Academy 12314 Polikarpov I-16 type 24 1/48 – plastic model kit

Academy 12314 Polikarpov I-16 type 24 1/48 is a high-quality plastic fighter aircraft model from World War II, intended for advanced and intermediate level aircraft modelers. The kit is manufactured by the renowned Academy company in the popular 1:48 scale, allowing for faithful reproduction of details and realistic proportions of the original.

The model represents the Type 24 version of the legendary Soviet fighter Polikarpov I-16, which played a key role in the aviation of the USSR during the late 1930s and early 1940s. This characteristic monoplane, commonly nicknamed "Ishak" or "Rata," was used by the Soviet Union and its allies, including in the Spanish Civil War, as well as by the air forces of China and Mongolia.

• Scale: 1:48
• User countries: USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics), Spain, China, Mongolia
• Period of use: World War II, Spanish Civil War (1937–1945)
• Category: Plastic model kit
• Material: High-quality polystyrene (plastic)
• Included components: Sprues with plastic parts, decal sheet for various paint schemes, clear canopy, detailed assembly instructions

The Polikarpov I-16 type 24 stood out thanks to its silhouette, radial engine, and retractable landing gear. It was the world’s first monoplane fighter with retractable landing gear, representing a major leap forward in aircraft design of its era. This aircraft is remembered as one of the symbols of Soviet aviation—seeing action in both dogfights during the Spanish Civil War and in the early encounters of World War II on the Eastern Front.

The model is recommended for modelers with intermediate or higher experience (difficulty level: 3/5) who wish to add a faithfully recreated example of a classic fighter aircraft to their collection. The 1:48 scale allows for precise painting of details—including cockpit interior, landing gear, and national markings. Academy 12314 offers realistic details and high-quality sprues, making this kit highly recommended for military aviation enthusiasts of the World War II era.

If you’re looking for a model with rich historical significance and excellent build quality, the Polikarpov I-16 type 24 in 1:48 scale from Academy will make an ideal addition to your collection. It is perfect both as a display model and for participation in modeling contests.