La-9

The Lavochkin La‑9 is a Soviet piston‑engine fighter that entered service in 1946, representing the culmination of World II‑era design work at the NPO Lavochkin design bureau. Developed as a successor to the highly successful La‑7, the La‑9 incorporated a stronger, all‑metal airframe, a more powerful Shvetsov ASh‑82FN radial engine delivering 1,850 hp and a suite of refined aerodynamic features such as a redesigned wing with a larger area and improved flap system. These changes gave the aircraft a top speed of around 680 km/h (425 mph), a service ceiling of 12,000 m, and a climb to 5,000 m in under six minutes, while retaining excellent maneuverability prized by Soviet pilots. Armed with two 23 mm VYa‑23 cannon and two 12.7 mm UBS machine guns, the La‑9 proved effective in both air‑to‑air combat and ground‑attack roles. During the early Cold War it equipped many front‑line units of the Soviet Air Forces and was exported to allies including Poland, Czechoslovakia and Mongolia. Although quickly superseded by jet fighters, the La‑9’s robust construction, reliable powerplant and combat‑proven handling cemented its reputation as one of the finest late‑war piston fighters and marked the final high point of Soviet prop‑driven aviation before the jet age.

NPO Lavochkin

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Design & Classification