Polikarpov I-16 Rata

[Synthetic]

Strange little plane. If planes were animals, I reckon this would be a Teddy Bear.

Picture (http://www.tidetech.com/fighterfactory/polii16rata.html)

Reading through the text, it states that one of the tactics they used was to bump into other aircraft, to knock them out of the sky. I have also heard that their props were re-inforced and would be used to nibble away at the tailplanes of other aircraft. Had I heard this from only one source, I would have dismissed it, but this is one of several. Anyone got any information?

[henry crun]

The Alpine Fighter Collection had six of them.

Click on the aircraft for more details here.

http://www.nzfpm.co.nz/welcome/welcome.htm

[Conc]

If my memory serves me well the act of taking out an enemies tailplane with the prop was called something like Taran? Anyway I believe it was quite a popular all be it desperate tactic used against the Germans.

[Ex Oggie]

Strange little plane. If planes were animals, I reckon this would be a Teddy Bear.

More like a baby grizzley with toothache! :)

[LowNSlow]

Lovely looking little aeroplane but open cockpit in a Russian winter ????? Bbbbbrrrrrrrrrr.

[treadigraph]

Saw a couple of the AFC Ratas plus a Chaika being displayed at Midland; I believe they may have stayed is the US... superb to see them flying!

I did hear some time ago that at least one Rata was to join a UK collection, anyone know if that is still the case?