The IL-2 is a Soviet ground attack aircraft from the Great Patriotic War. In 1941, the rapid advance of German troops deep into the country threatened the production of the AM-38 engine for this aircraft family. To expand the IL-2's engine base and increase the aircraft's combat survivability, Ilyushin approached the People's Commissar of the Aviation Industry on July 21, 1941, with a proposal to install an M-82 air-cooled engine on the aircraft. Additionally, the aircraft was to be modified to accommodate two crew members. The People's Commissariat of Aviation Industry leadership and the government responded favorably to the proposal, and on July 29, 1941, an order was issued to provide the designer with one ground attack aircraft and ensure its flight to Moscow. The chief designer was to manufacture a modified IL-2 with an M-82 by August 30 at the latest. Work on the aircraft continued until mid-1942, when it was stopped; production of the AM-38 resumed, eliminating the need for a different engine. The only IL-2 M-82 ever built never saw combat.

The IL-2 M-82 was introduced as one of the rewards for a World War season 3: Road to the West. Like other IL-2s, the aircraft has sturdy construction and good armor, ensuring high survivability. Its suspended weapons, including rockets and bombs, allow the attack aircraft to effectively combat armored vehicles. However, the IL-2 M-82 lacks speed and climbs poorly. Additionally, there is a weak spot in the aircraft's armor: the M-82 engine is unprotected and can easily be disabled.