Impact of Allied fighter-bombers

[Franek Grabowski]

Tony
I am not sure what do you mean by Polish blood resources. Could you clarify?
Concerning Russian/Soviet experiences, they were actually born in Poland in 1920 when dare attacks of Polish Brisfits decimated and panicked Budenny's cavalry. Proper conclusion of this highly manouverable war were drawn and ground attack aircraft secured their place in Soviet aviation. The question is if the way chosen was always perfect, but that is another matter.
Here is the point of widespread Il-2 myth. An armoured capsule was created and fitted with the most powerful engine available to get airborne. The problem was that in field conditions Il-2 could take some 500-600 kgs of bombs. Not very impressive. Due to weight and engine performance, mission profile was always quite low and the aircraft was exposed for a prolonged time to enemy groundfire. That said it is interesting note, those comments of that German guy. According to Soviet data some 4,500 aircraft were lost to Flak, 2,500 to fighters and 3,500 missing to unknown reasons. In 1944 alone those numbers were respectively 900, 1,900 and 600. Tremendous numbers considering rather limited presence of Luftwaffe and their allies. It is also a fact, Soviets returned to the concept of fighter-bomber, increasing their numbers, but the problem was in insufficient range of their designs.
That said, the concept of an armoured aircraft must be considered a wrong way, and it is confirmed by the concept of following ground attack aircraft, slightly armoured in weak points but with a strong structure, able to withstand a punch of enemy fire. Such aircraft is lighter and thus has better performances, the penalty being a higher damage rate. This is not that problem, however, as long as the pilot survives.