Soviet Ilyushin IIs or DC-3s of 1955

Over the water the twin engine plane roars, carrying Soviet Airmail. The aircraft pictured is remarkably like the DC-3. Some say this is due to a lend-lease program with the U.S. During World War II, the DC-3 found a place in the Soviet Union under lend-lease programs, so it is not surprising that they could have seen duty as mail planes in the mid 1950s. Others identify the aircraft illustrated as an Ilyushin II-12, which seems to have merit as well, as that would have been a frequently seen aircraft built domestically.

Another depiction of the transport plane over wilderness.

Return to the Russia/Soviet Union Air Mail Pavilion

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Justin Milliun