Polikarpov I-16 "Rata"
Fighter Factory

The Polikarpov I-16 prototype flew for the first time on New Years Eve day, 1933. There were only a small number of the original I-16's built, five of which participated in the 1935 May Day fly-past over Red Square in Moscow. These were the first low-wing, single seat fighters with retractable landing gear, to enter into service anywhere in the world. Originally, the aircraft were built with American Wright Cyclone engines, but they were soon substituted with Russian engines built under license. Because of the new style of this plane, many pilots initially found it difficult to fly.

Therefore, several two seat advanced trainers were built. A few planes were built with enclosed canopies, different gun configurations, skis for landing on the ice and snow, and many other variations. Most countries' air forces underestimated the abilities of the I-16, because of it's stubby appearance. It quickly gained respect and the name Rata (rat) as it fired 1,800 rounds per minute and flew 70 mph faster than most fighters of that time.

The Spanish Republicans received 475 I-16's from Russia, and even locally built some of their own. Polikarpov I-16's fought against the Japanese over China and Manchuria while armed with airborne rockets The I-16 fought for Spain, China, was instrumental to the Soviets success during the 'Winter War' against Finland, and fought bravely in Operation Barbarossa launched by the Germans in 1941. During this war with Germany, the Polikarpov I-16 began to be outclassed. Therefore, the Soviet fighters would sometimes deliberately ram their planes into the opposing German fighters and bombers, risking their planes and their own lives for the defense of their Motherland.

The Fighter Factory's airworthy Polikarpov I-16, White #28, was found in Karelia in 1991. The data plates recovered at the wrecksite reveal that this I-16 was produced at the Gorky Aircraft Plant #21 in late 1939. The fabric found among the wreckage showed the paint scheme of the Red Army Air Force of 1941, which were black spots over dark green. This airplane flew with the 155th Fighter Squadron and likely crashed in 1941- 42.

Polikarpov I-16 Photos

Polikarpov I-16 parts