The “stump” on the starboard wing root of the Il-2 is the plane’s carburetor intake.
Since the big attack plane operated in mud, snow, and dust, it’s not surprising that the device has two modes—one of ground operations and one for cruising the skies.
The unit is affixed to the plane’s landing gear.
When the gear is down, the doors at the front of the unit close, sucking air through the filters mounted in the screens on the side of the unit.
When the gear is up, the strange rounded doors in the front of the unit open up, letting in cold, clean air.
Cory Graff is the military aviation curator for the Flying Heritage Collection.
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