{"product_id":"zvezda-plastic-model-kit-tupolev-ant-5-i-4-i-4z-soviet-fighter-1-72","title":"Zvezda Plastic Model Kit Tupolev ANT-5 (I-4 \/ I-4Z) Soviet Fighter — 1:72","description":"\u003cp\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eZvezda is a Russian manufacturer of plastic scale models covering aircraft, military vehicles, ships, figures and other subjects. Kit 7271 was added to specialist catalogues in 2005 and is one of Zvezda's earlier 1:72 aircraft subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit represents the Tupolev ANT-5, also designated I-4, an important early Soviet fighter developed during the late 1920s.\n\u003cbr\u003eKit contents\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit contains approximately 72 parts for one aircraft. Retail descriptions specify:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Injection-moulded plastic components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Fuselage and wing components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Detailed cockpit\/pilot area\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engine and propeller\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Landing gear\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Tail assembly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Struts and interplane components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Clear\/transparent components where applicable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Decals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Illustrated assembly instructions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe finished model is approximately 11 cm long. Paint, modelling glue and tools are not included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe ANT-5 has an unusual sesquiplane arrangement, with the lower wing considerably smaller than the upper wing. This gives the finished model a particularly distinctive appearance.\n\u003cbr\u003eHistory of the full-size aircraft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tupolev ANT-5, officially designated I-4, was an important Soviet fighter of the late 1920s and early 1930s. It was developed by the Tupolev design bureau, with Pavel Sukhoi participating in its development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt was notable for being the first Soviet mass-produced all-metal fighter, marking an important transition away from the mixed wood-and-fabric construction common in earlier Soviet aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft was designed as a single-seat fighter and featured a distinctive sesquiplane layout. The upper wing was substantially larger than the lower wing, giving the aircraft a somewhat unusual appearance compared with conventional biplanes.\n\u003cbr\u003eDevelopment and production\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe ANT-5's development took place during a period when Soviet aviation designers were experimenting with all-metal construction and more advanced aerodynamic configurations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft entered series production in the late 1920s and remained in production into the early 1930s. Sources give the production period as approximately 1928–1934.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately 370 aircraft were produced according to specialist historical references.\n\u003cbr\u003eConstruction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many earlier Soviet fighters, the ANT-5 made extensive use of metal construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis was significant because Soviet aircraft designers were increasingly interested in creating stronger, lighter and more durable airframes suitable for modern military aviation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft's unusual wing arrangement also reflected contemporary aerodynamic experimentation.\n\u003cbr\u003eEngine and performance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe ANT-5 was powered by a single-cylinder-bank radial engine driving a conventional tractor propeller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePublished specifications include approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Crew: 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engine: 1 × radial engine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Maximum speed: approximately 250 km\/h\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Range: approximately 580 km\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Armament: 2 × 7.62 mm machine guns\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePerformance varied somewhat according to production version and operating conditions.\n\u003cbr\u003eArmament\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe standard fighter armament consisted of two 7.62 mm machine guns mounted in the forward fuselage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor an aircraft of the late 1920s, this represented a typical fighter armament, although the rapid development of aviation during the following decade would soon make heavier armament desirable.\n\u003cbr\u003eOperational career\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe I-4 served with Soviet military aviation during the early 1930s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt was eventually superseded by more advanced fighters as Soviet aircraft design moved rapidly toward lower-drag monoplanes and more powerful engines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft is also associated with Soviet aviation operations connected with the Spanish Civil War of 1936–1939, although references differ in how extensively they describe its involvement. Retail and modelling references specifically identify the ANT-5 as having participated in the conflict.\n\u003cbr\u003eHistorical significance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe ANT-5 is particularly interesting because it represents the transition between two eras of fighter development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt retained the general appearance and configuration of an interwar biplane fighter while introducing all-metal construction and more advanced aerodynamic thinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft also provides a link between the early work of the Tupolev design bureau and the later Soviet aircraft industry that produced increasingly sophisticated fighters and bombers during the 1930s and Second World War.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Zvezda","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57504169099644,"sku":"Zvezda-7271","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0432\/8584\/0033\/files\/FEC25274-EFB0-4DD0-A5EB-80E07F7DE9F1.jpg?v=1790415560","url":"https:\/\/sussex-model-centre.co.uk\/products\/zvezda-plastic-model-kit-tupolev-ant-5-i-4-i-4z-soviet-fighter-1-72","provider":"Sussex Model Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}