More little donkeys:
This I-16 type 10 was used by the Krasnaya Pyaterka ("The Red Five") aerobatic team. Although I have no picture of the original aircraft, the livery was colourful enough to tempt me. If anyone has a picture of the aircraft, I would be very interested in seeing it. According to vvs.hobbyvista.com, the aircraft were fully operational and armed, painted AEh-8 light grey with black flash and cowling, bordered in white. Other sources indicate the tail was light grey instead of red, but I'd rather trust Hobbyvista's interpretation in that respect. The team flew in 1939-1940 and three of its members were identified: Mayor M. Yakushin (lead), Podpolkovnik V. Kletsov and Kapitan Yu. Shishkin.
This I-16 type 10 belonged to the 29th IAP in 1939. These colours, considered distasteful by most including yours truly, are probably more historically accurate than what I usually represent. The aircraft was painted AEh-15 (or AEh-5) green over AII Blue, and carried a red star on the spinner. Interpretation based on Hobbyvista material. Sorry for any sore eyes fellas.
