During the Second World War, Germans captured no less than 100 Soviet Il-2 planes. They were never used (even for training purposes) because they had very poor technical data and pilotage capabilities. German were surprised why planes so poorly built as the Il-2 was produced and used in such large numbers. Using German standards this plane never could be used by Luftwaffe. Not only were the Germans disappointed, but also Hungarian and Finnish pilots. Those planes were used as ground targets and as trophy exhibited in main cities. Probably one plane was exhibited in Aviation Museum in Berlin.

Pair of single-seated Il-2 planes captured by Luftwaffe in 1941. Planes are probably repainted overall RLM 02 Grau (grey colour), however is quite possible, that planes are painted RLM 04 Gelb (yellow colour). (photo via Stapffer)

Page prepared by Peter 'Mikolaj' Mikolajski. Photography scanned from book "Il-2 Il-10" published by AJ-PRESS Publishing House. All rights reserved