Zvezda 1/48 I-16 Soviet WWII Fighter # 4832

The I-16 Type 5 was the second serial modification of the fighter designed by N.N. Polikarpov.

A more powerful M-25 engine was installed in a modified cowl with improved aerodynamics, which increased the speed to 450 km/h, making the I-16 the fastest production aircraft of its time.

During the mass production in 1935-1938, more than 2200 planes were built. Taking into account combat and operational experience, the I-16 Type 5 was improved during production, introducing a reinforced wing, larger wheels and oil radiator.

Due to problems with the closed cockpit, an open-type cockpit was introduced.

I-16 type 5 was widely used in the Spanish Civil War in 1936-39, in the Japanese-Chinese War of 1937-45, in the conflict on Lake Khasan in 1938, in the conflict on Khalkhin-Gol in 1939 and in the Soviet-Finnish War of 1939-40.

The I-16 type 5 took part in the World War II until 1943 mainly as a light attack aircraft, for which purpose the armament was increased with four to six 82-mm unguided rocket launchers.