The IL-2 series has some Collector Planes that exist alongside the rest of the Great Battles Series. Although each of these following planes aren’t connected to one of the IL-2: Great Battles releases directly, they do fit into different historical points in history. This entry in the Gazetteer will help provide context for IL-2’s Collector Planes.
Yak-1B Series 127
The Yak-1 series progressed over the course of the war with numerous modifications all aimed at making the fighter into an ever more effective fighting machine. The Yak-1B Series 127 represents an early to middle 1943 Yak-1 fighter packed full of improvements from earlier versions.
A new propeller, revised aerodynamics, refined construction, removal of the twin ShVAK 7.92mm machine guns in favour of the more powerful Berezin UB 12.7mm firing through the propeller arc, and the vastly improved visibility afforded by the bubble canopy turned the Yak-1B into one of the best fighters of the first part of WWII and an ace maker in the Soviet fighter pilot ranks.
Pros
- Lighter and faster than earlier iterations of the Yak-1
- Excellent handling attributes
- Outstanding 360 degree vision from the cockpit
Cons
- Small ammo supply
- High altitude performance is not as good as opposing fighters
Best used with: IL-2: Battle of Kuban
Ju52/3m
The Luftwaffe’s ubiquitous tri-motor transport aircraft was used in every major operation undertaking by German during World War II from the first day to nearly the last. Though not particular fast or advanced, the Ju-52’s versatility as a troop transport, cargo carrier, and participation in some of the largest airborne assaults in history cement the Ju52’s reputation.
Pros
- Versatile cargo carrying transport
- Easy to fly
- Tough and reliable
Cons
- Slow top speed and low ceiling make the aircraft easily intercepted by enemy fighters
Best used with: Any series title
La-5FN Series 2
The La-5 Series 8 was proof of the concept of putting a powerful radial engine in a LaGG-3 could elevate that aircraft to a higher performance level. The La-5FN is that concept fully realized with one of the highest performing fighter interceptors of WWII.
Twin synchronized 20mm ShVAK cannons, bubble canopy, and one of the fastest low altitude top speeds makes the La-5FN a fearsome opponent with few weaknesses. Somewhat less agile than the Yak-1B, the La-5FN is nonetheless a relatively agile fighter able to match and exceed German fighters right up through medium altitudes.
Pros
- Well armed
- Very good visibility
- Excellent roll rate at most speeds
- Extremely fast at low and medium altitudes
Cons
- Average turn rate
- Limited range
- High altitude performance still not able to match the Bf109
Best used with: IL-2: Battle of Kuban
Bf109G-6
Though slightly compromised, the Bf109G-6 is one of the most produced Bf109 variants of WWII and comes with some advantages of its own. Though heavier and slightly less agile than earlier versions of the Bf109, the G-6 makes up for its deficiencies by hitting much harder than earlier versions with two standard MG131 heavy machine guns in the nose, a standard MG151/20 cannon in the nose or an optional MK108 30mm cannon that can devastate bombers and fighters in precious few hits.
The G-6 may have some of its performance compromised by the added equipment, but it remains one of the top fighters in any comparison.
Pros
- Well armed with standard heavy machine guns
- Optional MK108 30mm cannon is a powerhouse
- Standard Bf109 capabilities still apply with excellent high and medium altitude performance including speed and climb rate (though slightly diminished)
Cons
- The Bf109G-6 lacks some of the crisp handling of earlier models
- Vulnerable to light battle damage
Best used with: IL-2: Battle of Kuban
U-2VS
Designed to be a simple to maintain and fly trainer aircraft, the Polikaprov U-2 was pressed into service in a wide variety of mission types. It’s use as a night time attack and troop harassment aircraft gained notoriety with the all-female ‘Night Witches’ which used the aircraft to good effect.
Pros
- Very easy to fly and handle
- Flexible mission types with optional guns, bombs, rockets, and rear gunner position
Cons
- Very slow
- Vulnerable to enemy fighters and flak
Best used with: IL-2: Battle of Moscow, Stalingrad and Kuban
Yak-9
Based on the popular Yak-7B, the Yak-9 started life as a Yak-7 design that added a new bubble canopy, slightly reduced armament to improve power to weight, and redesigned wings as well as dozens of other refinements. The result was one of the most produced fighter series of WWII and a stalwart of the Soviet’s eastern front fighter fleet from late 1942 until the end of the war.
The Yak-9 (Series 1) represents an early production version of the Yak-9. It comes standard with a bubble canopy, synchronized UBS 12.7mm machine gun, 20mm ShVAK cannon firing through the propeller hub, and a M-105PF in-line engine. Modifications for the type include a reflector (rather than ring and bead) gunsight, rear view mirror, and landing light.
Pros
- Easy, predictable handling and engine management
- Excellent 360 degree visibility
- Higher dive speed than most other Yak fighters
Cons
- Average speed and climb versus contemporary German fighters
- Controls lock-up at higher speeds
Best used with: IL-2: Battle of Kuban
Yak-9T
A modification of the basic Yak-9 design that put a priority on bringing greater firepower to the Yak-9 fighter series. The Yak-9T saw the integration of the Nudelman-Suranov NS-37 into the nose of the fighter firing the powerful 37×198 mm cannon round in either armor piercing or high explosive. The cannon was intended for use against other aircraft including bombers and recon aircraft, however, it was also useful for attacking small ships, vehicles, and even some tanks.
The installation of the cannon pushes the cockpit back several centimeters although the overall weight of the installation was minimal meaning that the better armed Yak-9T was not hindered by the added firepower. The Yak-9T was the most produced version of the Yak-9 fighter series and was a powerful contender in the skies over eastern Europe until the end of the war.
Pros
- Easy, predictable handling and engine management
- Excellent 360 degree visibility
- Powerful and rapid firing 37mm cannon ideal for taking out larger air targets and some ground targets
- Higher dive speed than most other Yak fighters
Cons
- Average speed and climb versus contemporary German fighters
- Controls lock-up at higher speeds
Best used with: IL-2: Battle of Kuban
Stormbirds 