Polikarpov I-153 „Chaika“ – the Soviet fighter

In 1937 N. Polikarpov built a new fighter - biplane I-153. It was the result of a further development of the I-15bis, but the aerodynamics of this aircraft were greatly improved, the structure was strengthened and a retractable landing carriage was used. The upper wing was again of the "seagull" type and this name (Russian: «Чайка») was given to the plane itself. During the test in 1938 the I-153 showed excellent results (with the same engine as the I-15bis, the speed increased by 41-45 km/h). In 1939 serial production of "Chaika" was started. In the same year the more powerful and high-altitude M-62 engine and variable-pitch propeller were installed on the planes, which further improved the fighter's flight characteristics. The I-153 performed well in aerial combat in Mongolia, where it had the upper hand against Japanese fighters. But the days of maneuverable biplanes have already passed, high-speed monoplanes have already become dominant in serial production. In the summer of 1941, "Chaika", together with other fighters of the Polikarpov design I-16, formed the basis of the fighter aviation of the USSR AF. In the first weeks of the war they suffered huge losses, as they could not compete with the monoplane fighters of Germany and its allies. In 1944 the surviving I-153s no longer participated in the offensive operations of the Red Army, but served as support and patrol aircraft. 3,437 I-153 fighters were produced.

A small, medium-complexity, well-designed and richly detailed model for intermediate to advanced modelers. However, working under the supervision of a more experienced modeler, this model should be easy assembled by both advanced beginners and novice modelers. Only they would have to sacrifice - engine detailing, simplify the cabin interior, and make the intake carriage - flight phase.