Description
Created in the Polikarpov Design Bureau in 1938. It is a direct development (the third version, which is reflected in the title) of the I-15 aircraft. The main difference is retractable wheels (skis). In addition, much of the design has been revised. Introduced armored back. It was considered the most advanced serial fighter of this scheme.
The first twenty I-153 aircraft took part in the battles on the Khalkhin Gol River in early July 1939. In the first clash, Japanese fighters made the mistake of mistaking the I-153 for the I-15 and suffered losses [3], but even then they suffered heavy losses and could only be used in conjunction with the I-16.
Used in China, took part in the Finnish campaign. Some aircraft were captured by the Finnish Air Force.
By the beginning of World War II, it was completely outdated and, due to its low speed, could not even catch up with some modifications of the Ju.88 and Dornier, not to mention fighters (Bf.109). However, at the beginning of the war it was used as a fi