Fairey Battle as an RAF Sturmovik?

[Larry]

Considering how similar the performance was between the Battle and the Sturmovik, did the RAF miss a trick in not developing it in the same way the Russians did with the Il-2? Both types suffered high losses when first used.

Fairey Battle - Performance

Maximum speed: 257 mph at 15,000 ft (4,600 m)
Range: 1,000 mi
Service ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Rate of climb 1,250 ft/min

Ilyushin IL-2 Sturmovik - Performance

Maximum speed: 257 mph
Range: 450 miles
Service ceiling: 18,045 ft
Rate of climb: 2,050 ft/min