Polikarpov I-16


The Polikarov I-16 first flew in 1934 and production started later that year. It was the first monoplane fighter with a retractable undercart and was quite fast for it's time. It's stubby appearance was the result of trying to reduce drag by making it as short as possible.

Doesn't that Russian chap look proud of his machine? Looks like a later model, possibly a Type 5.