The Polikarpov I-16, nicknamed "Rata," was a revolutionary Soviet fighter designed in the 1930s as the world's first operational cantilever monoplane with retractable landing gear. The stubby, sturdy aircraft saw extensive combat in the Spanish Civil War and on the Eastern Front of World War II, remaining active until 1943. This specific Type 24 variant, built in 1940, was recovered from an Eastern Front crash site in 1991 and meticulously restored.
This reference photo pack provides a comprehensive study of the Polikarpov I-16's unique geometry. It offers close-ups of the short, barrel-like fuselage, the radial cowling with adjustable cooling shutters. The pack includes views of mechanical landing gear, and the green wartime camouflage scheme, serving as a practical resource for 3D modelers, concept artists, and aviation enthusiasts.