1/32 ICM I-16 type 24, WWII Soviet Fighter

One of the first monoplane fighter aircraft with retractable landing gear was the I-16, developed in the N.N. Polikarpov Design Bureau.

The maiden flight was in December 30, 1934.

“Type 24” modification with M-63 engine and reinforced chassis was in production in 1939-1940. It were produced 934 I-16 type 24.

In the summer of 1941 I-16 fighters were the basis of Soviet Fighter Aviation. They participated in air battles in all sectors of the Soviet-German Front. I-16 fighters were used in combat until mid 1943.