This is the ICM kit of the legendary I-153 Soviet fighter, the last and most perfect of the N.N. Polikarpov design bureau biplane fighter family. It had a gull or v-shaped upper wing, hence the nickname ‘Chaika’ or ‘Seagull’, which became its official second name, also retractable chassis and four ShKAS machine guns. It had an M-62 radial engine while later versions had a more powerful M-63.
Actually today most researchers and aircraft connoisseurs do not rate the Chaika very highly, as they consider producing biplanes during 1938-40 a mistake.
After the Spanish Civil war, monoplanes showed their superiority to bi-planes, but they continued to be produced.
To achieve an increase in speed while retaining manoeuvrability was only possible by reducing aerodynamic drag. Therefore, the aircraft was equipped with an upper wing of the ‘seagull’ type.
The maiden flight of the Chaika was in August 1938. During 1939-41, 3,437 I-153s were produced. In the summer of 1941, the Chaika was the basis of Soviet Fighter Aviation together with the I-16. They were used in combat until 1943.
She is a beauty. Like the choice of colour. Keep up the good work
Thanks I like the colours too. Will try to keep production going!
Nice simple colour scheme, shows off her attractive lines .That top scheme would be a challenge though!
Thanks. It is a nice simple scheme for a change. The top one was tempting would have needed a fine brush for all the squiggles. The 1930s is an interesting transitional period in aircraft design. Took some a while to realise bi-planes were obsolete.