The Soviet single-engine fighter La-5 was developed in 1942 at OKB-301 under the leadership of aircraft designer Semyon Lavochkin. The aircraft was intended to counter the fascist Messerschmitt Bf 109.
The existence of OKB-301 depended on the success of the La-5 development. But the facilities where the new fighters were planned to be produced were given over to Yakovlev's aircraft. In addition, there were not enough water-cooled engines for the La-5.
Lavochkin's team found a supply of engines in the warehouses that did not match the dimensions of the future aircraft's frame. OKB-301 decided to "adjust" it to the engine. Semyon Alekseev quickly and without much calculation created a prototype La-5 for the new engine.
Its tests began in March 1942. It turned out that the fighter surpassed the previous model in speed and vertical maneuverability. By autumn, mass production of the La-5 had been established, and it began to arrive at the front.
Interesting Facts About the La-5
La-5 fighters participated in battles on almost all fronts. From 1942 to 1944, almost 10,000 aircraft were produced.
The aces Ivan Kozhedub flew the La-5FN, and Alexey Meresyev, the hero of Boris Polevoy's "Tale of a Real Man," flew the La-5F. During the war, Aviation Marshal Kozhedub shot down 45 enemy aircraft while at the helm of the La-5 and La-5FN.
Lavochkin fighters were actively used during the Battle of Kursk. At that time, the main opponent of the La-5FN was the German FW 190A.
Characteristics of the La-5:
- Empty weight — 2800 kg
- Takeoff weight — 3230 kg
- Length — 8.67 m
- Wingspan — 9.8 m
- Engines — M-82 A
- Speed near the ground — 509 km/h
- Speed at altitude — 580 km/h
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