As requested in another thread, here's a place for the Fighters of the Soviet Union.
First up, we have the Polikarpov I-153 'Chaika' (which I think means 'Gull').
I-153 Chaika.jpg
This aircraft first flew in 1938 and had its combat debut against the Japanese in the Nomonhan Incident in 1939. Used extensively in the Winter War against Finland and during the early stages of Barbarossa participating in early defensive actions around Leningrad and Sevastopol. Totally outclassed by its opposition except in terms of manouverability, this aircraft was relegated to second line duties in mid 1943. Many examples were captured intact by both the Germans and the Finns, Finland employing their eleven bought airframes and eleven captured ones until 1944.
Maximum speed at sea level was 227 mph (366 kph) and armamnet varied but usually consisted of 4x7.62 machine guns and provision for 220lb (100kg) of bombs or 6x82mm RS-82 rockets.
The two aircraft pictured are genuine I-153s and ar photographed over the mountains of New Zealand.