History of the usage of Military Aircraft  |  Aircraft Series  |  By Justin Schatzki

In 1942, when they invaded the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics with the launch of Operation Barbarossa, the Germans found themselves fighting the Soviets. In the same year the Soviets had produced two aircraft that would change aviation history. These were the IIyushin II-2 Sturmovik and The Yakolev Yak-9.

The Yak-9 was a variable fighter aircraft that was faster and more maneuverable than the German Messerschmitt BF109 fighter plane, and in later models had its armament improved to match its Nazi rival. The Sturmovik was designed as a ground attack plane, usually used to destroy tanks. The Sturmovik was very heavily armed and armored, so it was described as “the flying tank” by its pilots.

At first, the Russian pilots did not have the training to use these planes effectively, and they were usually killed. Once the Russian pilots had better trained themselves and had better experience with these planes, though, the Red Air Force proved to be an extremely formidable opponent. These planes caused havoc among German  pilots and troops alike, especially during winter. With the help of these warplanes, the Nazi forces were driven back into Germany.