You have it backwards Comrad. It flew in the Spanish Civil War as part of the Republican Forces which were supported by the Sovet Union by sending supplies and "volunteers".
July 17, 1936 to April 1, 1939.
wrongway
There are many Rebublicans that went to fight for Russia after SCW <20k+->.
I read some where about this plane as it went with them as did many of there wares.
There is plenty of info on the the Esquadrilla Azul.
Trying to find info on the losers is much harder ...... Comrad!
I could use some help though.