| Plane type & model |
Biplane fighter (I-153) |
Derivated from the biplane I-5 fighter, the I-15 mantained the same base form of the other plane. The prototype had a Wright engine ( 710 Cv ), but the series production (started in 1934) exemplars had to mount the M-22 Radial (that was produced in homeland and had only 480 Cv of power). The I-15, difficult but manouverable and effective, distinguished itself in the Spain Civil War ,so that it was built on license in 287 exemplars in the Spanish government ´s factories. In 1937 flew an improved version, yhe I-152 ´s prototype, that had a different superior wing, more engine power and weapons. The I-152 exited the production in 1939, but in 1938 already has flew the I-153 prototype, that had the retractile landing gear and , eventually, the M-62 engine. The last series of this plane were used in China (1938-1940) against the Japanese invasion, and also Finland used some planes captured and given by the Germans. In the first phases of WW2 these planes were used as ground attackers by the Soviets. |
