Biplanes for ww2: where could've these still mattered?

[Dimlee]

Incidentally, the I-153s were quite successful in one of their most unusual roles - the night escort of the U-2. Funnily enough, but this function was of some use - losses of U-2s were reduced.
The Stalin's role in the development of the IL-2 was not decisive. The pilots immediately wanted a two-seat version, but Ilyushin could not provide the required characteristics, and Alekseyev (whom I mentioned above) insisted on a single-seat version. The result was a rather weird airplane, but still more efficient compared to all available alternatives (prototypes are not considered!). Stalin had no choice - he was forced to put the factory directors who, frankly speaking, had gotten a bit cocky by 1941, in their place. I am not justifying Stalin - only pointing out the specific features of the functioning of the system he created.

Yes, one of the typical examples of how the system worked.
Regarding the efficiency of Il-2 vs alternatives, I still think that Su-2 was a better choice in 1941-1942. But I confess to having an "anti-Ilyishin" bias. That man was the epitome of the system.

 

[Dimlee]

In 1941, the Gregor must do 370mph, or it will be hit and then run from. My estimate is that it does 310mph with 1200HP, and that is without military equipment. Any radial engined figher coming out in 1941 needed 2000HP.

I'm thinking about Gregor on the Eastern Front as a "Sturmovik". If Hs 123 and I-153 did that and were sought after...
Well, at least Gregor was better looking!

 

[bf109xxl]

Regarding the efficiency of Il-2 vs alternatives, I still think that Su-2 was a better choice in 1941-1942. But I confess to having an "anti-Ilyishin" bias. That man was the epitome of the system.

There is an opinion that the Sukhoi ShB with its 600 kg bomb load and almost all-wood fuselage would have been more optimal. But it was also equipped with the M-88 - it would require modification for the M-82.
The production of I-207 could be justified only by one factor: it could fly on B-70, taking into account the shortage of high-octane gasoline and potentially lower losses, it could significantly increase the number of combat sorties.

 

[The Stannum Liberator]

I mean the Norwegians used Gladiators to greater effect against the Germans early on. The Swedish Loaned Gladiators and Hawker Harts also were still used against the Soviets in Finland. There were many places where biplanes were still used and its not like they were totally obsolescent in the war, especially early on.

Any plane is better than no plane, and late biplanes like the Gloster Gladiators were still very useful.