Soviet Aircraft in world of war planes usually have machine guns with a high rate of fire and quite low ammunition capacity, which can .... people over from going headon with the Russian line, or come equipped with a small number of large-caliber cannons. Soviet planes are often known as being 'jack of all trades, but master of none.' This means that they are all rounder planes, good at everything but great at nothing. Russian fighters can become very .... if the exploits his enemies weakness, and uses it against him.
Soviet Aircraft are reliable when it comes to attacking, while their defensive capabilities are narrowed down to if you can out maneuver your opponent due to weak armor, you will experience loss of tail control or loss of wings a lot. Also, because many historically-accurate Soviet planes were made of light canvas, and or wood, these planes do get set on fire relatively easily with incendiary rounds.
With Weaponry commonly found near the engine, it is easier to aim in dog fights or trying to catch them on the turn. The 20mm Cannon's are good for bomber hunting as they can often burn out bombers engines. Which helps when there are a few USSR planes that have this armament.