The AM-38F was designed for a single purpose: to haul the heavily armored Il-2 through low-altitude attacks while absorbing battle damage. It prioritized low-altitude power and durability over high-altitude performance, a design brief written by the Eastern Front itself.
AM-38F Design and Combat Role
The primary subject of this technical guide focuses on the Mikulin AM-38F engine, engineered specifically for V12, Liquid-Cooled, Supercharged Piston applications. Below is an essential digest of this powertrain configuration.
• Il-2 Shturmovik powerplant
• 1,720 hp low-altitude rating
• 46.9L supercharged V12
• Liquid-cooled
AM-38F Specification Summary
46.9 L V12; 1,720 hp at low altitude; liquid-cooled; single-stage supercharger optimized for low-level power; dry weight approximately 880 kg.
The AM-38F’s supercharger was tuned for maximum power near sea level, where the Il-2 did its work, rather than for altitude. That choice gave the Shturmovik the thrust to climb away from a target after a rocket or bomb run while carrying armor that weighed more than a ton. The engine’s liquid cooling allowed a tight cowling that protected it from small-arms fire, and its V12 layout kept the frontal area small enough to fit the Il-2’s narrow nose.
| Configuration | V12, 60-degree |
|---|---|
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 46.9 L |
| Power | 1,720 hp (low altitude) |
| Supercharger | Single-stage, low-altitude tuned |
| Weight | ~880 kg |
| Fuel | Aviation gasoline |
Aircraft Powered by the AM-38F
This engine model is deployed across various operational frameworks. Here is a breakdown of the typical machine or vehicle applications using this unit:
Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik (later variants), Ilyushin Il-10
Pros & Advantages
Low-altitude power optimization; liquid cooling for tight cowling; robust under battle damage.
Cons & Disadvantages
Poor high-altitude performance; heavy for its power class; maintenance-intensive in field conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why was the AM-38F tuned for low altitude?
A1: The Il-2 attacked ground targets from low level, so the supercharger was optimized for maximum power near sea level rather than at altitude.
Q2: What aircraft used the AM-38F?
A2: The Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik later variants and the Il-10 were the primary AM-38F applications.
Q3: How much did the AM-38F weigh?
A3: Approximately 880 kg dry, substantial for a V12 of its displacement.
It was robust enough for frontline service, though field maintenance in Russian winter conditions was demanding.