The Polikarpov, nicknamed Rata or “rat”, was actually the first single-winged fighter plane with retractable landing gear in the world. The plane was named after Nikolai Polikarpov, who built the Rata under strict supervision from Soviet dictator, Joseph Stalin. Stalin wanted a superior aircraft to help lead the Red Air Force in combat. The model seen here was discovered in 1991, in the same factory where it had originally been manufactured.
10) The Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero
What made the Zero truly unique, was its ability to outmaneuver ally fighter planes, due to its radius and lightning quick speed. Its main flaw was its lack of armor, which gave enemy planes a better chance to shoot it down, assuming they could catch up with it! The Zero model seen here was recovered in New Zealand, sometime after WWII. It has since been fully restored to fly again.
11) The Focke-Wulf FW 190 D-13 (DORA)
The Focke-Wulf 190 made its debut in 1937 and rivaled the British Spitfire, even proving to be far superior to it. The FW-190 was a supreme killing machine, even taking on the nickname of “Würger”, which means “Butcher Bird.” The model seen here is the only known FW 190 D-13 to survive the war. The plane is fully functional to fly, but will never leave the ground, since it’s extremely rare.
12) The Polikarpov U-2
Prior to WWII, the PO-2, was initially designed as a crop duster, and gained fame from the female Russian pilots who operated them. The women would navigate the planes at night on German camps. The attacks left minimal damage to the enemy bases but proved to be effective in that it kept German troops awake at night. The fact that the pilots were women, also caused a stir among the German troops. The model seen here was recovered in Belarus, and later restored by the Polis Aero Club.
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