Active 1942–49 Branch Soviet Air Force | Country Soviet Union Type Aviation corps | |
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Engagements World War II
Battle for Velikiye Luki
Demyansk Pocket
Belgorod-Khar'kov Offensive Operation
Battle of the Korsun–Cherkassy Pocket
Dnieper-Carpathian Offensive
Lvov–Sandomierz Offensive
Vistula-Oder Offensive
Lower Silesian Offensive
Upper Silesian Offensive
Battle of Berlin
Prague Offensive Decorations Order of the Red Banner
Order of Suvorov
Order of Kutuzov | ||
The 1st Guards Assault Aviation Corps ('1st Gv shak' ) was a military formation of the Red Air Force during the Second World War, and of the Soviet Air Force until 1949. It was then renamed the 60th Guards Assault Aviation Corps, and was active until its disbandment in 1956. Its primary aircraft was the Ilyushin Il-2 'Sturmovik'.
Contents
In the Battle of Kursk (Operation Citadel), General Vasily Ryazanov became a master in the use of attack aircraft en masse, developing and improving the tactics of Il-2 operations in co-ordination with infantry, artillery and armored troops. Il-2s at Kursk used the "circle of death" tactic: up to eight Sturmoviks formed a defensive circle, each plane protecting the one ahead with its forward machine guns, while individual Il-2s took turns leaving the circle, attacking a target, and rejoining the circle. Ryazanov was later awarded the Gold Star of Hero of Soviet Union twice, and the 1st Assault Aircraft Corps under his command became the first unit to be awarded the honorific title of Guards. In 1943, one loss corresponded to 26 Sturmovik sorties. About half of those lost were shot down by fighters, the rest falling to anti-aircraft fire.
Designations
Creation
The 1st Assault Aviation Corps was formed by an NKO Order dated September 10, 1942, from the 2nd Fighter Aviation Army. Part of the order establishing the corps said:
Part of the 'Operational Army'
The 1st Assault Aviation Corps was part of the 'operational army' (in combat) from October 17, 1942 to February 5, 1944, a period of 477 days. The corps was still part of the 'operational army' after its elevation to Guards status and remained in combat until 11 May 1945. The corps thus spent 937 days in combat.