Lavochkin La-7

The Lavochkin La‑7 was a Soviet single‑seat fighter that entered service in late 1944 and became the most successful aircraft of the Lavochkin design bureau. Developed by NPO Lavochkin as an evolution of the earlier La‑5, the La‑7 incorporated a more powerful Shvetsov ASh‑82FN radial engine delivering 2,300 horsepower, a refined all‑metal wing with reduced drag, and streamlined cowling that improved top speed to 680 km/h (423 mph). Its armament typically consisted of two 20 mm ShVAK cannons and two 12.7 mm UBS machine guns, providing a formidable punch against both bomber and fighter targets. Production ran from 1945 to 1949, with roughly 7,600 units built, many of which served on the Eastern Front during the final months of World War II and continued in the early Cold War period. Pilots praised its excellent maneuverability, climb rate, and the reliability of its radial engine, which required less maintenance than contemporary inline types. The La‑7’s combat record, including numerous aerial victories over German aircraft, cemented its reputation and influenced post‑war Soviet fighter development, bridging the gap between piston‑engine designs and the jet age. Its legacy endures as a benchmark of wartime engineering excellence.

NPO Lavochkin

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