two pictures of the Polikarpov I-16 "Rata." designed by Nikolai N. Polikarpov and first flown in December, 1933. at it's introduction the I-16 was the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. a low wing monoplane with retracting landing gear and a top speed of 304mph. even though obsolete by the time, it continued in service throughout WW2. the I-16 fought against the Spanish Nationalists, the Japanese, and the Germans among others. it was called "Rata" or Rat in derision by the Spanish Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War. the name seems to have stuck. several Soviet airmen made aces of themselves in this aircraft.
two pictures of the Polikarpov I-16 "Rata." designed by Nikolai N. Polikarpov and first flown in December, 1933. at it's introduction the I-16 was the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. a low wing monoplane with retracting landing gear and a top speed of 304mph. even though obsolete by the time, it continued in service throughout WW2. the I-16 fought against the Spanish Nationalists, the Japanese, and the Germans among others. it was called "Rata" or Rat in derision by the Spanish Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War. the name seems to have stuck. several Soviet airmen made aces of themselves in this aircraft.
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