You're supporting Brooke supporting DH's reply to my original argument that Il2's FM is bunk when it has a stabilizer (unique vstab, not one of two/four hstab) completely removed but for two stubs, and the plane still maneuvering at combat performance.
I've never played IL2. It's tempting to buy, but it'd be just for the eye candy, other than that I'd have no interest. I'm told by many it's flight model "is unrealistic" in comparison with Aces High, which keeps me a loyal HTC customer.
I just posted a picture of the Brazilian P-47 that hit a Factory's Chimney in Italy in a low level Ground Attack mission(I know they were based in Italy, but don't know exactly where that raid went to). It's a cool picture, because even after the impact stresses and damage, three guys are able to climb onto it. I'm sure it wasn't easy to nurse home. I don't know about the Stabilizers on that Jug, my guess is that they were unaffected, judging by the damage distance from the wing spar.
I have no inclination to go to the lengths that CoprHead did and install TW, because Dale's Company is top notch. Not only does Dale constantly improves this game, no matter how many folks whine. But, he listens to our bug reports and promptly enacts them, which larger companies won't do and will not hesitate to flip the consumer off. Thank God Dale and HTC care enough a lot their product and customers.
EDIT: Found a somewhat clearer picture and some more info.

On January 27, 1945 the P-47D, A-6, piloted by Lt. Raymundo Canario (50 combat missions) lost 128cm (roughly 4.1 feet) of his right wing after hit a chimney during an attack, but was able to return safely.
Although, looking at other angles, I'm guessing at least 5 feet are missing from the wing. I'll leave that up to you guys.