Polikarpov I-5 (early) Soviet biplane fighter 1:72 ICM 72052

Plastic model airplane to assemble: Polikarpov I-5 (early) Soviet biplane fighter 1:72 ICM 72052

The plastic model of the Soviet fighter aircraft Polikarpov I-5 in the early version, made in 1:72 scale by the Ukrainian company ICM.

Polikarpov I-5 was a Soviet biplane fighter with a mixed construction, fixed landing gear, and classic tail. The prototype's first flight took place in 1930, and serial production lasted from 1931 to 1934, during which approximately 800 units were produced. From 1933 to 1936, the I-5 was the primary fighter of the Red Army. The serial aircraft were powered by the Shvetsov M-22 engine with a power of 480 HP.

The I-5 aircraft were also used in the "Zveno" project, where they were mounted on heavy bombers TB-1 and TB-3. During flight, the fighters "took off" from the air to defend the bombers. One TB-3 could carry up to three I-5 machines. Despite being withdrawn from service in 1939, due to heavy losses at the beginning of the war with the Third Reich, these aircraft were reintroduced into service. During the German invasion of the USSR, the I-5 was used in ground attack missions in Crimea and in night attacks during the Battle of Moscow.

Technical data of the original:

• Length: 6.78 m
• Wingspan: 10.24 m
• Maximum speed: 278 km/h
• Practical ceiling: 7500 m
• Maximum range: 660 km
• Fixed armament: 2 PV-1 machine guns caliber 7.62 mm
• Suspended armament: up to 20 kg of bombs

Contents of the kit:

• 48 plastic parts
• Water decals

Model dimensions after assembly: 95 x 134 mm (length x wingspan)

Color scheme version: Second prototype I-5 - personal aircraft of the commander of the Red Army Air Forces J. Alksnis, 1931.

Recommended paints (Model Master):

• 1781 Aluminium
• 1705 Insignia Red (matte red)
• 1721 Medium Gray (matte gray)
• 1780 Steel (steel)
• 1795 Gun Metal (dark metallic)
• 1736 Leather (leather)
• 1735 Wood (wood)
• 1583 Rubber (rubber)

Kit for self-assembly and painting. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, separately sold modeling tools are needed (e.g. cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and glue for plastic models (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.