Lavochkin La-11 (Fang)

History

The Lavochkin La-11 was developed from the successful Lavochkin La-9 series piston engine fighter, with the difference that the La-11 was intended to be used as a long-range bomber escort. The system was under development during the final years of World War II, but was not operational until 1947.

In fact, the Lavochkin La-11 became one of the last dedicated piston-engined fighter jets produced for the Soviet Air Force, and played nicely to the strengths of previous designs, although it came at a time when the jet age was the technology hype.

The design of the La-11 follows the design of the previous La-9 series, with a robust engine case and large propeller hub, low profile monoplane wing assembly and a framed center cockpit, provided in a traditional blind spot good visibility. Armament includes a 3 x 23mm Nudelman-Suranov NS-23 series cannon, which are capable of engaging enemy aircraft.

Power came from a Shvetsov ASh-82FNV radial piston engine that produced about 1,870 horsepower and helped the La-11 reach speeds of nearly 420 mph.

La-11 prototypes appeared in two forms, La-123 and La-134D. The former was mainly based on the La-9, but had only three guns as its offensive weapon. The latter is a modified La-123 prototype with increased fuel capacity and underwing fuel tanks. As the genre has advanced, more and more remote mission options have been introduced to make the pilot's job more comfortable. These options include padded seats, built-in urine waste facilities, armrests and headrests.

Communication and navigation equipment has also been updated.

At the end of development, it was discovered that the La-11 was a much heavier aircraft than the original La-9. This limits the aircraft's combat capability to over 23,000 feet, but still exploits the long-range capabilities inherent in the new design.

Despite this shortcoming, the La-11 performed well, especially on tasks where fuel economy would naturally lighten the La-11 load.

The Lavochkin La-11 was used in the years before and during the Korean War. During this time, the La-11 is thought to have caused several notable American casualties, including a 10-person private jet. While the La-11's limited combat ceiling and slow rate of climb had little impact on the high-flying Boeing B-29 Superfortresses that scattered the skies during the conflict, its long-range range was given the attention it deserved. Regardless, the La-11 represents a changing era while still being a capable aircraft, designed for a specific role and performing its function appropriately.

Total production is about 1,182, and the plane is also used by China and North Korea.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes