Difference between revisions of "La-11 (China)"

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{{About
 +
| about = fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the Soviet version
 +
| link = La-11
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=la-11_china
 
|code=la-11_china
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]].
+
The La-11 was among the last propeller fighters ever built, as a result of requirements of the VSS (Soviet Air Force) for long-range escort fighters. They were introduced into the PLAAF as supplementary forces alongside the [[La-9 (China)|La-9]] before the introduction of new jet fighters. Although the La-11 achieved the first propeller-versus-jet kill for the PLAAF (as the PVAF), they were also part of the infamy where they shot down a civil flight in mid-1950s. The remaining aircraft served for another 2 decades before lack of spare parts brought them to their ultimate end of service.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]], the La-11 proves itself as a fearsome interceptor with sufficient firepower and speed to chase-off American or British fighters, despite lacking one 23 mm cannon compared to the preceding La-9.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 19:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
Owners of the [[La-11]] or [[La-9]] will soon find themselves home: the La-11 found in Chinese tech tree is identical to the Soviet one, which again is a long-range and heavier version of the La-9. So a noticeable difference between the two Lavochkins is the manoeuvrability. Due to the weight increase with higher capacity of fuel, at full load, La-11 performs nothing like a La-9. While bringing 30 minutes worth of fuel, or at lighter weight as stated in original flight tests conducted by test pilots, it starts to have similar handling to a La-9.
 +
 
 +
Since both the Chinese and Soviet aircraft are identical, they share the same M-82FN air-cooled piston engine, which was specialized at below 4,000 m. This engine, at 1,650 hp when spaded, could push the La-11 up to 680 km/h at 6,800 m albeit with worse performance than liquid-cooled engines at such altitude. So keeping yourself below 4,000 m is suggested, which might become a problem when being suppressed by late WWII propellers at higher altitudes.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at _,___ m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,200 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
Line 25: Line 34:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
+
| 650 || 634 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 23.2 || 24.0 || 11.6 || 11.6 || rowspan="2" | 500
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 710 || 680 || 20.9 || 22.0 || 21.9 || 16.1
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
| 850 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 460 || 434 || 290 || ~12 || ~7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || > ___
+
| < 480 || < 340 || < 570 || > 341
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
Equipment-wise, like the Soviet La-11, the aircraft retains the same nitrogen system in all fuel tanks, used to minimize the possibility of enemy hits setting the fuel ablaze.
 +
 
 +
While the protection of La-11 is still nothing to be proud of; while two bulletproof glass plates and a steel plate behind the pilot can stop machine gun bullets, anything that is considered an autocannon can finish off the pilot with ease.
 +
 
 +
* Steel plate
 +
** Rear of cockpit, behind the seat- 8.5 mm
 +
* Bulletproof glass
 +
** Windshield- 55 mm
 +
** Rear of cockpit, behind the headrest- 66 mm
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 86: Line 103:
  
 
* 3 x 23 mm NS-23 cannons, nose-mounted (75 rpg = 225 total)
 
* 3 x 23 mm NS-23 cannons, nose-mounted (75 rpg = 225 total)
 +
 +
La-11 was designed to be an interceptor, thus only three NS-23 cannons were mounted on the nose, which can do very little to armoured ground targets.
 +
 +
For those familiar with the Yakovlev Yak-9 family or the Lavochkin duo of propeller aircraft which use NS-23 as their cannon of choice, players can get used to the La-11 fairly quickly; even new players can handle this cannon thanks to its devastating firepower and straight ballistics. A short burst with the Air targets belt can send even the heaviest of interceptors straight back to the hanger with ease. Although it has one less cannon than the La-9, some practice on conserving ammo can certainly enhance the odds to shoot enemies down with fewer rounds used.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
Since both La-11s are identical, their playstyle is the same; while in Chinese case, this plane would come before its predecessor, La-9 in the tech tree, so it would also become the trainer aircraft for the La-9 with similar performance.
 +
 
 +
A common feature of Lavochkin aircraft is the air-cooled engine and the La-11 is no exception: the same M-82FN engine is retained from its predecessor so in terms of speed and acceleration; while having more fuel is a good thing, this costs La-11 quite something in terms of the overall manoeuvrability; therefore, in most cases, 30 minutes worth of fuel is more than enough to handle the battle while giving it the performance of a La-9.
 +
 
 +
The La-11 experiences severe power loss above 4,000 metres; to make things worse, enemy fighters are very likely to be at least a kilometre above of you and sometimes even up to 3 km. To utilize the La-11 to the greatest extent, attempt to drag high altitude fighters down below 4,000 metres or look for any enemies who have already been baited to lower altitudes. This is where it starts to shine, thanks to its acceleration, even if your hit-and-run or boom-and-zoom failed, the La-11 can run away with relative ease. The three 23 mm cannons can make sure the enemy won't see another day if the shots connect with their aircraft. The La-11 can also serve as a head-on fighter thanks to the straight ballistics of the guns
 +
 
 +
However, keep in mind that the La-11 suffers from subpar, or sometimes even inferior directional control when the plane is at around 700 km/h, which can be common if you have to chase down diving fighters, so it is essential to learn how to compensate with your ailerons.
 +
 
 +
Overall, La-11 provides Chinese aviators with an alternative to ROCAF's US-built aircraft with better performance at lower altitudes and high acceleration when needed, but also quite a challenge due to many enemies being more performant at higher altitudes.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Nose-mounted guns are easy to aim, providing highly concentrated thus deadly fire
+
* The nose-mounted guns are easy to aim, providing highly concentrated, deadly fire
−
* High rate of fire and great 1-second burst mass make short bursts very lethal. Suitable for deflection shots
+
* The 23 mm cannons can be fired separately, allowing for good ammo conservation
−
* Admirably low-altitude performance below 4000m
+
* High rate of fire and great 1-second burst mass make short bursts very lethal, suitable for deflection shots
−
* Light grey paint scheme is effective to hide within clouds or close to a foggy ground
+
* Admirable low-altitude performance below 4,000 m
−
* Fantastic rear view with minimal obstructions
+
* Light grey paint scheme is effective at hiding within clouds or close to a foggy ground
 +
* Good rear view with minimal obstructions
 
* Has a gyro gunsight
 
* Has a gyro gunsight
−
 
−
*
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Low ammo count (75 rounds/gun) requires strict trigger discipline and limits its fighting time
+
* Low ammo count (75 rpg) requires strict trigger discipline and limits its fighting time
−
* Performance worsens above 4000m, making it vulnerable to high-alt fighters like [[Bf 109 G-6|Bf 109 G]]
+
* Performance worsens above 4,000 m, making it vulnerable to high-altitude fighters like the [[Bf 109 G-6]]
−
* Extremely inadequate forward visibility due to the long nose and low gunsight mount. Can lead to the player losing track of the target
+
* Extremely inadequate forward visibility due to the long nose and low gunsight mount, can lead to the player losing track of the target
−
* No suspebded weapons like bombs, limiting its roles to air superiority fighting only  
+
* No suspended weapons like bombs, limiting its roles to air superiority fighter only
−
 
+
* Subpar control surface responsiveness at higher speed
−
*
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
{{main|La-11#History}}
 +
Although the La-11 (NATO: Fang) was among the very last propeller fighters and it contributed very little to VVS, they were still an inexpensive supplement for Soviet allies including the newly born PLAAF who were in dire need to expand their fighter fleet with imported fighters.
 +
 
 +
Like its predecessor La-9, La-11 was first sent with pilots of VVS to aid the defense of larger cities in Mainland China like Shanghai, which was still under air raids from Nationalist forces; these 39 fighters were then transferred to PLAAF in March of 1950. 139 La-11s were handed to PLAAF in total between 1950 to 1953. While some victories were scored at the southeastern coast of China, the first remarkable victory was after the outbreak of the Korean War.
 +
 
 +
===== Fierce Bloodbath over Taehwa-do =====
 +
On 30th November 1951, 9 PVAF Tu-2 bombers were escorted by 16 La-11s from 3rd Regiment, 2nd PVAF Division for a ground attack run on US forces on Taehwa-do Island (大和島/대화도) in the Yellow Sea; the bombers were originally planned to be escorted by a few MiG-15s as well, but missed the rendezvous point and thus had to move on with only propeller fighters as escorts.
 +
 
 +
They were then assaulted by 30 F-86 jet fighters; thanks to La-11's smaller turning radius and better low-altitude performance, Xu Huaitang (徐怀堂) of PVAF managed to shoot down a F-86 during the fight and 3 more were damaged.
 +
 
 +
While PVAF lost 4 bombers, 15 crew, and 3 La-11s to the USAF, this battle also marked the very first propeller fighter victory over jet fighters for the Chinese and Xu Huaitang received a Battle Award, 1st Class for his victory over Taehwa-do Island.
 +
 
 +
===== The Infamy =====
 +
While the La-11 scored some victories over ROCAF and USAF during the 1950s, it might perhaps be the most infamous aircraft in PLAAF due to a shoot-down incident.
 +
 
 +
On 23rd July 1954, a DC-4 passenger plane (VR-HEU, named Silver Wing) operated by Cathy Pacific of British Hong Kong was shot down accidentally by two PLAAF La-11s, piloted by Zhao Xu and Han Guangrong (赵旭; 韩光荣, both from 85th Regiment, 29th Division) offshore of Hainan, 10 of the 18 people onboard were killed during the incident (DC-4 shared the same airframe as C-54 Skymaster, a military transporter which was also used by ROCAF and CAT [Civil Air Transport] of Nationalists). On 26th July, during an USAF operation offshore of Hainan, two La-11s were shot down by AD-4s and both pilots were KIA.
 +
 
 +
The incident was controversial and punishments were issued to both PLAAF commands in Hainan and the pilot duo, as well as payments to the victims; this also marked the most infamous page of PLAAF history and further heated up the turmoil over the skies of East Asia.
 +
 
 +
===== Late life of La-11 =====
 +
The rise of jet fighters during Korean War also marked the end of propeller fighters. La-11s, along with its La-9 predecessors, were quickly withdrawn from the frontline and were only used as trainers or sometimes suppressing rebels in southwestern China. PLAAF stopped the repair of La-11s in 1956 and some of them served as spare parts for Tu-2 (which shared the same engine); when the newer jets eventually replace all the propeller fighters, the last 18 La-11s were decommissioned in 1968, putting a full-stop to the usage of propeller fighters in China.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=la-11_china Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 127: Line 193:
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[La-11]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 141: Line 207:
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Lavochkin}}
 
{{China fighters}}
 
{{China fighters}}

Latest revision as of 04:54, 18 December 2023

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the fighter La-11 (China). For the Soviet version, see La-11.
␗La-11
la-11_china.png
GarageImage La-11 (China).jpg
␗La-11
China flag.png China
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.3 5.3 5.7
Class:
Research:46 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:155 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The La-11 was among the last propeller fighters ever built, as a result of requirements of the VSS (Soviet Air Force) for long-range escort fighters. They were introduced into the PLAAF as supplementary forces alongside the La-9 before the introduction of new jet fighters. Although the La-11 achieved the first propeller-versus-jet kill for the PLAAF (as the PVAF), they were also part of the infamy where they shot down a civil flight in mid-1950s. The remaining aircraft served for another 2 decades before lack of spare parts brought them to their ultimate end of service.

Introduced in Update "Winged Lions", the La-11 proves itself as a fearsome interceptor with sufficient firepower and speed to chase-off American or British fighters, despite lacking one 23 mm cannon compared to the preceding La-9.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 6 200 m680 km/h
Turn time22 s
Max altitude10 250 m
EngineShvetsov M-82FN
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight4 t

Owners of the La-11 or La-9 will soon find themselves home: the La-11 found in Chinese tech tree is identical to the Soviet one, which again is a long-range and heavier version of the La-9. So a noticeable difference between the two Lavochkins is the manoeuvrability. Due to the weight increase with higher capacity of fuel, at full load, La-11 performs nothing like a La-9. While bringing 30 minutes worth of fuel, or at lighter weight as stated in original flight tests conducted by test pilots, it starts to have similar handling to a La-9.

Since both the Chinese and Soviet aircraft are identical, they share the same M-82FN air-cooled piston engine, which was specialized at below 4,000 m. This engine, at 1,650 hp when spaded, could push the La-11 up to 680 km/h at 6,800 m albeit with worse performance than liquid-cooled engines at such altitude. So keeping yourself below 4,000 m is suggested, which might become a problem when being suppressed by late WWII propellers at higher altitudes.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 6,200 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 650 634 10250 23.2 24.0 11.6 11.6 500
Upgraded 710 680 20.9 22.0 21.9 16.1

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
850 320 460 434 290 ~12 ~7
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 480 < 340 < 570 > 341

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear320 km/h

Equipment-wise, like the Soviet La-11, the aircraft retains the same nitrogen system in all fuel tanks, used to minimize the possibility of enemy hits setting the fuel ablaze.

While the protection of La-11 is still nothing to be proud of; while two bulletproof glass plates and a steel plate behind the pilot can stop machine gun bullets, anything that is considered an autocannon can finish off the pilot with ease.

  • Steel plate
    • Rear of cockpit, behind the seat- 8.5 mm
  • Bulletproof glass
    • Windshield- 55 mm
    • Rear of cockpit, behind the headrest- 66 mm

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 062 → 2 589 Sl icon.png
RB4 864 → 6 109 Sl icon.png
SB7 167 → 9 001 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications40 700 Rp icon.png
79 200 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training45 000 Sl icon.png
Experts155 000 Sl icon.png
Aces820 Ge icon.png
Research Aces440 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 190 / 410 % Sl icon.png
160 / 160 / 160 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 900 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
6 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 900 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
6 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
ns23_belt_pack
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
ns23_new_gun
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 13 x 23 mm NS-23 cannon
Ammunition225 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: NS-23 (23 mm)

The La-11 (China) is armed with:

  • 3 x 23 mm NS-23 cannons, nose-mounted (75 rpg = 225 total)

La-11 was designed to be an interceptor, thus only three NS-23 cannons were mounted on the nose, which can do very little to armoured ground targets.

For those familiar with the Yakovlev Yak-9 family or the Lavochkin duo of propeller aircraft which use NS-23 as their cannon of choice, players can get used to the La-11 fairly quickly; even new players can handle this cannon thanks to its devastating firepower and straight ballistics. A short burst with the Air targets belt can send even the heaviest of interceptors straight back to the hanger with ease. Although it has one less cannon than the La-9, some practice on conserving ammo can certainly enhance the odds to shoot enemies down with fewer rounds used.

Usage in battles

Since both La-11s are identical, their playstyle is the same; while in Chinese case, this plane would come before its predecessor, La-9 in the tech tree, so it would also become the trainer aircraft for the La-9 with similar performance.

A common feature of Lavochkin aircraft is the air-cooled engine and the La-11 is no exception: the same M-82FN engine is retained from its predecessor so in terms of speed and acceleration; while having more fuel is a good thing, this costs La-11 quite something in terms of the overall manoeuvrability; therefore, in most cases, 30 minutes worth of fuel is more than enough to handle the battle while giving it the performance of a La-9.

The La-11 experiences severe power loss above 4,000 metres; to make things worse, enemy fighters are very likely to be at least a kilometre above of you and sometimes even up to 3 km. To utilize the La-11 to the greatest extent, attempt to drag high altitude fighters down below 4,000 metres or look for any enemies who have already been baited to lower altitudes. This is where it starts to shine, thanks to its acceleration, even if your hit-and-run or boom-and-zoom failed, the La-11 can run away with relative ease. The three 23 mm cannons can make sure the enemy won't see another day if the shots connect with their aircraft. The La-11 can also serve as a head-on fighter thanks to the straight ballistics of the guns

However, keep in mind that the La-11 suffers from subpar, or sometimes even inferior directional control when the plane is at around 700 km/h, which can be common if you have to chase down diving fighters, so it is essential to learn how to compensate with your ailerons.

Overall, La-11 provides Chinese aviators with an alternative to ROCAF's US-built aircraft with better performance at lower altitudes and high acceleration when needed, but also quite a challenge due to many enemies being more performant at higher altitudes.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • The nose-mounted guns are easy to aim, providing highly concentrated, deadly fire
  • The 23 mm cannons can be fired separately, allowing for good ammo conservation
  • High rate of fire and great 1-second burst mass make short bursts very lethal, suitable for deflection shots
  • Admirable low-altitude performance below 4,000 m
  • Light grey paint scheme is effective at hiding within clouds or close to a foggy ground
  • Good rear view with minimal obstructions
  • Has a gyro gunsight

Cons:

  • Low ammo count (75 rpg) requires strict trigger discipline and limits its fighting time
  • Performance worsens above 4,000 m, making it vulnerable to high-altitude fighters like the Bf 109 G-6
  • Extremely inadequate forward visibility due to the long nose and low gunsight mount, can lead to the player losing track of the target
  • No suspended weapons like bombs, limiting its roles to air superiority fighter only
  • Subpar control surface responsiveness at higher speed

History

Main article: La-11#History

Although the La-11 (NATO: Fang) was among the very last propeller fighters and it contributed very little to VVS, they were still an inexpensive supplement for Soviet allies including the newly born PLAAF who were in dire need to expand their fighter fleet with imported fighters.

Like its predecessor La-9, La-11 was first sent with pilots of VVS to aid the defense of larger cities in Mainland China like Shanghai, which was still under air raids from Nationalist forces; these 39 fighters were then transferred to PLAAF in March of 1950. 139 La-11s were handed to PLAAF in total between 1950 to 1953. While some victories were scored at the southeastern coast of China, the first remarkable victory was after the outbreak of the Korean War.

Fierce Bloodbath over Taehwa-do

On 30th November 1951, 9 PVAF Tu-2 bombers were escorted by 16 La-11s from 3rd Regiment, 2nd PVAF Division for a ground attack run on US forces on Taehwa-do Island (大和島/대화도) in the Yellow Sea; the bombers were originally planned to be escorted by a few MiG-15s as well, but missed the rendezvous point and thus had to move on with only propeller fighters as escorts.

They were then assaulted by 30 F-86 jet fighters; thanks to La-11's smaller turning radius and better low-altitude performance, Xu Huaitang (徐怀堂) of PVAF managed to shoot down a F-86 during the fight and 3 more were damaged.

While PVAF lost 4 bombers, 15 crew, and 3 La-11s to the USAF, this battle also marked the very first propeller fighter victory over jet fighters for the Chinese and Xu Huaitang received a Battle Award, 1st Class for his victory over Taehwa-do Island.

The Infamy

While the La-11 scored some victories over ROCAF and USAF during the 1950s, it might perhaps be the most infamous aircraft in PLAAF due to a shoot-down incident.

On 23rd July 1954, a DC-4 passenger plane (VR-HEU, named Silver Wing) operated by Cathy Pacific of British Hong Kong was shot down accidentally by two PLAAF La-11s, piloted by Zhao Xu and Han Guangrong (赵旭; 韩光荣, both from 85th Regiment, 29th Division) offshore of Hainan, 10 of the 18 people onboard were killed during the incident (DC-4 shared the same airframe as C-54 Skymaster, a military transporter which was also used by ROCAF and CAT [Civil Air Transport] of Nationalists). On 26th July, during an USAF operation offshore of Hainan, two La-11s were shot down by AD-4s and both pilots were KIA.

The incident was controversial and punishments were issued to both PLAAF commands in Hainan and the pilot duo, as well as payments to the victims; this also marked the most infamous page of PLAAF history and further heated up the turmoil over the skies of East Asia.

Late life of La-11

The rise of jet fighters during Korean War also marked the end of propeller fighters. La-11s, along with its La-9 predecessors, were quickly withdrawn from the frontline and were only used as trainers or sometimes suppressing rebels in southwestern China. PLAAF stopped the repair of La-11s in 1956 and some of them served as spare parts for Tu-2 (which shared the same engine); when the newer jets eventually replace all the propeller fighters, the last 18 La-11s were decommissioned in 1968, putting a full-stop to the usage of propeller fighters in China.

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Lavochkin Design Bureau (Лавочкинa Опытное конструкторское бюро)
LaGG-3*  I-301 · LaGG-3-4 · LaGG-3-8 · LaGG-3-11 · LaGG-3-23 · LaGG-3-34 · LaGG-3-35 · LaGG-3-66
La-5/7  La-5 · La-5F · La-5FN · La-7 · Dolgushin's La-7 · La-7B-20
La-9/11  La-9 · La-11
Jet Fighters  La-15 · La-174 · La-200
Export  ␗La-9 · ␗La-11
Captured  ▀La-5FN
  *Lavochkin-Gorbunov-Gudkov (Лавочкин-Горбунов-Гудков), head designer V. P. Gorbunov

China fighters
British  ␗Gladiator Mk I
French  D.510C
Japanese  ␗A6M2 · ␗Ki-27 otsu · ␗Ki-43-III ko · ␗Ki-44-II hei · ␗Ki-61-I otsu · ␗Ki-84 ko
American  CW-21 · Hawk III · P-66 · ␗P-40E-1 · H-81A-2 · ␗P-43A-1
  ␗P-47D-23-RA · ␗P-47D-30 · ␗F-47N-25-RE · ␗P-51C-11-NT · ␗P-51D-20 · ␗P-51K
Soviet  ␗I-15bis · ␗I-153 M-62 · ␗I-16 Chung 28 · ␗I-16 type 5 · ␗I-16 type 10 · ␗I-16 type 17 · ␗La-11 · ␗La-9

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