February 2018 FLYPAST 79
Sturmovik reborn
An underwater view of the exhaust stacks of the Il-2. Despite their initial appearance they were
found to be in surprisingly good condition. ALL VIA MARK SHEPPARD
The Il-2 emerges from Lake Krivoe in June 2012. The front fuselage is in good condition, but the
rear section has snapped off.
A view of the fuselage being restored. Note the robust construction of the airframe. The Il-2’s machine-gun ring was successfully restored, despite being severely corroded
when found.