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 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 special calculations 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 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 on the La-5FN, and Alexey Meresyev, the hero of Boris Polevoy's "The Story of a Real Man," flew on 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. Then the main opponent of the La-5FN was the German FW 190A.
Характеристики Ла-5:
- Масса пустого — 2800 кг
- Масса взлетная — 3230 кг
- Длина — 8,67 м
- Размах крыльев — 9,8 м
- Двигатели — М-82 А
- Скорость у земли — 509 км/ч
- Скорость на высоте — 580 км/ч
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