Polikarpov I-153

Nicknamed the Chaika (Seagull) the I-153 was the third development of the I-15 and featured design improvements aimed at maximizing performance without sacrificing the biplanes’ maneuverability. The belief that biplanes still had a role to play in future air-combat engagements was based on the observed difficulty that I-16s had in coping with the Fiat CR.32 biplanes used during the Spanish Civil War.

Among the improvements made was the retention of the more advanced wing configuration that had been used on the I-15bis and the inclusion of four ShKAS machine guns which fired much faster than the four 7.62mm PV-1 machine guns that had been mounted to the I-15bis. It also featured a more powerful engine, the Shvetsov M-62. 

The I-153 first saw combat during the Battle of Khalkin Gol in Mongolia. Combined units of I-16s and I-153s were arrayed against the Japanese Nakajima Ki-27. Although problems were found with the design of the I-153, it performed well and was a key part of the Soviet victory that resulted in the defeat of the Japanese Sixth Army. 

The Museum’s I-153, serial number 6316 was found in a swamp outside Murmansk and is  believed to have flown with the 2nd Aviation Fighter Squadron of the Northern Navy.