The Untold Stories of Soviet Fighters and Attack Planes Before WWII Before World War II, Soviet aviation underwent a radical transformation led by the Polikarpov design bureau. The I-16 "Ishak," introduced in 1934, was a revolutionary low-wing monoplane reaching speeds of 280 mph. It dominated early conflicts like the Spanish Civil War. Alongside it, the maneuverable I-153 Chaika biplane hit 273 mph. These rugged machines prioritized agility and firepower, testing innovative retractable landing

Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today, we’re visiting the world’s first low-wing monoplane fighter with retractable landing gear that entered operational service, the Polikarpov I-16. This Soviet aircraft was a revolutionary design that saw combat in the Spanish Civil War, in China, and WWII. To purchase the Coloring Book - WWII Planes, please visit https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/product/coloring-book-wwii-planes/?utm-source=facebook-warbird-wednesday | Palm Springs Air Museum

Here's a video from my library... We're happy to say the Polikarpov I-16 Fighter has finally arrived at Fantasy of Flight. Watch here as the FoF crew accepts her into their care, and makes her comfortable in her new home. She'll be gently pampered as we work towards bringing her back to flying glory! Stay tuned. | Kermit Weeks