I-16 Type 20 by N.N.Polikarpov

The standard I-16s until 1937 were not equipped with 'wet points' for external fuel tanks. More powerful engines consumed the fuel faster, and range became a problem. I-16 was also a candidate for escorting fast SB bombers.

To address this problem, unarmed I-16 Type 10 was used. It carried two slipper-type auxiliary fuel tanks (200l each) under the wings. Aircraft had also redesigned landing gear wheel covers, removed rear sections of the nose guns fairings. Overall Silver painting.

It was flown in the Winter of 1939. Range was increased from 800km to 1,200km. Type 20 remained as a one of its kind, but successfully tested external tanks were used by later models Type 18, 24 and 29.

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