In the early 70's the Soviet Air Staff commissioned a study of airpower in Close Air Support (CAS) and Counter Insurgency (COIN) warfare. One significant finding was the realization that the best aircraft to support friendly forces were not the latest, greatest, fastest jet fighters. But rather what worked best was a slower, more maneuverable, rugged aircraft that could get down low, find small targets, put heavy firepower on the target and survive intense ground fire. The ability to "dogfight" with the latest greatest jet fighters wasn't a major factor. Outside of the Yalu Valley in Korea or in North Vietnam, there weren't significant air to air threats to consider in the CAS/COIN operation. The USAF and Navy had to relearn this in Korea and ended up using Skyraiders, Corsairs, and Mustangs. They promptly forgot this lesson and had to relearn it again in Vietnam where once again the Skyraider was the best aircraft for the mission. The French in Indochina had found the same thing and their most effective aircraft were leftover WWII fighter-bombers and armed training aircraft. Interesting, the Soviet Union virtually invented this type of aircraft during WWII with their IL-2 Schturmovik. And there was a recommendation to bring the Schturmovik back to service. Most of the tooling was still available to begin new production. However, it was decided to update the Schturmovik with a new turboprop engine, new avionics, new cockpit systems, ejection seats and the ability to employ modern sensors and guided weapons. The rear seat gunner was retained, but was turned around to face forward and became a sensor system operator and observer. A number of these new Schturmoviks ended up in Africa and Asia fighting in the numerous "Small" wars of the 70's and 80's. One of these users was the Afghan Peoples Republic where they were used effectively again the Taliban and Mujaheddin fighters.
The model is the KP 1/72 IL-10 Schturmovik. The nose was redone with brass and steel tubing to make the turboprop. A new canopy found in the spare parts bucket. Modern weapons were added.
Ed
