Polikarpov I-153

Polikarpov I-153 Chaika

Early Deployment and Pre-War Combat

Khalkhin Gol (1939)

The I-153 first saw combat during the Soviet-Japanese border conflict in Mongolia.

It performed well against the Japanese Nakajima Ki-27, leveraging its agility and improved speed over earlier biplanes.

Winter War (1939–1940)

Used extensively by Soviet forces against Finland.

Despite its manoeuvrability, the I-153 suffered losses to Finnish fighters and anti-aircraft fire.

Several were captured and reused by the Finnish Air Force.

Role in the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945)

Initial Soviet Defense (1941)

At the outbreak of Operation Barbarossa, the I-153 was still in frontline service.

It was deployed alongside the I-16 in mixed fighter regiments.

However, it was quickly outclassed by modern German aircraft like the Bf 109.

Tactical Use

The I-153 was often reassigned to ground attack and reconnaissance roles.

Its ability to operate from rough fields and its tight turning radius made it useful in close support missions.

Naval Aviation

Modified I-153s with extended range were used by Soviet naval aviation for coastal defence and convoy escort duties.

Decline and Replacement

Obsolescence

By 1942, the I-153 was largely withdrawn from frontline service.

It was replaced by more capable monoplane fighters such as the Yak-1, LaGG-3, and MiG-3.

Training and Secondary Roles

Surviving aircraft were relegated to training units and secondary duties.

Some were used for experimental modifications, including pressure cabins and ramjet trials.

Legacy

Production

Over 3,400 units were built between 1939 and 1941.

Survivors

A few I-153s remain in museums and flying condition, symbolising the end of the biplane era in Soviet aviation.

The Variants

I-153DM

(Supplementary Engine)

Purpose

Experimental speed enhancement using ramjet technology.

Configuration

Fitted with DM-2 or DM-4 gasoline-burning ramjets under the wings.

Operational Notes

Conducted 74 test flights, primarily to evaluate ramjet feasibility on piston aircraft.

Significance

One of the earliest Soviet attempts to integrate jet propulsion into existing airframes.

I-153P

(Pushechnyy – Cannon-Armed)

Armament

Two synchronised 20 mm ShVAK cannons replacing standard ShKAS machine guns.

Trade-offs

Increased firepower effective against armoured targets.

Heavier armament reduced manoeuvrability.

Gunpowder residue often obscured the windscreen.

Production

At least eight built.

Role

Intended for frontline combat against more heavily protected aircraft.

I-153Sh and I-153USh

(Ground Attack Variants)

I-153Sh

Equipped with underwing containers housing four ShKAS machine guns.

I-153 Ush

Carried twenty 2.5 kg bombs for light ground attack.

Purpose

Tactical support and battlefield interdiction.

Deployment

Used in limited numbers; effectiveness constrained by payload and survivability.

I-153TK

(Turbo-Kompressor)

Engine

M-25V or M-62 radial engines with twin TK-1 superchargers.

Production

Four prototypes tested; twenty aircraft built.

Objective

Improve high-altitude performance and climb rate.

Outcome

Demonstrated modest gains but was quickly overshadowed by monoplane fighters.

I-153V / I-190GK

(Pressure Cabin Testbed)

Modification

Fitted with Schyerbakov’s “minimum leak” pressure cabin.

Purpose

Evaluate pressurisation for high-altitude operations.

Legacy

Served as a precursor to later Soviet high-altitude fighter designs.

I-153V-TKGK

(Turbocharged Hermetic Cabin)

Engine

Turbocharged M-63 radial.

Cabin

Fully pressurised for high-altitude flight.

Production

One built.

Significance

Advanced concept for its time, but impractical for mass production.

I-153UD

(Wooden Rear Fuselage)

Design

The rear fuselage is constructed as a wooden monocoque.

Goal

Conserve strategic metals during wartime.

Result

Did not enter production due to structural limitations.

Extended-Range I-153

(Naval Use)

Modification

Larger oil tanks and plumbing for underwing external fuel tanks.

Effect

Doubled combat range.

Deployment

Primarily used by Soviet naval aviation for coastal patrol and escort duties.

I-190

(High-Powered Experimental Variant)

Engine

M-88V radial (820 kW / 1,100 hp).

Armament

Two ShVAK cannons + four ShKAS machine guns.

First Flight

30 December 1939.

Fate

Crashed on 13 February 1941; programme discontinued.

Specifications

Crew

one

Length

6.17 m (20 ft 3 in)

Wingspan

10 m (32 ft 10 in)

Height

2.8 m (9 ft 2 in)

Wing area

22.14 m² (238.3 sq ft)

Airfoil

Clark YH

Empty weight

1,452 kg (3,201 lbs)

Gross weight

1,960 kg (4,321 lbs)

Max takeoff weight

2,110 kg (4,652 lbs)

Powerplant

1 × Shvetsov M-62 9-cylinder

air-cooled radial piston engine,

597 kW (801 hp)

Propellers

2-bladed variable-pitch propeller

Performance

Maximum speed

444 km/h (276 mph, 240 kn) at 4,600 m (15,100 ft)

Cruise speed

297 km/h (185 mph, 160 kn) at 2,000 m (6,600 ft)

Range

470 km (290 mi, 250 nmi)

Service ceiling

10,700 m (35,100 ft)

Rate of climb

15 m/s (3,000 ft/min)

Time to altitude

7,000 m (23,000 ft) in 8 minutes 18 seconds

Armament

Guns

4 × 7.62 mm (0.300 in) ShKAS machine guns

with 2,600 rounds of ammunition

Rockets

8 x 82 mm (3.228 in) RS-82 rockets.