Polikarpov I-5 – the USSR fighter

The history of this machine, which received the designation I-5, began in the summer of 1927, when Polikarpov designed a preliminary project of a fighter with an English engine Bristol "Jupiter", one of the best in terms of comparative power at that time. This engine allowed the plane to increase its maneuverability and rate of climb. The technical council of "Aviatrest" suggested to Polikarpov, that the new fighter be included in the pilot construction plan and to apply to AF with a request to prepare tactical and technical requirements for it. The I-5 consultation was to end in November 1929 and in September 1930 the aircraft was to be handed over for testing. Pilots quickly appreciated the positive qualities of the I-5. It was noted, that take-off and landing are simple, the plane can take off from small squares, is maneuverable, stable in flight with the engine running and hovering, easy to control, good pitching properties. I-5 had no complaints about ground services either - access to major hubs was very easy. But shortcomings were also found, mostly in the area of ​​the engine-propeller: the spark plugs did not last long, their wires were often filled with grease, exhaust gases seeped into the cockpit, and the fuel pump was installed in the wrong place. But the plane was recognized as very good and suitable for service in the AF and was serially produced and became the first mass-produced fighter of Soviet design. Most of the famous pilots of the time trained with him, pilots on the Republican side of the Spanish Civil War fought with these fighters.

A simple, well-designed and fairly well-detailed fighter model for modelers of all experience. Only advanced beginners and modelers with little experience are recommended to glue this model under the supervision of a more experienced modeler and a simplified version - without making a full engine model and simplifying the cockpit equipment. The model represents one of the fighters used in the USSR AF.