The Crystal Ball

[Ailantd]

Originally Posted by FAE_Cazador

The nick "Rata" (rat) was given by the Franco's Nacionalist and Legion Condor German pilots to the newly received I-16 that were destinated by Republican Air Force to Madrid Front. At that time Madrid was heavily pounded by Franco's and Legion Condor bombers, without almost opposition. Then they started to see the I-16 taking off hurrily to intercept bombers formations from airfields around Madrid and then flying low over Madrid's roofs trying to climb to get them. Hence the nick "Rat", as rats could be seen running on the roofs of old houses of that age.

"Rata" is also a Spanish despective name. I guess, it was also applied when "Ratas" gained air superiority in the following weeks over Franco's He-51 and CR-32 and bombers started to be shot down.

The nick "Mosca" (fly) was given by republican pilots and republican gouvernement propaganda as the wooden boxes containing the disassembled planes received by ship from URSS had the word "Mockba" (Moscow) in cyrillic stenciled on the sides, as another poster said. Hence the spanish common started to call her "Mosca".

Two nicknames for same plane.

I didn´t knew that. Great explanation. Thanks.
Esto no lo sabía. Una explicación estupenda, gracias.