The La-7 fighter was developed at the Lavochkin Design Bureau in 1943. It is a further development of the La-5FN fighter. Since it was not possible to install a more powerful engine, it was possible to improve flight performance only by improving aerodynamics and reducing weight. Together with TsAGI specialists, a set of measures was taken to improve aerodynamics: the airframe and the propeller-engine group were sealed, the landing gear niches were completely closed, the oil cooler was moved under the fuselage, the shape of the wing fairings was improved, the engine hood was modified. Lend-lease deliveries and the organization of aluminum production in the depths of the USSR made it possible to use it more widely in the design of aircraft. Only one replacement of wooden wing spars with duralumin ones with steel shelves made it possible to save 100 kg (drawings of metal spars were developed in the summer of 1943 at plant # 381 under the direction of PD Grushin). In January 1944, the aircraft "La-5 etalon 1944" was manufactured at the plant # 21. On February 2, test pilot G. M. Shiyanov first lifted him into the sky. Two weeks later, on February 16, the plane was transferred for state tests. After testing, the aircraft was put into production in May 1944 under the designation La-7. By November, he completely replaced the La-5FN on the conveyor.
La-7 is built according to the aerodynamic design of a cantilever low-wing aircraft. The fuselage is of the semi-monocoque type. The wing is equipped with automatic slats. Tricycle chassis with retractable tail wheel. The power plant consisted of an ASh-82FN air-cooled piston radial engine with a three-blade variable-pitch propeller VISH-105V. The armament consisted of 2 synchronous guns ShVAK or SP-20. Some of the aircraft manufactured by Plant # 381 were equipped with 3 UB-20 cannons.
There were the following modifications:
* La-5 standard 1944 - prototype. Made in January 1944. First flight on February 2, 1944.
* La-7 is a serial fighter. Produced from May 1944.
* La-7 M-71 - experienced with the M-71 engine. Made in 1944.
* La-7 ASh-83 ("120", La-120) - experienced with the ASh-83 engine. Notable for a new wing. The armament consisted of 2 NS-23 cannons. Made at the end of 1944.
* La-7 with PuVRD - experienced with 2 pulsating air-jet engines D-10.
* La-7R - experimental with an additional liquid-jet accelerator RD-1 (RD-1HZ). In January 1945, 2 aircraft were refitted.
* La-7TK - experimental with 2 turbochargers TK-3. In July-August 1944, 10 aircraft were manufactured.
* La-7UTI - training. Notable for a two-seater cockpit, non-retractable tail wheel, lack of bulletproof glass, armored backrest, right cannon.
* La-126 ("126") - experimental prototype of La-9. Notable for the design of the wing with molded parts made of electron, the shape of the lantern. The armament consisted of 4 NS-23 cannons. Made at the end of 1945.
* La-126 ramjet engine - experienced with 2 additional ramjet VRD-430 under the wing. Converted from La-126 in 1946.
The La-7 aircraft is considered one of the best fighters of the Second World War. He was the plane for the aces. No wonder they were first of all equipped with guards regiments (176 guiaps were the first to receive them). La-7 could fight on equal terms with Me-109 and FW-190. It outperformed the Me-109G in horizontal and vertical maneuvers up to 3500 m, and the FW-190 in the entire range of altitudes. The Focke-Wulf had an advantage only in dive speed, which the Germans used to get their feet off in time. It was on La-7 that I. N. Kozhedub, Hero of the Soviet Union, ended the war three times. Now this aircraft (side number 27) is exhibited at the Air Force Museum in Monino.
La-7 production continued until 1945. In total, 5905 aircraft were manufactured at three factories (No. 21 in Gorky, No. 99 in Ulan-Ude and No. 381 in Nizhny Tagil). From September 15 to October 15, 1944, the first 30 production aircraft underwent military trials in 65 guiaps. In 47 air battles over the territory of Lithuania, 55 enemy aircraft were shot down with the loss of 4 of their own (all due to engine failures). Later, the La-7 was used in increasing numbers on all fronts until the end of the war. Removed from service in 1947. In addition to the Red Army, La-7 aircraft were in service with the Czechoslovak Air Force (until 1950).
The La-7 was rammed by: Glinkin S. G., Golovachev P. Ya., Elkin V. I., Masterkov A. B., Semyonov V. G.
Purpose: Fighter, fighter-bomber, interceptor, scout
Country: USSR
First flight: January 1944
Entered service: May 1944
Manufacturer: NPO Lavochkina
Total Built: 5753
Specifications
Crew: 1 person
Max. speed at sea level: 597 km / h
Max. speed at height: 680 km / h
Flight range: 635 km
Service ceiling: 10750 m
Climb rate: 1098 m / min
Dimensions (edit)
Length: 8, 60 m
Height: 2, 54 m
Wingspan: 9, 80 m
Wing area: 17.5m²
Weight
Empty: 2605 kg
Curb: 3265 kg
Max. takeoff: 3400 kg
Power point
Engines: ASh-82FN
Thrust (power): 1850 HP (1380 kW)
Armament
Small arms armament: 2x20 mm ShVAK cannon or 3x20 mm Berezina B-20 cannon
Number of suspension points: 2
2x FAB-50 or FAB-100 and incendiary ZAB-50 or ZAB-100
