The Il-4 began as the DB-3F, but in this comparison the accumulated changes made it a substantially different aircraft. A Merlin-to-Griffon Spitfire represents an evolutionary change that can remain within one familiar type. The larger step from Hurricane to Tempest better captures the DB-3-to-Il-4 relationship. The Hornet and Super Hornet analogy adds an institutional warning: retained designations can conceal major changes in structure, performance, and mission equipment.
Notable Point · 14:16-15:23
The Il-4 was more than a renamed DB-3
Comparisons with the Spitfire, Hurricane, Tempest, Hornet, and Super Hornet explain why a shared lineage need not mean the same aircraft.