recall that there was a scheme around 2002/3 to include an Il2M3 into the “Milestones of Flight” building. I believe this may have been one of the two that the O.P. referred to in Lincolnshire. Others on this site will doubtless be more familiar with whatever became of that project.
By: Arabella-Cox - 14th May 2016 at 06:02
Still not getting the IL2 connection to the RAF. But it doesn’t really matter. I’m afraid a few pints last night removed 151 wing from my memory (no need for wiki trust me) which does therefore make the Hurri connection, but it doesn’t clarify the IL2 connection any further which was the main point of my post but that’s just my opinion which obviously isn’t shared. Signing out!!
By: jeepman - 13th May 2016 at 23:48
I’m not talking about lend lease aircraft I’m talking about raf operated aircraft. A soviet hurricane is no different to a soviet Il2 in my book.
You could always try reading this
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._151_Wing_RAF
I believe Cotteswold might be better suited to continue your education…………………….
By: Arabella-Cox - 13th May 2016 at 23:14
I’m not talking about lend lease aircraft I’m talking about raf operated aircraft. A soviet hurricane is no different to a soviet Il2 in my book.
By: Graham Boak - 13th May 2016 at 22:49
Think again – you really should consider the Hurricane. Plus a small number of FAA aircraft, squadrons of torpedo-bomber Hampdens, PR Spitfire, anti-Tirpitz Lancasters.
By: Arabella-Cox - 13th May 2016 at 22:23
The Havoc would make more sense. Don’t think any RAF aircraft served in the same theatre of war as the il2. Better placed at our museum!!!
By: jeepman - 13th May 2016 at 22:22
Not sure exactly why the raf museum would be interested in an IL2. Not a type that has a lot of relevance.
wasn’t there also a relevance whilst the Millstones of Flight held sway – the IL-2 is the most produced combat aircraft ever.
By: Flanker_man - 13th May 2016 at 21:11
An aircraft flown by one of our ALLIES in the GPW/WWII ??
By: Arabella-Cox - 13th May 2016 at 21:00
Not sure exactly why the raf museum would be interested in an IL2. Not a type that has a lot of relevance.
By: SADSACK - 13th May 2016 at 20:03
Ah so rumours of a return to flight were far fetched! Wasn’t one ear marked for the Raf museum?
By: farnboroughrob - 13th May 2016 at 18:33
G-BZVW and BZVX are still on the register, think they were/are at Wickenby? Would love to see one in the air but don’t think it will be soon by the look of these photos http://www.fightercontrol.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=75472