Wings of Russia: Shturmoviks and Frontline Bombers. Over the Battlefield. (Episode 7 of 18)

[randy95023]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this documentary. Back when I first started studying WW2 history in the early 70's, there was very little knowledge or discussion about the aircraft of the USSR. I've always admired the brilliance of Soviet Engineers. The simplicity and utility of their designs showed their genius. American aircraft were too technical and complex, requiring excessive training. Soviet IL2 and Yak fighters were magnificent! Thanks for posting these documentaries.

Peace, Randy

[BitnikGr]

@randy95023 Thank you for your good words.

Interesting fact is that Soviets didn't like US and British tanks they were receiving by Lend-Lease, but they loved trucks and Willies. Also, Soviets didn't like British fighters, they were quite "ok" with American ones, but they loved American bombers. If after-1943 Soviet fighters were better than German and American ones, then Soviet level bombers were never close to B-25 "Mitchell", B-17 and B-29. Soviet pilots loved B-25.

[jppged]

@BitnikGr From your recent upload from Voenno Delo I think they also liked the P-39 fighter ;)

[BitnikGr]

@jppged Not in same "as is" condition as bombers. Engines of P-39 and P-40 also had to be forced and 2 machine guns taken out from wings in order to fight on equal Bf-109E and F. As a result "Allison" engines could live only 50hours instead of 120. However, P-39 was better than Hurricaines and I-16s... no doubt.

[polygamous1]

Brilliant series of documentaries

[aserna32]

From 32:02 to 32:59 Was that excerpt from a movie or another documentary? I do not read, write, or speak the Russian language. Thank you. :)

[BitnikGr]

@aserna32 Yes. It's a movie footage. Movie is "Especially important task". "Mosfilm" studio production. 1980.

[BitnikGr]

@aserna32 probably translation of the title to "Especially important mission" is more appropriate.

[MingGuoLi]

00:57 what plane is that on the right? Looks like it has a air cooled engine.

[BitnikGr]

@MingGuoLi As I see it from 00:50 to 00:57 all planes are the same. Two-seater IL-2s.

[boffinboy100]

@BitnikGr

Yep, they're Ilyushin IL2 Sturmoviks.

[Corsair679]

I would like to have this on DVD

[MasterDiablo]

omfg this is such a great documentary, I've never seen such a good, big, unbiased and accurated documentary about Soviet/Russian aviation before, and I like the narator's voice, it's very clear to listen to, thx for updoading it, sorry for spamming but because I love it!!!