Difference between revisions of "La-5"

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{{Specs-Card|code=la-5_type37_early}}
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{{About
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{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For other uses, see [[La-5_(Disambiguation)|La-5 (Disambiguation)]]''}}
+
| about = Soviet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = La-5 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=la-5_type37_early
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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 La-5 type 37 was a Soviet fighter plane powered by a 1,700 hp Shvetsov M-82A radial engine. It featured two 20 mm ShVAK cannons and had flight characteristics similar to the Bf 109 F. However, it faced issues like cockpit heat, gas contamination, poor cockpit canopy quality, and low speeds due to canopy regulations. Despite these drawbacks, improvements were made throughout production. The La-5 type 37 entered service in 1942 and a total of 1,021 were produced until the end of the year. Further enhancements were needed for it to match the performance of newer German fighters like the Bf 109 G and Fw 190.
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[[File:GarageImage_La-5.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''La-5''' is a Rank II Soviet fighter with a battle rating of 3.3 (AB) and 3.0 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.35.
 
  
−
The La-5 is an energy fighter. While having decent manoeuvrability, it is sluggish when flown at low speeds and suffers from the control surfaces locking up at higher velocities. It is best to gain altitude, stay around 2-3,000 meters and make short dives on distracted or weaker enemy planes.
+
It was introduced in [[Update 1.35]]. The La-5 is an energy fighter. While having decent manoeuvrability, it is sluggish when flown at low speeds and suffers from the control surfaces locking up at higher velocities. It is best to gain altitude, stay around 2,000-3,000 m and make short dives on distracted or weaker enemy planes. It has good armament, 2 x 20mm cannons, but a low ammo pool requires good trigger discipline to last the entire match
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
|-
+
 
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,200 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,200 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
−
|-
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| 551 || 537 || 9,600 || 22.6 || 23.2 || 7.5 || 9.7 || 370
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,200 m)
+
! Stock
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
| 555 || 537 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.1 || 22.9 || 9.8 || 9.8 || rowspan="2" | 370
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! Upgraded
−
! RB
+
| 609 || 580 || 20.0 || 21.1 || 18.8 || 13.7
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| 606 || 573 || 9,600 || 19.7 || 21.1 || 22.6 || 13.6 || 370
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flap
 
−
! Landing flap
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
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|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 700 || 340 || 450 || ~20 || ~20
+
| 735<!--{{Specs|destruction|body}}--> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 431 || 406 || 280 || ~14 || ~14
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 410 || < 400 || < 430 || > 200
+
| < 380 || < 380 || < 380 || > 341
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
|-
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
−
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 2,050 m || 1,540 hp || 1,870 hp
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 5,400 m || 1,330 hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|-
 
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|- -->
 
−
|}
 
  
−
=== Survivability and armour ===
+
* 8.5 mm Steel - Plate behind the pilot (with "Rear Armour Plate" module added, thickness increases to 10 mm)
−
<!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
 
−
* 8.5 mm Steel - Plate behind the pilot (with "Rear Armor Plate" module added, thickness increases to 10 mm)
 
 
* 8.5 mm Steel - Headrest
 
* 8.5 mm Steel - Headrest
 
* No armour glazing
 
* No armour glazing
 
* Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 
* Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 +
* Self-sealing fuel tanks, with neutral gas pressurization system (1 below pilot's feet, 1 in each wing)
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|ShVAK (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|ShVAK (20 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 2 x 20mm ShVAK cannons, nose mounted (170 rpg = 340 total)
+
* 2 x 20 mm ShVAK cannons, nose-mounted (170 rpg = 340 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
<!--''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
−
{{main|FAB-50 (50 kg)}}
+
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|FAB-50sv (50 kg)}}
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' has two options when it comes to external ordinance:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
−
* 2 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs (100 kg total)
+
* 2 x 50 kg FAB-50sv bombs (100 kg total)
−
<!--
 
−
=== Defensive armament ===
 
−
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.''
 
−
-->
 
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).'' -->
 
[[File:Cockpit_La-5.jpg|thumbnail|right|The La-5's instrument panel.]]
 
[[File:Cockpit_La-5.jpg|thumbnail|right|The La-5's instrument panel.]]
−
At the start of the game, climb high and wait for the first dogfight to commence. Once the other planes are engaged, dive on one, fire a good burst, and pull away back to around 3,000 m, and do it again. Shallow dives like this typically best take place at a lower altitude than other boom and zoom aircraft, but here is where the plane's speed will be optimal for manoeuvrability. If you pick up a tail, speeds of around 300 kph/186.4 mph are the best for manoeuvering. This plane is one of the first Soviet fighters in the game to have a powerful engine, WEP, and effective cooling.
+
At the start of the game, climb high and wait for the first dogfight to commence. Once the other planes are engaged, dive on one, fire a good burst, and pull away back to around 3,000 m, and do it again. Shallow dives like this typically best take place at a lower altitude than other boom and zoom aircraft, but here is where the plane's speed will be optimal for manoeuvrability. If you pick up a tail, speeds of around 300 km/h (186 mph) are the best for manoeuvring. This plane is one of the first Soviet fighters in the game to have a powerful engine, WEP, and effective cooling.
  
 
The 20 mm cannons are mighty, but low on total ammunition count. Only fly this plane after getting used to the trajectories of the other more forgiving Soviet planes, such as the Yak line, since they use the same cannons. It is typically best to use Ground Target ammo for its high explosive properties.
 
The 20 mm cannons are mighty, but low on total ammunition count. Only fly this plane after getting used to the trajectories of the other more forgiving Soviet planes, such as the Yak line, since they use the same cannons. It is typically best to use Ground Target ammo for its high explosive properties.
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
−
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type  
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
===Modules===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage Repair, Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
| DZ-40
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wing Repair, Engine
 
−
| Rear Armor Plate
 
−
| Offensive 20 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Engine Injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
| New 20 mm Cannons
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle concerning its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "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:'''
−
* Excellent performance at 3,000 m/9,843 ft
+
 
 +
* Excellent performance at 3,000 m (10,000 ft)
 
* Good performance in both vertical and horizontal flight
 
* Good performance in both vertical and horizontal flight
 
* Good energy retention
 
* Good energy retention
−
* Nose mounted weaponry
+
* Nose-mounted weaponry
 
* Leading edge slats
 
* Leading edge slats
 
* High rate of fire of the 20 mm [[ShVAK (20 mm)|ShVAK]] cannons
 
* High rate of fire of the 20 mm [[ShVAK (20 mm)|ShVAK]] cannons
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
* Poor performance above 3,000 m/10,000 ft
+
 
 +
* Poor performance above 3,000 m (10,000 ft)
 
* Low total ammunition count
 
* Low total ammunition count
−
* Jack of all trades master of none
 
 
* Severe surface control compression in dives
 
* Severe surface control compression in dives
 
* No bulletproof glass or armour to protect the pilot in head-on attacks
 
* No bulletproof glass or armour to protect the pilot in head-on attacks
 +
* Horrible over the nose visibility (Simulator)
  
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
In early 1942, Semyon Lavochkin's LaGG-3 fighter was under threat of having its production cancelled, having proved itself to be a flawed fighter, underpowered and overweight. At the same time, Arkady Shvetsov faced a lack of demand for his M-82 radial engine, only successfully used by the Sukhoi Su-2 ground attack aircraft that was also in danger of being cancelled. The two designers met at a conference in Moscow, and Shvetsov agreed to help Lavochkin fit the M-82 engine to the LaGG-3 airframe. Mikhail Gudkov, one of the original designers of the LaGG-3, had already attempted to do the same thing, resulting in the Gu-82 fighter. However, he had delayed too long in getting the fighter into production, and by April 1942, Aleksander Yakovlev had succeeded in getting production of the LaGG-3 cancelled in favour of his Yak-7 fighter, effectively monopolising Soviet fighter production.
+
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
A single-seat cantilever monoplane fighter with a closed cockpit and retractable landing gear with a tail wheel. Adapted from the LaGG-3 fighter's airframe for the air-cooled M-82 engine.
 +
 
 +
The aircraft was powered by the 14-cylinder twin-row air-cooled Shvetsov M-82A radial engine with a maximum output of 1,700 hp.
 +
 
 +
The La-5 Type 37's armament consisted of two 20 mm synchronized ShVAK cannons with 170 shells each. They were installed in the nose of the fuselage above the engine.
 +
 
 +
The La-5 Type 37 differed from the prototype LaGG-3M-82 design in its front fuselage, which was given a more circular profile to provide a smooth transition between the engine and the sides without additional splice plates.
  
−
Lavochkin's OKB was, in the meantime, transferred to the backwaters of Tbilisi, Georgia and he and his team had to work almost illegally and in harsh conditions to modify the LaGG-3 for the M-82 engine. The radial engine was physically wider than the LaGG-3 fuselage cross-section, requiring skirting to attach the larger engine and to the fuselage, and the M-82 also had no space for an engine-mounted cannon, unlike the Klimov M-105. Thus, the updated armament changed to two 20 mm ShVAK cannon mounted on top of the engine. The new LaGG-3 M-82 (also known as the Samolyot 37 (Aircraft 37) or the Type 37) was completed in February 1942 and underwent test flights, with promising results despite problems with engine cooling. Its performance was better than any Soviet fighter then in service. Other issues revealed in testing consisted of: excessive control forces, oil leaks, and excessive weight, but these could not overshadow the LaGG-3 M-82's excellent performance, and it full-scale development began as the LaG-5. The first fully operational LaG-5s were delivered on 20 June 1942.
+
The La-5 had roughly equal flight characteristics to those of the Bf.109F, but was weaker than the newer Bf.109G, which appeared on the Soviet-German front at the same as the La-5, in the autumn of 1942.
  
−
Series LaG-5s suffered from poor quality, which reduced performance considerably. As was revealed in the test flights, pilots found it to be a more difficult aircraft to fly than the Yak-1 or LaGG-3, but the radial engine enhanced protection during head-on attacks. Redesignated La-5 in September 1942, the new fighter faced its first important test during the battle of Stalingrad. It proved not to be enough to equal the Bf 109 F-4 and G-2 models but was considered capable of further improvement. Continuous improvements to the La-5 would eventually lead to the La-5F, La-5FN, and finally the La-7, among some of the most excellent Soviet fighters of the Great Patriotic War.
+
Apart from that, as with many machines created in a hurry, the La-5 initially had many drawbacks.
 +
 
 +
The most serious of them were the stifling heat and gas contamination in the cockpit, caused by bad sealing in the engine compartment and a lack of ventilation. Another serious issue was the low-quality plexiglass in the cockpit windows, which quickly discolored in the sunlight and lost its transparency. In addition, high speeds and g-forces often caused the cockpit canopy to seize up.
 +
 
 +
To provide fresh air, increase visibility and allow for an emergency escape, the pilot had to keep the cockpit canopy open at all times, though regulations forbade this, as it significantly decreased the plane's maximum speed.
 +
 
 +
The first La-5 Type 37 Series 1-8 planes were produced in July 1942 at the No. 21 aviation plant in Gorky and went into service in August–September. Production continued until the end of 1942. In total, 1,021 La-5 Type 37s of all production series were produced.
 +
 
 +
Throughout its series production, the aircraft's flaws were slowly corrected, but for it to go toe to toe with the Bf.109G and the other new German fighter, the FW.190, its flight characteristics needed to be increased.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
 +
 
 +
=== Notable pilots ===
 +
[[File:Ivan_Kozhedub_2.jpg|thumb|none|200px|link=User:U64962917#Kozhedub,_Ivan_N.|Soviet ace pilot [[User:U64962917#Kozhedub,_Ivan_N.|Ivan Kozhedub]], highest scoring Allied ace of WWII.]]
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as 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-5_type37_early Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
 +
File:Wallpaper La-5 Airfield.jpg|La-5 at an airfield
 +
File:FAB-50 La-5drop.jpg|La-5 dropping a bomb
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
−
== Read also ==
 
−
''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;''
 
* ''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.''
−
<!--''ETC.''-->
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/87239-lavochkin-la-5/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Lavochkin}}
 
{{USSR fighters}}
 
{{USSR fighters}}

Latest revision as of 19:11, 8 September 2024

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This page is about the Soviet fighter La-5. For other versions, see La-5 (Family).
La-5
la-5_type37_early.png
GarageImage La-5.jpg
La-5
USSR flag.png USSR
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.3 3.0 3.0
Class:
Research:11 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The La-5 type 37 was a Soviet fighter plane powered by a 1,700 hp Shvetsov M-82A radial engine. It featured two 20 mm ShVAK cannons and had flight characteristics similar to the Bf 109 F. However, it faced issues like cockpit heat, gas contamination, poor cockpit canopy quality, and low speeds due to canopy regulations. Despite these drawbacks, improvements were made throughout production. The La-5 type 37 entered service in 1942 and a total of 1,021 were produced until the end of the year. Further enhancements were needed for it to match the performance of newer German fighters like the Bf 109 G and Fw 190.

It was introduced in Update 1.35. The La-5 is an energy fighter. While having decent manoeuvrability, it is sluggish when flown at low speeds and suffers from the control surfaces locking up at higher velocities. It is best to gain altitude, stay around 2,000-3,000 m and make short dives on distracted or weaker enemy planes. It has good armament, 2 x 20mm cannons, but a low ammo pool requires good trigger discipline to last the entire match

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 6 200 m580 km/h
Turn time21 s
Max altitude9 600 m
EngineShvetsov M-82
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight3 t
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 555 537 9600 22.1 22.9 9.8 9.8 370
Upgraded 609 580 20.0 21.1 18.8 13.7

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 + -
735 340 431 406 280 ~14 ~14
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 380 < 380 < 380 > 341

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear340 km/h
  • 8.5 mm Steel - Plate behind the pilot (with "Rear Armour Plate" module added, thickness increases to 10 mm)
  • 8.5 mm Steel - Headrest
  • No armour glazing
  • Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks, with neutral gas pressurization system (1 below pilot's feet, 1 in each wing)

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB634 → 802 Sl icon.png
RB1 321 → 1 672 Sl icon.png
SB1 832 → 2 319 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications10 370 Rp icon.png
13 870 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost750 Ge icon.png
Crew training6 300 Sl icon.png
Experts22 000 Sl icon.png
Aces250 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 100 / 200 % Sl icon.png
124 / 124 / 124 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
910 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
910 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods armor back.png
Rear armor plate
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
DZ-40
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
910 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
shvak_belt_pack
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
shvak_new_gun
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 20 mm ShVAK cannon
Ammunition340 rounds
Fire rate720 shots/min
Main article: ShVAK (20 mm)

The La-5 is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm ShVAK cannons, nose-mounted (170 rpg = 340 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (1)
Setup 12 x 50 kg FAB-50sv (forged) bomb
Main article: FAB-50sv (50 kg)

The La-5 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 50 kg FAB-50sv bombs (100 kg total)

Usage in battles

The La-5's instrument panel.

At the start of the game, climb high and wait for the first dogfight to commence. Once the other planes are engaged, dive on one, fire a good burst, and pull away back to around 3,000 m, and do it again. Shallow dives like this typically best take place at a lower altitude than other boom and zoom aircraft, but here is where the plane's speed will be optimal for manoeuvrability. If you pick up a tail, speeds of around 300 km/h (186 mph) are the best for manoeuvring. This plane is one of the first Soviet fighters in the game to have a powerful engine, WEP, and effective cooling.

The 20 mm cannons are mighty, but low on total ammunition count. Only fly this plane after getting used to the trajectories of the other more forgiving Soviet planes, such as the Yak line, since they use the same cannons. It is typically best to use Ground Target ammo for its high explosive properties.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent performance at 3,000 m (10,000 ft)
  • Good performance in both vertical and horizontal flight
  • Good energy retention
  • Nose-mounted weaponry
  • Leading edge slats
  • High rate of fire of the 20 mm ShVAK cannons

Cons:

  • Poor performance above 3,000 m (10,000 ft)
  • Low total ammunition count
  • Severe surface control compression in dives
  • No bulletproof glass or armour to protect the pilot in head-on attacks
  • Horrible over the nose visibility (Simulator)

History


Archive of the in-game description

A single-seat cantilever monoplane fighter with a closed cockpit and retractable landing gear with a tail wheel. Adapted from the LaGG-3 fighter's airframe for the air-cooled M-82 engine.

The aircraft was powered by the 14-cylinder twin-row air-cooled Shvetsov M-82A radial engine with a maximum output of 1,700 hp.

The La-5 Type 37's armament consisted of two 20 mm synchronized ShVAK cannons with 170 shells each. They were installed in the nose of the fuselage above the engine.

The La-5 Type 37 differed from the prototype LaGG-3M-82 design in its front fuselage, which was given a more circular profile to provide a smooth transition between the engine and the sides without additional splice plates.

The La-5 had roughly equal flight characteristics to those of the Bf.109F, but was weaker than the newer Bf.109G, which appeared on the Soviet-German front at the same as the La-5, in the autumn of 1942.

Apart from that, as with many machines created in a hurry, the La-5 initially had many drawbacks.

The most serious of them were the stifling heat and gas contamination in the cockpit, caused by bad sealing in the engine compartment and a lack of ventilation. Another serious issue was the low-quality plexiglass in the cockpit windows, which quickly discolored in the sunlight and lost its transparency. In addition, high speeds and g-forces often caused the cockpit canopy to seize up.

To provide fresh air, increase visibility and allow for an emergency escape, the pilot had to keep the cockpit canopy open at all times, though regulations forbade this, as it significantly decreased the plane's maximum speed.

The first La-5 Type 37 Series 1-8 planes were produced in July 1942 at the No. 21 aviation plant in Gorky and went into service in August–September. Production continued until the end of 1942. In total, 1,021 La-5 Type 37s of all production series were produced.

Throughout its series production, the aircraft's flaws were slowly corrected, but for it to go toe to toe with the Bf.109G and the other new German fighter, the FW.190, its flight characteristics needed to be increased.


Notable pilots

Soviet ace pilot Ivan Kozhedub, highest scoring Allied ace of WWII.

Media

Skins
Images

  • La-5 at an airfield

  • La-5 dropping a bomb

See also

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


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

USSR fighters
I-15  I-15 WR · I-15 M-22 · I-15 M-25 · I-15bis · Krasnolutsky's I-15bis
  I-153 M-62 · Zhukovsky's I-153-M62 · I-153P
I-16  I-16 type 5 · I-16 type 10 · I-16 type 18 · I-16 type 24 · I-16 type 27 · I-16 type 28 · I-180S
I-29  I-29
I-185  I-185 (M-71) · I-185 (M-82)
I-225  I-225
ITP  ITP (M-1)
MiG-3  MiG-3-15 · MiG-3-15 (BK) · MiG-3-34
LaGG  I-301 · LaGG-3-4 · LaGG-3-8 · LaGG-3-11 · LaGG-3-23 · LaGG-3-34 · LaGG-3-35 · LaGG-3-66
La  La-5 · La-5F · La-5FN · La-7 · Dolgushin's La-7 · La-7B-20 · La-9 · La-11
Yak-1/7  Yak-1 · Yak-1B · Yak-7B
Yak-3  Yak-3 · Eremin's Yak-3(e) · Yak-3P · Yak-3T · Yak-3U · Yak-3 (VK-107)
Yak-9  Yak-9 · Yak-9B · Golovachev's Yak-9M · Yak-9T · Yak-9K · Yak-9U · Yak-9UT · Yak-9P
Other countries  ▂P-40E-1 · ▂P-47D-27 · ▂Hurricane Mk IIB · ▂Fw 190 D-9 · ▂Spitfire Mk IXc
P-39  ▂P-39K-1 · ▂Pokryshkin's P-39N-0 · ▂P-39Q-15
P-63  ▂P-63A-5 · ▂P-63A-10 · ▂P-63C-5

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