Il-4

[Pips]

Here's some information from the book "Aircraft of WWII" by Stewart Wilson.

"The standard Soviet medium bomber of the War, the versatile and long range DB-3 series (renamed IL-4 in 1940 after it's designer Sergei Ilyushin) was used as a strategic and tactica bomber, torpedo bomber, glider tug, transport and reconnaissiance aircraft. Built in large numbers, the aircraft was the first Soviet type to bomb Berlin, on 8 August 1941.

Originally known as the TsKB-26, the first open cockpit DB-3 (for Dalni Bombardirovshchil - long range bomber) flew in May 1936. Powered by two 800hp Gnome-Rhone K-14 radials, these and other early models were distinguised by their blunt noses incorporating a gun turret.Following prototypes and initial production DB-3s were powered by 765hp M-85 and then 960hp M-86 engines and had enclosed cockpits. Deliveries began in early 1937 and 1528 had been built by mid 1939.

Production then switched to the major version, the DB-3F (IL-4) with M-86 engines originally and then more powerful M-88's with two speed superchargers. This model featured a redesigned and streamlined nose section without a gun turrent and was immediately put it mass production with more than 4,000 built in 1940 alone. Production of the all-metal bomber was threatened due to a shortage of strategic materials after Germany's Jume 1941 invasion, but a redesign incorporating wood in the structure(including the main spars) helped and production continued on a larger scale until 1944.

The DB-3 flew in both Soviet Air Force and Navy service and made it's operational debut against Finland in the Winter War of 1939-40. Torpedo carrying aircraft saw extensive service with the Soviet Navy's Baltic, Black Sea and Northern Fleets. The IL-4 remained in Soviet service un til well into the postwar era."

Production: Approx 6,800 including 1,528 DB-3B and 5,526 DB-3F.

Armament: DB-3F - three 7.62mm or 13mm machine guns in dorsal turret, nose and ventral positions; Max internal bomb load 2205lb (1000kg), max load 5511lb (2500kg) internallu and externally; or one 2072lb (940kg) torpedo under fuselage.

Performance: DB-3F - max speed 267mph (430km/h) at 21,980ft (6700m); cruise speed 199mph (320km/h); initial climb 868ft (265m)/minute; time to 21,980ft (6700m) 12.0min; service ceiling 31,825ft ( 9700m); range with 2205lb (1000kg) load 1616 miles (2600km); max range 2361 miles (3800km).