Ilyushin Il-1

Ilyushin

Industry	Aerospace, Defense
Founded	1933
Founder	Sergey Ilyushin
Headquarters	Moscow , Soviet Union

The Ilyushin Il-1 (Russian: Илью́шин Ил-1) was a Soviet fighter aircraft conceived during World War II by the Ilyushin design bureau. Initiated in 1943, this armored fighter was intended for combat at low to medium altitudes against advanced German fighters. However, by its maiden flight in 1944, the Soviet forces had already secured air superiority, rendering the Il-1 unnecessary. Only a single prototype was constructed, yet its two-seat attack variant evolved into the successful Ilyushin Il-10.

Development

In 1943, Sergey Ilyushin commenced development of a new armored fighter designated the Il-1, available in both single- and dual-seat configurations. While bearing resemblance to the Ilyushin Il-2, the Il-1 featured a more streamlined and compact design, powered by the new Mikulin AM-42 engine. It retained the stressed armored shell concept protecting both pilot and engine, similar to the Il-2, but enhanced protection was achieved by relocating the oil cooler and radiator inside the armored shell. These components were cooled through ducts at the wing roots that vented via an armored opening on the underside. The landing gear retracted rearward, with wheels rotating flat to fit within the wing structure. Armament comprised two VYa-23 cannons carried over from the Il-2, which represented its sole fixed weaponry. Under overload conditions, it could externally carry up to 200 kg (440 lb) of bombs. Additionally, a cassette containing ten AG-2 aerial grenades was installed for deployment against pursuing enemy fighters.

The Il-1’s inaugural flight took place on 19 May 1944, during which it achieved a maximum speed of approximately 580 km/h (360 mph) in manufacturer trials. Despite this, its performance lagged behind existing Soviet fighters in service at that time, prompting Ilyushin to forgo submitting it for official State acceptance testing.

From the outset, Ilyushin planned to adapt the two-seat version of the Il-1 into a ground attack aircraft. This model was redesignated as the Ilyushin Il-10 in April 1944—since odd numbers were reserved for fighters. The Il-10 conducted its first flight on 19 April 1944 and successfully passed state evaluation trials shortly thereafter.

Operators

Template:USSR

• Soviet Air Force