The I-16 used extensively by the Republican forces in the Spanish Civil War where it dominated the bi-planes of the Nationalist forces. The Republicans forces called the I-16 Mosca or fly, while the Nationalsit refered to it as the Ratta or Rat. the I-16 pett much ruled the skies over Spain until the introduction of the Bf109.
The Polikarpov !-16 accounted for almost two-thirds of the Red Air Force inventory of fighter at the time of the Nazi Invasion. While inferior to the German Messerschmits and Focke-Wulf fighters in overall performance, in the hands of a skilled pilot the Mosca could be a formidable advisary.
As with last nights planes these flying I-16s are thew results of New Zealand's Sir Tim Wallis efforts in the 1990s. So on with the pics.
Of course the head on pic.
A stunnig shot of the I-16's planform in this picture.
A low pass shows off the stubby lines of the Mosca
This I-16 is owned by the Federación Infante de Orleans' IIRC. Translation anyone?
A Ratta taking off with a Seagull in trail.
And we close out tonite's Sortie with this pic of an I-16 being serviced priot to flight. Would not take to much imagination to see this as an airfield in 1941, eh?
Well that's it folks. I am off for 12 hours of frivolity and fun. Hope everynbody has a great week out there and we will see you next weekend.
Regards
alfa6 ;>}