Polikarpov I-153 Chaika

The I-153 was the final biplane development of the Polikarpov I-5 of 1930.  Experience in the Spanish Civil War indicated to the Soviet Air Force that the maneuverability of the biplane was an important factor in fighter development, even though almost all other countries had accepted the monoplane design.  

The I-153 first flew in 1939 and was produced in quantity until late 1940 making it the last production front-line biplane fighter.

The I-153 was known as the Chaika (Seagull).

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