Za Stalina

Historical testimony: The Sturmovik Il-2 was produced in greater numbers than any other aircraft of World War II. This armoured ground-attack two seated plane was called the “Flying Tank” by the Luftwaffe. Other nicknames included: the “Concrete Plane” or even “Iron Gustav”. The Illyushin Sturmovik could deal deadly blows to ground-based forces and equipment, even when located in hardened bunkers. By the midway point in World War II, the planes came equipped with two 37mm cannons, two 7.62mm machine guns, one 12.7mm Berezin machine gun for the rear-facing gunner, and up to 1,300 pounds of bombs or a number of deadly RS-82 or RS-132 rockets. It played a major role in the battles of Stalingrad and Kursk. The Soviet Air Forces victory markings, showing enemy aircraft destroyed, were often symbolised by a red star. Soviet propaganda slogans were very common on aircrafts and “Za Stalina”, for Stalin, was also found on the famous Polikarpov I-16 type 24 fighters.

Artwork description: Enamel painted aluminium plates riveted to cardboard panel and curved on a foam board structure. Approximate size 102 x 76 cm.

Price: AUD$ 750.00