Steve Ferguson (American, B. 1946) "Ilyshin II-2" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the Ilyshin II-2 from the 100 Year of Powered Flight Collection. Sergei V. Ilyushin began work on what be called his "Flying Tank" in 1937, integrating an armored steel, nickel and molybdendum shell into an airframe that protected the crew, engine and fuel system. Stalin approved the design in early 1938, and construction began in February 1939, with the first flight in December of that year. While early Il-2s were single seaters, later models had two seats. They were few in number and relatively vulnerable to attack from the rear. But as their great utility was realized, more and more were built, with the total manufactured exceeding 36,000, more than any other World War II aircraft with the possible exception of the Polikarpov Po 2. The Il-2 became an increasingly important element of the Red Air Force, and its pilots extremely proficient in close air support. Image Size: 16.25 x 14 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B17144) See More