The Polikarpov I-16 (Russian: Поликарпов И-16) is a Soviet single-engine single-seat fighter aircraft of revolutionary design; it was the world's first low-wing cantilever monoplane fighter with retractable landing gear to attain operational status and as such "introduced a new vogue in fighter design". [2]

The Russian designed Polikarpov I-16 fighter proved very successful in Spain. Despite being underpowered, the I-16 still achieved an incredible 234 mph (376 km/h) and was immediately put into mass production alongside the Polikarpov I-15 biplane fighter.

Jun 14, 2022 · In combat against titans like the Messerschmitt Bf-109 and Mitsubishi A6M Zero, the I-16, while not invulnerable by any stretch of the imagination, proved that with a good pilot, lightness and...

Zero, and swept the I-16 from the skies the fighter served until 1943 being replaced by more modern fighters. Anumber of I-16's have been restored, and a few are able to fly today. Operators: Russia, Nationalist China, Finland and Spain the Spanish used the I-16 until the 1950's Captured Aircraft:

Feb 15, 2008 · The resilient Polikarpov produced a revolutionary design for the world’s first monoplane fighter, the I-16 − a stubby monoplane optimized for speed like the air racers of the day.

Nov 2, 2020 · A contest between two very maneuverable aircraft: In the autumn skies of 1940 over China, the Zero was the clear winner (the I-16 was nearing the end of its ...

History: The first low-wing monoplane fighter with retractable landing gear to enter service, the Polikarpov I-16 was obsolete even before the Second World War began, yet plodded along as the Soviet Union's first line fighter until 1943 when the Red Air Force finally introduced top-notch aircraft to slug it out with the Luftwaffe for the ...

Mar 24, 2020 · Designed inside a prison labor camp, the Soviet I-16 was the first “modern” fighter, with mono-wings, enclosed cockpit, and retractable landing gear. “Icons of Aviation History” is a diary series...

Sep 2, 2019 · The I-16 Type 24 was introduced to the series with IL-2: Battle of Moscow and though the fighter is outclassed in most respects by its opponents, there’s something to the short and stubby Polikarpov fighter that transcends its performance numbers.

The Polikarpov I-16 was a Soviet fighter aircraft of revolutionary design; it was the world's first all- metal cantilever-winged monoplane fighter with retractable landing gear. The I-16 was introduced in the mid-1930s and formed the backbone of the Soviet Air …