{"product_id":"9781846032967","title":"Il-2 Shturmovik Guards Units of World War 2","description":"Over 43,000 Il-2\/10s were built between 1941 and 1955, more than any other combat aircraft in history, making this one of the most important Soviet aircraft deployed in World War II (1939-1945). Built originally as a two-seater, the Il-2 had lost the rear gunner's position by the time the aircraft started to reach frontline units. Armed with ground-attack rockets, the aircraft proved deadly against Wehrmacht panzers as pairs of Il-2s roamed the frontline at low level. However, the Shturmoviks (armored attackers) were vulnerable to attack from the rear by enemy fighters, so Ilyushin reverted to the two-seat layout in September 1942. Oleg Rastrenin provides a fascinating account of the complex development history of a plane that was crucial to Russia's defense. From Stalingrad to Kursk to Berlin, this book charts the airplane's vital contribution to the most famous battles of the Eastern front.","brand":"Osprey Publishing, Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47038034903280,"sku":"9781846032967","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781846032967_p0.jpg?v=1763749350","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781846032967","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}