The aircraft R-5 was designed by Nikolai Polikarpov in 1928. The aircraft was taken into the Soviet Air Force's use in 1931. They operated 5,000 aircraft R-5. Over 1,000 aircraft simplified for civilian needs were manufactured for
Aeroflot under the designation P-5 (Russian: П-5). The R-5 became the standard reconnaissance and attack aircraft with the Soviet Air Force, being used in large numbers, with over 100 regiments equipped with the R-5. The Chinese province of
Xinjiang received a number of R-5s in 1933, and when
a rebellion threatened to overthrow the pro-Moscow governor of Xinjiang,
Sheng Shicai,
the Soviet Union intervened, with Soviet-flown R-5s bombing rebels near
Ürümqi. R-5s remained in use for training purposes in Xinjiang in 1938. R-5s were also used by the
Spanish Republican Air Force in the
Spanish Civil War, 31 being sold to Spain. These arrived in November 1936, and were quickly deployed on combat operations. But they were found to be slow and were relegated to night bombing. Seven R-5s remained in good condition in March 1939. The aircraft was known as the "
Rasante" (roughly translated as "Low flying") in the Spanish Republican Air Force. Civil versions of the R-5 were used in large numbers, mainly by Aeroflot. They carried up to 400 kg (882 lb) of freight. Many were fitted with an enlarged rear cockpit to carry two passengers. Other aircraft were fitted with enclosed cabins for passengers. P-5s could also carry underwing containers (or
Kasseta) for freight or passengers. One P-5 could carrying 16 adults, including seven in each
Kasseta. Ski-equipped P-5s with
Kassetas played a key role in the rescue of the crew of the icebound Soviet steamship
Chelyuskin in 1934. Civil R-5s remained in service until after the end of the
World War II. ==Variants==