The prolific family of
combat planes built in the Soviet Union by Semyon Alexseyevich
Lavochkin (its first notable exponents were the LaGG-1 and the LaGG-3)
was enriched toward the end of 1941, by a new version, in which the
Russian technician succeeded in expressing the full potential of his
initial project. The factor which gave a new life to the mediocre
LaGG-3 was the installation of a radically new engine, the 1,700 hp
Shvetsov M.82 radial. When this engine was installed in place of the
liquid-cooled Klimov M-105P, it transformed the aircraft into a
first-class machine. The La-5, as it was designated, became one of the
best Soviet fighters of the entire conflict.
Semyon Alexseyevich Lavochkin, Head of the Lavochkin Design Team
Right from the first
tests, which began toward the end of March 1942, it became clear that
the new variant was a marked improvement over the basic model. The more
powerful engine and lighter weight (obtained by eliminating the cooling
systems) compensated for the increase in the front section (and the
consequently greater aerodynamic resistance) due to the space occupied
by the large double radial engine. The new variant also allowed for a
remarkable increase in performance which, in horizontal speed alone,
improved by almost 25 mph (40 km/h). The new power plant was installed
in the LaGG-3 in May 1942. This modification gave rise to a
transitional aircraft, designated LaGG-5, which was replaced a few
weeks later by the definitive La-5 modes. In this aircraft, the
fuselage rear trunk was lowered in order to allow for the installation
of a canopy providing 360 degree visibility.
The
new fighters were sent immediately to the units, and production
continued at a fast rate. By the time of the Battle of Stalingrad, the
La-5 was being used on the whole front. Nevertheless, the aircraft
still had to be perfected. Its performance could not be compared with
that of its principal German rival, the Messerschmitt Bf-109G.
Consequently, Lavochkin carried out a series of studies to improve the
aircraft's characteristics and his work led to the creation of a second
variant, the La-5FN, which became the principal production model. As
well as the adoption of M-82FN direct injection engine (capable of
generating 1,850 hp) and overall aerodynamic improvements, the designer
changed from an entirely wood airframe to one that was mixed (metallic
spars were used for the wings). In addition, he improved the control
surfaces, thus decidedly increasing the fighter's manoeuvrability. The
La-5FN was delivered to the units in 1943. By October 1944, about
10,000 had been completed. These remained in service for the rest of
the war.
A two-seater training
version was also built (designated La-5UTI it appeared in August 1943),
characterised by the installation of two cockpits (placed close
together) with separate sliding canopies. These aircraft were
distributed to the units and proved extremely useful in training pilots
in what perhaps remained the Lavochkin fighter's only serious fault:
its difficult handling during takeoff and landing. In the spring of
1944, the first aircraft of a new, improved, and more powerful variant
began to leave assembly lines. This was the La-7 which served in its
turn for the subsequent developments that resulted in the La-11. The
latter appeared immediately after the war. It was the only fighter in
the Soviet Air Force to have a piston engine.
La-5
Prototype developed
from the Lavochkin LaGG-5 with a cut down rear fuselage.
La-5FN
Due to the fact the
standard La-5 was still outperformed by the Bf-109G-2, efforts were
made to reduce weight and drag and to provide more power. The La-5FN
introduced metal wing spars and reduced fuel capacity for weight
saving, a higher rated version of Shvetsov engine and wing slats to
improve combat manoeuvrability. Build in numbers approaching 10,000 it
served primarily as a fighter bomber.
La-5UTI
A two seat trainer
version.
Specifications (Lavochkin
La-5FN)
Type: Single
Seat Fighter
Design: Semyon
Alexseyevich Lavochkin
Manufacturer:
State Industries
Powerplant: One
1,850 hp (1380 kw) Shvetsov M-82FN (Ash-82FN) 14-cylinder radial, air
cooled engine.
Performance:
Maximum speed 401 mph (647 km/h) at 16,447 ft (5000 m); service ceiling
31,250 ft (9500 m).
Range: 475 miles
(765 km) on internal fuel.
Weight: Empty
6,174 lbs (2800 kg) with a maximum take-off weight of 7,409 lbs (3360
kg).
Dimensions: Span
32 ft 2 in (9.80 m); length 28 ft 3 in (8.60 m); height 8 ft 4 in (2.54
m); wing area 188.37 sq ft (17.50 sq m).
Armament: Two 20
mm ShVAK cannon with 200 rounds per gun plus two 220 lbs (100 kg)
bombs.
Variants: LaGG-5
(initial prototype with the 1700 hp (1268 kw) Shvetsov M-82 radial
engine), La-5 (new designation given to the aircraft with a cut down
rear fuselage), La-5FN (lighter weight and the introduction of the
1,850 hp (1380 kw) M-82FN engine), La-5UTI (designation for high
altitude interceptor. This would lead to the La-7).
Operators:
Soviet Union. |
