The Polikarpov I-16 was a revolutionary Soviet fighter aircraft of the 1930s. It holds the distinction of being the world's first operational low-wing cantilever monoplane fighter with retractable landing gear.
Key Characteristics
Design: Features a distinctive "stubby" or barrel-like fuselage with a mixed construction of wood and metal.
Speed: At its introduction in 1934, it was one of the fastest fighters in the world. Early variants reached 360 km/h, while the final Type 24 variant could reach 489 km/h.
Armament: Typically equipped with two to four 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns. Later versions were fitted with 20 mm ShVAK cannons, RS-82 rockets, or small bombs.
Nicknames: Soviet pilots called it "Ishak" (Little Donkey). During the Spanish Civil War, it was known as the "Mosca" (Fly) by Republicans and the "Rata" (Rat) by Nationalists.
Operational History
Spanish Civil War (1936–1939): It dominated the skies until the arrival of the German Messerschmitt Bf 109, which proved superior in speed and altitude.
Battles of Khalkhin Gol (1939): It fought successfully against Japanese aircraft, where it was the first to use unguided RS-82 rockets in combat.
World War II: It was the backbone of the Soviet Air Force during the German invasion (Operation Barbarossa) in 1941. Although outclassed by 1941, it remained in frontline service until 1943 due to its incredible maneuverability in dogfights.
Ramming Tactics: Due to its rugged construction, Soviet pilots frequently used it for Taran (ramming) attacks against enemy bombers when they ran out of ammunition.

The I-16 was notoriously difficult to fly because it was intentionally designed to be aerodynamically unstable to increase maneuverability. While challenging for novices, it was a deadly weapon in the hands of an experienced ace.

Activation group
Ag-1>Open Canopy
Ag-2>Engine
Ag-3>Wheels