Polikarpov I-15, I-16 and I-153 Aces (Aircraft of the Aces)

Osprey Aircraft of the Aces - World War II - Allies & Independents Polikarpov I-15, I-16 and I-153 (MINT/New)Manufacturer: OspreyProduct Line: Aircraft of the Aces - World War II - Allies & IndependentsType: SoftcoverCode: OSPACE095Copyright Date: 2010Author: Mikhail MaslovPage Count: 96Please review the condition and any condition notes for the exact condition of this item. All pictures are stock photos. The condition of the item you will receive is MINT/New. Our grading system is explained in the terms of sale section of our bookseller page. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Product Description:The I-15, I-16 and I-153 fighters were the worldâs first mass-produced fighters. Some 17,000 Polikarpovs had been manufactured by the time production ceased in 1941. They served with the Republicans in the Spain, the Chinese against Japan in 1937â38, and the Soviets against both Japan in the Nomonhan Incident and Finland during the Winter War. By 1941, more than 20 Soviet pilots had made ace in Polikarpovs, and many more attained that status during the first months of the German invasion. Though thoroughly outclassed, the Polikarpov was the backbone of the Soviet air force during the early months of the war in the east, and continued to serve, as training aircraft and as frontline fighters, some right through to 1945.