Air RB / Aircraft Database / Profile
IL-28Sh
USSR · Rank V · Bomber
- Acquisition Type
- Tech Tree
- Air RB battle rating
- 8.0Observed October 8, 2026
Weapons & equipment checked October 14, 2026.
Aircraft overview
IL-28Sh needs a bombing route that leaves a way home. Check where friendly bombers are heading, choose your target and watch the enemy climb. Once the bombs are away, leave the target area before deciding whether to make another run.
How to fly it
Set up the first engagement
Approach behind friendly fighters and choose a ground target close enough to their cover. Keep room for a pullout before aiming.
Finish the run and leave
Make the attack, clear the target and check the sky. Repeated circles over the same ground position give fighters and anti-aircraft guns time to set up.
Know when to break off
If an interceptor reaches the run, leave the bombsight and deal with the attack. Choose a new release line only after you have room again.
Common mistakes
- Forcing the original plan. Losing the surrounding fight while concentrating on a second ground target.
- Watching only the bombsight. Check the sky during the approach and after release. A good drop does not help you survive the interception.
Strengths & limitations
Strengths
Make the first burst count
With 2 × 23 mm NR-23 cannon, line up the shot before you close. Fire a short burst as the target crosses the sight, then look outside the gunsight before deciding to follow.
Choose the payload for the route
250 kg FAB-250M-46 bomb gives you a bombing load to plan around. Set the release sequence for the target before takeoff. Do not empty the whole load onto an already burning base just because it was the closest one.
Limitations
The bombing line is predictable
An interceptor can aim well ahead of a bomber holding a steady course. Break the run if necessary; remaining lined up with the target is not worth giving them a free attack.
Do not offer a settled interception
A fighter lining up behind you has time to aim if you hold the same course. Interrupt the attack and head toward cover; defensive guns, when fitted, do not make a straight escape safe.
Recommended Air RB loadouts
Set up the bomb release
For 250 kg FAB-250M-46 bomb, set the release sequence before takeoff and watch what the first drop does. Base durability varies between missions; stop dropping when the target is already finished.
Radar & defenses
React to warnings in time
A radar warning matters even when you nearly have your own shot. Make room to defend, and keep looking for infrared launches that the RWR cannot announce.
Ground attack & CAS
Bomb the route you planned
With 250 kg FAB-250M-46 bomb, line the release up early and leave once the drop is complete. Do not drag a loaded bomber into low circles over individual tanks; it gives fighters and ground defenses time to aim.
Handling & fuel
Leave room for the loaded aircraft
Begin the pullout before the terrain forces it. A heavy load makes a last-second correction a bad plan; line the run up early and abandon an awkward angle.
Plan the return
Check fuel after the opening fight, especially if you have spent the approach on high power. Allow for the flight back and landing rather than using the hangar endurance as an afterburner timer.
Battle Rating History
| Observation | Battle rating |
|---|---|
| October 8, 2026 · Archive | 8.0 |
Unchanged on . Profile rating observed October 8, 2026: 8.0.