[Geek44]

Oops, I messed that up and don't know how to fix it...bear with me please.
The aircraft in the 'attachments' above is the Polikarpov I-16.
This aircraft grew into many varied forms, mostly with changes to heavier armament. An innovation in its time, this aircraft first few in 1933 and was an early example of a low-wing monoplane fighter with retractable undercarriage although the pilot had to manually retract the wheels. Saw action in the Nomonhan Incident of 1939 but had its first real taste of combat in the Spanish Civil War where it was christened 'Rata' or rat because of its distinctive shape. Also saw service against Finland in the Winter War and early phases of Barbarossa. This aircraft equipped the first ever Soviet 'Guards' Fighter regiment and was withdrawn from front line duties by early 1943. Armaments varied. The 'Type 24' had 2x7.62 machine guns and 2xShVAK 20mm cannon plus provision for air-to-air or air-to-ground rockets or two chemical containers. Maximum speed was 326 mph at sea level (525 kph). Again, totally outclassed in most respects by its opposition after the beginning of Barbarossa, around 6,500 of this aircraft were built and saw service with the Soviets, China, Finland, Japan, Rumania and both the Republican and Nationalist air forces in Spain. As might be expected after so many were built, many survive today. This aircraft was very dangerous to fly, especially during take-off and killed many novices and negligent pilots through accidents.
More coming...