Polikarpov I-16 - Arrival at FoF

We're happy to say the Polikarpov I-16 Fighter has finally arrived at Fantasy of Flight. Watch here as the FoF crew accepts her into their care, and makes her comfortable in her new home. She'll be gently pampered as we work towards bringing her back to flying glory! Stay tuned.
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Kermit Weeks

[@ATMFoxtrot]

I bet this restoration project will be watched by all aviation enthusiasts from post-USSR countries! It is one of the most beloved planes here of the pre-war and early WW2 days. So good to see a piece of our history being professionally rebuilt, preserved in the air-worthy condition and flown! A ginuine soviet helmet or better full soviet uniform (for pilot and ground crew) from late 30s would make a perfect addition to the plane! :) Warmest regards and the best of luck in getting this bird in the air (and back to the ground)!

[@citykidrestorations9406]

i think this is a new plane, replica

[@ATMFoxtrot]

@@citykidrestorations9406 , yeah, I belive it was bilt mostly from scratch in Novosibirsk :)

[@zv8r154]

yea watching from slovakia :P

[@drbichat5229]

@@citykidrestorations9406 this is one of several restored by Tim Wallis in 1995. He gathered a bunch or wreckages from Russia and used original drawings to restore them to flying condition in Russia and took them to New Zealand

[@creisymadafaka2127]

475 I-16 began fighting for the first time ever in October 1936 during the spanish civil war.

[@turbowolf302]

I always thought the i-16 was the most adorable littlest fighter ever made. Such a chubby fuselage and stubby wings. Our little Commie.

[@unknownpasserby1431]

Nice plane from the Soviet Russia.

[@nvo7024]

Polikarpov uses to say something like "I don't build planes to carry air". If he could make it shorter, he would, and then would trim two or three feet more.

[@sc1338]

Wyn Fjoer Ierde Wetter sure bud

[@andyreynolds6194]

Also check out the Brewster Buffalo!

[@NiSiochainGanSaoirse]

I too love the i series planes It's relatively small surface area makes it hard to hit m, but highly manouverable. Plus, it LOOKS awesome.

[@billace90]

Those moscas fought well in the Spanish Civil War. My father in law served with the Republican side and was a mechanic in an aerodrome not far from Barcelona. Later in the 60’s he had a model in his house painted in the Republican livery colors.

[@jwenting]

and in China against the Japanese as well.

[@jedimasterjoe5386]

So he was a ANCOM

[@fr8boy]

Hey Kermit, This particular I-16 was restored in the mid 90's as part of that batch of 6 done for the Alpine Fighter Collection in NZ, she was one of the 5 in that clip shown in the video :) The tailwheel on these has about 15 degrees total movement, when operated in NZ they had 2 wing walkers on taxi to help guide the airplane, but also to help make any tighter than 15 degree turns. There were 3 of the I-153's built, Red 10, White 75 and one other, One is with Jerry Yagen, one is in Spain and the other Red 10 is in Russia

[@mrhb4283]

My favorite family plane) My grandfather flew I-16 in Spain when there was a civil war in 1937. Then at the beginning of the war in the Soviet Union.

[@martinda7446]

Wow! I bet Granddad had some amazing stories..Do you recall any you can share? Ask your mum or dad (if you can) - just in case they remember something they never told you.

[@MrChovo2]

The democratics spanish we are very gratefull with the international people that flougth side by side with freedom lovers. Thank for your grandfather.

[@visineish]

En octubre de 1936 comenzaron a llegar a España, a la zona republicana un centenar de aviones soviéticos que, en su mayoría, eran los cazas Polikárpov I-15, bautizados “chatos

[@juancarlosparra148]

Grandes participantes ....de la guerra civil española....exelentes aviones.....para su epoca.....montados en el puerto de cartagena....y lanzados a protección de madrid.....en la batalla de madrid.....en octubre y noviembre de 1936....buena tecnologia sovietica de la epoca.....compitiendo con aviones italianos y alemanes.....

[@Jazzdrummerperson]

@@juancarlosparra148 En realidad el mejor caza que tuvieron los Republicanos. Una maravilla de avión.

[@leemoore9933]

I have Russian watches with that red star at the 12o'clock, awesome airplane! Great pick up for the collection.

[@mrLumen2]

Берегите его, ребята. Старичок сложен в управлении, но делает из неуверенного в себе стажёра - настоящего лётчика.

[@Tolianchig]

Какой "старичок"? Недавно сделали! Молодцы!

[@ddosddos4673]

Жаль что у нас не тот уровень жизни чтобы простые люди могли вот так содержать наследие прошлого. Пусть хоть за рубежом будет

[@Pauls-World]

Mr Weeks. I just want to say thank you for your fantasy of flight. My father in law was a Okinawa prisoner of war survivor and I brought him to see your plane’s three times when the museum was open. He loved seeing them so very much. He died a year ago. You will never know how much joy your planes gave him. I can’t thank you enough for the joy you gave him. I know you don’t remember me, but, I was talking to you and asked if you had a Zero. You told me yes, but it’s in rough shape across the street. You’re the best! Please be safe and take care.

[@Vovantro]

In the country, once called the Soviet Union, the I-16 fighter was one of the most beloved and well-known aircraft. His silhouette was easily discerned on posters depicting the leaders of a mighty state. Flocks of these small airplanes filled children's books, and unthinkable aerobatics circled in the films of the pre-war I-16 era. In its appearance and flight qualities, the I-16 stood out sharply among Soviet and foreign fighters of the early 30s. In fact, he was the first high-speed fighter - a new generation monoplane. And in Spain, he showed himself more than excellent and was there, the best fighter! I love this plane! A masterpiece of Polikarpov! Favorite plane of Stalin!

[@user-sd4pj7vy1q]

My best congratulations with new plane in your collection,Kermit ! Greeting from Syberia, Novosibirsk where was made this replica and the original aircraft on Plant №153 during Second World War.Good flights with this I-16=I-Shestnadtsaty (Russian transcription) !

[@brianemery8945]

I recently scratch built an RC version of this plane. 64" wingspan. Love the paint scheme.! Going to copy for sure. Wow Kermit. You definitely know how to keep us on our toes with all these wonderful finds!

[@MrEjidorie]

In the Chinese theater in 1930`s, Polikarpov I-16 had fierce battles with Japanese fighter planes including Zero fighters.

[@martinda7446]

The aircraft looks just amazing from directly above or below. The flying surfaces blend in with a glorious symmetry. The wing root is six inches from the stabiliser and it all becomes seamless. Looking forward to seeing more of this. Thanks guys for sharing these wonders.

[@mongolike513]

Saw one of these flying at the Wanaka Airshow in New Zealand about twelve years ago. It is one of the most impressive display aircraft you could imagine which came as a big surprise to me. It sounds like a squadron of Harley Davidson hogs.

[@kwerk2011]

One sounds great, but a group of them is incredible. There is some temporary hearing loss afterwards, but.

[@David-yo5ws]

I also saw 5 of the Single wing & 3 of the twin wing together & got a great photo of them in formation. That was at Warbirds Over Wanaka in 1998. Never forget my body organs getting vibrated by their engines, just made the whole trip Excellent! This Polikarpov I-16 (I was told it translated to Seagull) painted with 45, is in ,my photo. Glad to see it's getting a going over. I believe Sir Tim Wallace found a whole lot of parts in Russia & raised the funds to build them. Very memorable 2 days. Must go back...

[@contributor7219]

@@David-yo5ws The Polikarpov biplanes were often called чайка (gull), but the factory was named after Nikolai Polikarpov - hence the name. The I-16 was commonly referred to by their nickname of ишачок (burro) or ишак (donkey) by Soviet pilots, possibly because of the large numbers of I-16s used in the Spanish Civil War, even though the locals in that conflict called them fly or rat! They are a very distinctive and rugged little aircraft that it seems were much loved by their pilots.

[@mrmagoo916]

@@kwerk2011 pretty sure it came from nz.

[@David-yo5ws]

@@contributor7219 Love the info! Thanks heaps. I vaguely remember there was an all woman squadron that were pretty hard nose fighters.

[@commandosolo193]

I-4 must have been a blast seeing that driving down the road... so lucky!

[@spottyskunk1898]

She's a beauty, and a great add to your all-generations fighter collection.

[@chrissimmonds3734]

Another amazing acquisition. I really like the way that you help in unloading your aircraft.

[@bfmcarparts]

The I-16 beside your Gee Bee will make a fascinating comparison display on many different levels.

[@Hvitserk67]

Yes, that would be both interesting and fascinating. Is Kermit's "rata" or "the rat" airworthy?

[@ckelley63]

Their remarkably similiar

[@gunslinger1824]

Awww it’s so tiny. How adorable

[@micealmacadaim6550]

I saw that plane flying in New Zealand. Wild sound.

[@toolazy4names302]

The i-16 has always been my favorite especially the 18 variant

[@fliegeroh]

Kermit, you are living the life that a lot of us would have loved. Your "model airplanes" are the real things, and you restore and fly them. Bless you sir and best of luck.

[@dyer2cycle]

...Imagine going down the freeway and looking over your shoulder and seeing this pass you!...double take!.. :)

[@MeatVision]

What a beautiful machine

[@jsfbr]

Unbelievable! A Polikarpov I-16 in such a perfect condition! Beautiful!

[@robward7662]

Was great watching 5 of these flying, would love to fly one, mates who flew them loved them.

[@markusbollenbacher225]

Es ist sehr beeindrücken dieses Flugzeug in der Luft zu sehen. Der Sound des Shetzov ist SUPER.😀😁😀

[@TobiasRieper047]

Awesome bird, glad to see it came safe and sound. Looking forth to see her in its full glory!

[@woooster71]

I love buying/receiving new things.. this must be awesome. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@craigpennington1251]

Really hope you guys restore it to flying condition. Love these things. Hopefully I can get down there in the near future. Thanks Kermit for all you do for aviation and you have great videos. Love the Kermie Cams.

[@Finney198]

That is so awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@artd.]

Thank You Kermit, looking forward to more on the I-16

[@MrWarwick15]

Lovely looking aircraft. Almost cartoon like! Thanks Kermit and good luck with the restoration. Rich.

[@jjsgarage3634]

I would love to see this bird at EAA Oshkosh when you get it restored-please!! 👌🏻

[@odonovan]

That is a sweet little plane. It certainly gave the early 109s fits. :)

[@edwardlove4300]

Beautiful little aircraft. Thanks for sharing!

[@bossco09]

I live 3 hours from Wanaka in New Zealand and was fortunate enough to be at the 1998 Warbirds over Wanaka airshow when they had 5 of these I-16s and 2 I-153s on display for the first time to the public,they were an amazing plane to watch fly and had an incredible sound,the solo display Mark Hanna did in one of these was truly magic to watch, I remember hearing it takes 35 cranks on a handle by the pilot to get a wheels up and if he let's it go bad things happen!.....

[@edrees3874]

One of them was this one!

[@rfialko]

I´ve been at Fantasy of Flight some years ago traveling around USA! What a place! I´m from Brazil!

[@miksal26]

Was fortunate enough to visit Wanaka in 2008 . My immediate impression was that it resembled a half smoked cigar with wings. The engine revs were low and belied the actual speed it was capable of. Possibly ,the most enjoyable aircraft to watch. Cheers from an Aviation Tragic from Downunder.👍

[@angelreading5098]

Great to see the Rata at Fantasy of Flight,the story that I was told was these were made from a batch of components found in Russia and fitted with Shestonov radial engines from AN-2's,the engine in this one was one found with metal in the oil that was removed from an airworthy Antonov AN-2 and put into this so good that there is a spare engine for zero timing,the propeller is cut down AN-2 bllades. Apparently they are beasts to land as can be expected with that short moment arm,a great pity about hitting the water but it should drain off and be fine as the woodwork will be varnished,it is going to be interesting pulling this one apart and studying the structure. A great video showing the logistics of moving aeroplanes from point A to B.

[@Bruno47602]

This plane has never been called a "rata" in Russia

[@billyshears5757]

​@@Bruno47602 Absolutely right, they called him "ишак" (Ishak) - donkey )))

[@billyshears5757]

Я и не говорил,что это официальное название,так же как Rata"/"Mosca )))

[@user-kb3eg1bd6o]

@@billyshears5757 because a consonance: I-SHestnadtsaty(I-16 Russian transcription) -> ISHak =)

[@billyshears5757]

@@user-kb3eg1bd6o Я в курсе, как бы )

[@tombloom99]

He already has one dangerous Gee Bee. Very good video, thanks.

[@theymusthatetesla3186]

Lovely, just lovely!

[@kencohagen4967]

If I had seen this I would have followed it as far as possible just to get a good look! Best of luck restoring this one Kermit!

[@Sanechek1970]

Many thanks to you for saving our aviation history!!!👍👍👍

[@genepulse]

This plane has a name or more even a nickname “Eshachok” - which means a little donkey. A lovely way to call a beloved machine. i-16 is pronounced as e-16. Thank you for saving and keeping this piece of aviation history flying. There’s almost nothing left in Russia from wwii or earlier period. All those Yaks, Pe’s, Lagg’s, IL’s and La’s - everything was crapped. It’s a true rarity to see an airplane from that era restored to flying condition. Thank you.

[@user-yt5yw5hs5t]

Ischachok

[@vinsponki5637]

Good luck fellows! You are doing really great!! It`s in good hands!!!

[@garynew9637]

Came here from Greg's aeroplanes and Mark Felton!

[@KermitWeeks444]

Welcome. Subscribe and stick around a bit.

[@964cuplove]

Have subscribed to those as well - check the BF 108 restoration series... one of my favorites her :-)

[@zxbzxbzxb1]

Lovely addition to the collection :)

[@rexmcstiller4675]

This plane looks like a comic plane. Like it.

[@charlesgreen8604]

Another interesting aircraft added to FoF. Had been to Florida on several vacations years ago and had been past FoF several times. FInally made plans to stop in. Glad we did. We toured the facility and took an open cockpit biplane ride. Kermit has an amazing display of aircraft all that are flight worthy. Any one that gets a chance and is near Orlampa please stop in tou will not be disappointed. Hope you get to meet Kermit as my family and I did. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about aircraft and very receptive to meeting the visitors.

[@LampoLanducci]

I was at the warbirds over Wanaka air show the first time they had these beautiful Russian birds flying, I was there with my Dad and my uncle (who was a former pilot with the RNZAF) and I was about 11 at the time, it was my third or fourth warbirds and I still have the official book from that event in my bookcase, being there with my Dad is a very special memory for me. I’ve loved ww2 era aircraft for as long as I can remember and seeing these girls flying as a kid captured my imagination and the polikarpovs have been a favourite ever since, I’m currently building a 1-72 scale kit set model of one. I love your videos Mr Weeks especially kermie cam when you take us for a flight in old ww2 fighters, as a proud kiwi I would love to see this old girl fly again and even more so if it was in a kermie cam episode. Kind Regards from New Zealand

[@vantuz8264]

Just a day before seeing this video i stumbled upon the "night chord" chapter of Alexander Novikov's memoirs. It's about an I-16 ace Vasily Matsievich. One short chapter describes everything: the immense strain the pilots were under both physical (6-10 flights per day) and psychological (fighting the desire to leave your post and go find and suppress that heavy siege weapon), the thin line between life and death, the difficulties of a night patrol, the explosion of the enemy bomber throwing small fighter around like a wet rag on the wind and nearly tearing it apart and the sense that the "night chord" you've been awaiting for so long has finally sounded.

[@kendorsey4320]

I hope this will fly again. An amazing bit of history. I've read that these can be a handful in the air.

[@lorenzodunn3226]

Excellent film footage and sound. Great commentary.

[@duanequam7709]

Amazing. Can't wait for the finished product.

[@pauljanssens4449]

If i had the funds i'd do exactly what you're doing Kermit. Take care of your babies, they're the lucky ones

[@jdhart111]

i saw all of the new builds flying in wanaka!!wow!!i would say they sound like the harley davidsons of the aircraft world!!such a shame what happened with the loss of mark and ray hanna,tom middleton,and the crash of sir tim...thank you for the videos kermit!!

[@MrElvin1963]

Very cool!! Congratulations!!!

[@CatalinaThePirate]

Awesome sauce! 😃 Wonderful little stubby, haha! Neat aquisition, WTG. 😎

[@reconmodelsvaughn469]

Man I been waiting for you to get the I-16 at the best airplane museum in the world fantasy of flight is the best I have ever been to. Thanks Kermit Weeks for everything you do you are a great guy and you have some incredible rum .thumbs up always

[@guntherachterhof4876]

Very interesting! Can't wait to see him fly it!

[@barnclebill6333]

My Dad was named Kermit. He fought in WW2 in Europe. Was in aviation all his life.

[@TR3SPASS3R]

Nice Video .Thank´s ! Greets from Bavaria

[@linhluu9474]

Alls that are fantastic

[@strizhi6717]

Absolute beauty!! Good on you sir ;)

[@JamesBond-xq3tw]

Can't wait to see it flying ? Thanks for your dream

[@tanyano9]

Never thought I'd see Mark Hanna pop up in one of your video's Kermit, a much missed pilot along with his Father.....

[@ronchambers2085]

Very cool plane....thanks for sharing

[@veryrancid3128]

Man i love that plane.. Looks great!

[@bobodriscoll]

What a beautiful machine!

[@dougauzene8389]

Awesome Sight, lndeed!

[@slowstang88]

Those are beautiful aircraft

[@bdadamovicz]

These videos more than any other aviation videos make me miss my days working in helicopters in the Army. Not sure if I've had more fun working on helicopters or as a machinist though.

[@tinoredhill]

Amazing!!

[@TeargasHorse]

I love unboxing videoes, the suspense is palpable!

[@workshop3757]

That airplane was in the High sky wing hanger in midland Texas. I am a member of the High sky wing and i see it went to a good home would like to see it fly someday.

[@900stx7]

Many years ago there was one on display at a museums in Galveston. Could it be the same one ?

[@workshop3757]

@@900stx7 Maybe so :)

[@pichas26]

Beauuuutiful aircraft. We’ve got one in q museum in Spain, and i was lucky because i saw it fying and could be in the cabin. And iiiiiis crazy, 1000hp. Imagine the sound in a radial machine. And the cabin, OMG, is really really small.

[@billfarnham1592]

Will this one ultimately fly? Hope so!

[@arnhemseptember2009]

Great one in the collection!

[@divyajnana]

One of my all time favorite airplane, Porky little, cool sounding, pure fun.

[@Yo2slick]

I drive trucks and I can't believe he drove through a storm. I would have been on the phone asking exactly what Kermit wanted before any water touched that aircraft. Just sad that people don't take pride in their jobs anymore. Glad it made it to FoF safely.

[@warbirdnut9269]

Saw this plane at Wings over Houston. Talked to the pilot that flew it. As noted in the video its interesting to land. He mentioned that when you land it you wind up sticking your head out to see. :)

[@skigdividerx4991]

Cool old plane!

[@xxxnamkhaxxx]

WOW! What a beauty! For now I'm simply building a 1/144 scale model by Zvezda. So much history in that little bugger. LOVE IT! Will be using my finished model in a WWII tabletop game called MEMOIR '44.

[@NiSiochainGanSaoirse]

The trucker really tied this war bird down properly too!!!

[@paulhammersley4562]

my favorite plane, hope you get it airworthy,

[@KodaCatsune]

The I-16 is the only aircraft that has more engine than plane.

[@mogsyman]

Brilliant - looks like a GeeBee in camouflage!

[@robertcombs55]

Incredibly rare Bird...WTG Kermit!

[@TalkingGIJoe]

It doesn’t get a whole lot cooler than that!

[@tselinsky6452]

More exciting than a package from Amazon for sure. Not something you can hide from the wife….

[@fordshaw5833]

I really enjoy viewing the Soviet A/C, you know it would be great if you could add an AN - 2. It was the workhorse of Soviet air cargo fleet. Sort of their equivalent to the Dakota.

[@motorTranz]

Rare bird. Beautiful facilities.👍

[@aaronlopez3585]

The Brewster Buffalo and the Polikarvo l-16 could be twins. Great video I loved it

[@cytron8787]

So cute plane.

[@rolandtamaccio3285]

,,, half dozen guys and 2 forklifts, with wide straps to unload, trucker's delight . Then a world class tour .

[@emailandy79]

Well done Kermit. I bet that's the closest a polikarpov and a geebee have ever been to each other. One day I'm coming over to visit your museum from England.

[@warp65]

I was at Wanaka when they were all together, the sound was amazing during a formation fast low pass, that 5 ship sequence fades to black and white in the official vid, its quite a moving piece after two days of the Red Stars Rising airshow. Vale Mark Hanna.

[@festungkurland9804]

The museum is open again? neat!

[@KermitWeeks444]

The Museum Lite, Friday to Sunday, 11 to 3, seasonally.

[@Omnihil777]

In 100 years the FoF will be THE institution, bigger and more famous as the Udvar-Hazy or the National Air & Space. So iconic. There is a handful of destinations I really wanna visit in the states, and thats a BIG one. I'm coming, Kermit & Paul, maybe not this year, but I'm coming. Be ready, got questions ;)