posted 01-06- 10:30 AM               

The I-16 was called many names during its career: Yastrebok (Young Eagle) in Russia; Mosca (Fly) by the men who flew it in Spain, and Rata (Rat) by those who opposed it; Abu (Gadfly) by the Japanese; Dienstjager (Duty Fighter) by the Germans; but it was most fondly and best known as simply Ishak (Little Donkey) as it shouldered the responsibility of faithfully protecting its homeland until more advanced fighters could be produced in sufficient numbers to take over.

(C) 1998 Ian Brodie, first appeared Otago Daily Times, April 2, 1998.

posted 01-06- 09:52 PM               

Werner