Sturmovik, Stormovik, Shturmovik? Confused? We couldn't have the release of 1C: Maddox Game's IL-2 Sturmovik without Jim "Twitch" Tittle giving us the historical lowdown on this rugged, all-purpose, highly versatile, and mass-produced (36,163!) aircraft.

Truly an amazing machine, the IL-2s came in countless variations for almost any purpose you could imagine: air-to-air, air-to-ground, even air-to-sea. What's more, it truly was an equal opportunity weapon as many Russian women became air combat aces in Mr. Sergei Iluyshin's design.

Stalin compared it to "bread and air" as a vital need by the infantryman. Will the forthcoming IL-2 Sturmovik flight simulation title be able to virtually mimic its historical counterpart in its destructive ferocity? We certainly hope so.

There's not a lot of visable history for the IL-2 or VVS in NA. It's nice to see something that covers the Patriotic War.

TQM

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