Polikarpov I-15bis

Polikarpov · Soviet Union · first flew 1937 · fighter

The Polikarpov I-15bis (also called I-152) was an improved variant of the I-15 biplane fighter, retaining the gull-wing upper centre section and adding a more powerful M-25V radial engine.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	6.27 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Single-engine biplane fighter with upper-wing gull-dip centre section
Radial engine with large Townend-ring cowling
Fixed spatted undercarriage and open cockpit

Biplane with a distinctive upper-wing gull dip, spatted fixed undercarriage, large radial engine with Townend ring, and open cockpit — distinguishable from the I-15 by the flattened upper wing centre section.

Specifications

The Polikarpov I-15bis has a length of 6.27 m (21 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10.2 m (33 ft).
Its maximum speed is 379 km/h (235 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Introduced in 1937 as a stopgap improvement over the original I-15, the I-15bis saw combat in Spain during the Civil War, the Battles of Khalkhin Gol, and the Winter War against Finland. By the time of the German invasion in 1941 it was obsolescent but still flew in the desperate early fighting. Production totalled around 2,408 aircraft.

Variants

The I-15bis was itself a development of the I-15; it was followed by the I-153 Chaika with a retractable undercarriage. Note: 'Chaika' (seagull) formally refers to the I-153, not the I-15bis.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the Soviet VVS and naval aviation, as well as Republican forces in Spain; exported to China and Mongolia.

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