Difference between revisions of "La-5FN"

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(Expanded the "Usage in battles" section, added a recommendation on how to use MEC on the plane, rewrote the "pros and cons" section)
(→‎Description)
 
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{{Specs-Card|code=la-5fn}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
| about = Russian fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = Soviet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| other
 
| other
 
| usage-1 = the German captured version
 
| usage-1 = the German captured version
 
| link-1 = La-5FN (Germany)
 
| link-1 = La-5FN (Germany)
−
| usage-2 = other uses
+
| usage-2 = other versions
 
| link-2 = La-5 (Family)
 
| link-2 = La-5 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=la-5fn
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was a fighter produced at the same time as the La-5F, rather than being its successor, the main improvement was the introduction of a fuel-injected engine. This came in the form of the ASh-82FN engine that could produce 1,850 HP for up to 10 minutes. In combat tests against a Bf 109 G-2, the La-5FN showed superiority in speed and manoeuvrability at low and medium altitudes. These results influenced Soviet tactics. It used the same twin 20 mm ShVAK cannons as the La-5F, but with 200 rounds per gun.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Russian fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This aircraft has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
 
  
−
Being the last La-5 modification available, one can expect a similar playstyle to the previous variants, however, turn it up several notches to 11. Sporting accurate twin 20 mm cannons and amazing low altitude performance, the La-5FN is a plane with heart that can provide some blood pumping engagements.
+
This aircraft has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. Being the last La-5 modification available, one can expect a similar playstyle to the previous variants, however, turn it up several notches to 11. Sporting accurate twin 20 mm cannons and amazing low altitude performance, the La-5FN is a plane with heart that can provide some blood pumping engagements. Just as the La-5 and La-5F, it has good performance in boom and zoom tactics, however, with an improved powerplant, it is more capable than ever in low-medium altitude fights.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{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.''-->
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,100 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,100 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| 595 || 576 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.8 || 17.6 || 17.6 || 341
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,100 m)
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! Stock
−
! RB
+
| 595 || 576 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.8 || 17.6 || 17.6 || rowspan="2" | 341
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 646 || 620 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.1 || 19.2 || 27.2 || 21.7 || 341
+
! Upgraded
 +
| 646 || 620 || 18.1 || 19.2 || 27.2 || 21.7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flaps
 
−
! Landing flaps
 
−
! 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 flaps<br>(km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|{{Specs|1=destruction|2=body}}||{{Specs|1=destruction|2=gear}} || 470 || ~12 || ~12
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 447 || 418 || 270 || ~13 || ~13
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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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)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 380 || < 380 || < 380 || > 341
 
| < 380 || < 380 || < 380 || > 341
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=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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.'' -->
  
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* 55 mm bulletproof glass in the front windshield
 
* 55 mm bulletproof glass in the front windshield
 
* 10 mm steel plate behind the pilot seat
 
* 10 mm steel plate behind the pilot seat
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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)}}
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=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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-50 (50 kg)}}
 
{{main|FAB-50 (50 kg)}}
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<!--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 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 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 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).-->
  
−
The La-5FN is the last of the La-5 modifications available before moving on to the improved La-7 and is one of the best planes at its BR. Designed to be contemporary to the German [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109]], it maintains excellent energy retention, adequate speed, brutal acceleration, and an amazing turn rate makes this a monster at its rank. If you made it this far in the Russian tech tree, you should understand that all but 4 Russian prop fighters are horrible above 4,000 metres (13,123 feet), where their engines that are tuned for low-altitude will asphyxiate above that altitude, so avoid high altitude fights at all costs.
+
The La-5FN is the last of the La-5 modifications available before moving on to the improved La-7 and is one of the best planes at its BR. Designed to be contemporary to the German [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109]], it maintains excellent energy retention, adequate speed, brutal acceleration, and an amazing turn rate makes this a monster at its rank. If you made it this far in the Soviet tech tree, you should understand that all but 4 Soviet prop fighters are horrible above 4,000 m (13,123 ft), where their engines that are tuned for low-altitude will asphyxiate above that altitude, so avoid high altitude fights at all costs.
  
 
Head-on engagements should be avoided, as the radial engine presents a large target that's prone to damage.
 
Head-on engagements should be avoided, as the radial engine presents a large target that's prone to damage.
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Some enemies to be considered:
 
Some enemies to be considered:
  
−
* '''[[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfires]]''': The legendary British fighter is the king of low altitude fighting. It can turn on a dime, has a decent top-end speed, but has a mediocre roll rate that only gets worse at higher speeds. Avoid them at all costs unless they are unaware of your presence. In which case, dive on it and aim for the pilot and wings, as your cannons will rip through them.
+
* [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfires]]: The legendary British fighter is the king of low altitude fighting. It can turn on a dime, has a decent top-end speed, but has a mediocre roll rate that only gets worse at higher speeds. Avoid them at all costs unless they are unaware of your presence. In which case, dive on it and aim for the pilot and wings, as your cannons will rip through them.
−
* '''[[C.205 serie 3]]'s and [[G.55 (Family)|G.55]]'s:''' These Italian menaces are heavily armed dogfighters that are effectively Bf 109's with more weapons. Their speed is almost unparalleled at this rank and excels at most fighting scenarios. If one forces a fight on you, attempt to turn fight, as when combined with combat flaps and the effective rudder, you outturn them by a decent margin.
+
* [[C.205 serie 3]] and [[G.55 sottoserie 0]]: These Italian menaces are heavily armed dogfighters that are effectively Bf 109's with more weapons. Their speed is almost unparalleled at this rank and excels at most fighting scenarios. If one forces a fight on you, attempt to turn fight, as when combined with combat flaps and the effective rudder, you outturn them by a decent margin.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>2 gears || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
Usage of manual engine controls will allow you get more out of the engine at lower altitudes. Setting the propeller pitch to 100%, the radiator to 65% and the oil radiator to 85% will allow you to use WEP indefinitely without overheating. The values for both of the radiators can be reduced slightly when flying at higher altitudes or on colder maps.
 
  
−
=== Modules ===
+
Usage of manual engine controls will allow you get more out of the engine at lower altitudes. Setting the propeller pitch to 100%, the radiator to 35% and the oil radiator to 40% will allow you to use WEP indefinitely without overheating. The values for both of the radiators can be reduced slightly when flying at higher altitudes or on colder maps.
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 
−
! colspan="1" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
| Armored glass
 
−
| DZ-40
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings 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 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:'''
  
 
* Excellent low altitude performance, faster on the deck than most of its peers
 
* Excellent low altitude performance, faster on the deck than most of its peers
−
* Great energy retention
+
* Great energy retention and excellent acceleration
−
* Good maneuverability, combat flaps can be deployed up to 400kph IAS
+
* Good manoeuvrability, combat flaps can be deployed up to 400 km/h IAS
 
* Accurate and fast-firing cannons with a larger ammo supply than most Soviet fighters
 
* Accurate and fast-firing cannons with a larger ammo supply than most Soviet fighters
−
* Excellent acceleration
 
 
* Sturdy for a Soviet fighter
 
* Sturdy for a Soviet fighter
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Poor engine performance at higher altitudes, can't use WEP above 3700 metres
+
* Poor engine performance at higher altitudes, can't use WEP above 3,700 metres or gear 2 supercharger with MEC
 
* Engine has a tendency to overheat at lower altitudes if manual engine controls aren't used
 
* Engine has a tendency to overheat at lower altitudes if manual engine controls aren't used
−
* Armament is inadequate when facing multi-engined aircraft
+
* Armament is inadequate when facing multi-engined aircraft, such as bombers
 
* Lower dive speed compared to contemporaries
 
* Lower dive speed compared to contemporaries
−
* Lackluster suspended armament
+
* Lacklustre suspended armament
−
* Severe elevator lockup above 550kph IAS
+
* Severe elevator lock-up above 550 km/h IAS
  
 
== 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>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</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).'' -->
 
[[File:Ivan-Kozhedub.jpg|thumbnail|right|Soviet ace pilot Ivan Kozhedub standing in front of his [[La-5FN]] fighter. As the Soviet Unions highest ace, Ivan is three times recipient of the ''Hero of the Soviet Union'' award for shooting down 64 aircraft during the Great Patriotic War.]]
 
[[File:Ivan-Kozhedub.jpg|thumbnail|right|Soviet ace pilot Ivan Kozhedub standing in front of his [[La-5FN]] fighter. As the Soviet Unions highest ace, Ivan is three times recipient of the ''Hero of the Soviet Union'' award for shooting down 64 aircraft during the Great Patriotic War.]]
 
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.
 
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.
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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.
 
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.
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
−
"The Lavochkin La-5 was a single-engine monoplane fighter, a single-seater with an enclosed cockpit, wooden frame and a canvas skin. FN in the designation stands for Boosted, Fuel Injection. The new variant entered production and began to reach front-line units in March 1943. The La-5FN, rather than being a successor to the earlier La-5F, was produced concurrently. Its ASh-82FN engine could reach 1,850 HP and remain at takeoff power settings for up to 10 minutes.  
+
{{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'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
The Lavochkin La-5 was a single-engine monoplane fighter, a single-seater with an enclosed cockpit, wooden frame and a canvas skin. FN in the designation stands for Boosted, Fuel Injection. The new variant entered production and began to reach front-line units in March 1943. The La-5FN, rather than being a successor to the earlier La-5F, was produced concurrently. Its ASh-82FN engine could reach 1,850 HP and remain at takeoff power settings for up to 10 minutes.
  
−
In April 1943 a serial La-5FN was flight tested in mock combat against a captured Bf-109G-2. The Soviet aircraft proved superior at low and medium altitudes, the most common on the Eastern Front. The La-5FN was superior both in top speed as well as maneuvering in the vertical. An analysis of these engagements led to significant changes in Soviet tactics. The La-5FN's armament was identical to that of the La-5 and consisted of twin 20mm ShVAK cannon with 200 rounds per gun. The guns were pneumatically or mechanically operated."
+
In April 1943 a serial La-5FN was flight tested in mock combat against a captured Bf-109G-2. The Soviet aircraft proved superior at low and medium altitudes, the most common on the Eastern Front. The La-5FN was superior both in top speed as well as maneuvering in the vertical. An analysis of these engagements led to significant changes in Soviet tactics. The La-5FN's armament was identical to that of the La-5 and consisted of twin 20mm ShVAK cannon with 200 rounds per gun. The guns were pneumatically or mechanically operated.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
=== Notable pilots ===
 
=== Notable pilots ===
  
−
<div><ul>  
+
<div><ul>
 
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[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 WW II.]] </li><!--
 
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[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 WW II.]] </li><!--
 
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:X.jpg|thumb|none|250px|"Image Description"]] </li>
 
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:X.jpg|thumb|none|250px|"Image Description"]] </li>
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== 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.'' -->
−
https://live.warthunder.com/dl/qsU_hqp600HbuY0J/?s=_mq The skin used in the live action trailer "Victory is Ours!"
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=la-5fn Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|-87YJTY13Bc|'''Fast Like A Brick - La-5FN''' - ''DEFYN''|nijjX6f8lMo|'''Realistic: La-5FN [Energy Monster!]''' - ''Jengar''|eAsPeRyEFYQ|'''La-5FN - Back to Basics, Overshoots, reversals, BNZ''' - ''Green Fury''
 +
}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''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.'' -->
−
All of the previous models in the La-5 line:
 
  
−
* [[La-5]]
+
;Related development
−
* [[La-5F]]
 
−
* [[La-5FN (Germany)]]
 
  
−
Next in the Lavochkin line:
+
* [[La-5 (Family)]]
−
 
+
* [[La-7 (Family)]]
−
* [[La-7]]
 
−
* [[La-7B-20]]
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/43539-lavochkin-la-5fn/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
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* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Lavochkin}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Lavochkin}}
 
{{USSR fighters}}
 
{{USSR fighters}}

Latest revision as of 21:14, 26 February 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the Soviet fighter La-5FN. For the German captured version, see La-5FN (Germany). For other versions, see La-5 (Family).
La-5FN
la-5fn.png
GarageImage La-5FN.jpg
La-5FN
USSR flag.png USSR
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.0 3.7 4.0
Class:
Research:18 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:47 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The La-5FN was a fighter produced at the same time as the La-5F, rather than being its successor, the main improvement was the introduction of a fuel-injected engine. This came in the form of the ASh-82FN engine that could produce 1,850 HP for up to 10 minutes. In combat tests against a Bf 109 G-2, the La-5FN showed superiority in speed and manoeuvrability at low and medium altitudes. These results influenced Soviet tactics. It used the same twin 20 mm ShVAK cannons as the La-5F, but with 200 rounds per gun.

This aircraft has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. Being the last La-5 modification available, one can expect a similar playstyle to the previous variants, however, turn it up several notches to 11. Sporting accurate twin 20 mm cannons and amazing low altitude performance, the La-5FN is a plane with heart that can provide some blood pumping engagements. Just as the La-5 and La-5F, it has good performance in boom and zoom tactics, however, with an improved powerplant, it is more capable than ever in low-medium altitude fights.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 6 100 m620 km/h
Turn time19 s
Max altitude11 350 m
EngineShvetsov M-82FN
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight3 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 6,100 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 595 576 11350 20.0 20.8 17.6 17.6 341
Upgraded 646 620 18.1 19.2 27.2 21.7

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 + -
0 310 447 418 270 ~13 ~13
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 380 < 380 < 380 > 341
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,550 m 1,630 hp 1,920 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,550 m 1,430 hp N/A

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear310 km/h
  • 75 mm bulletproof glass in the rear windshield
  • 55 mm bulletproof glass in the front windshield
  • 10 mm steel plate behind the pilot seat

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB879 → 1 118 Sl icon.png
RB1 890 → 2 405 Sl icon.png
SB2 875 → 3 659 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications19 460 Rp icon.png
31 800 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost980 Ge icon.png
Crew training13 000 Sl icon.png
Experts47 000 Sl icon.png
Aces400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
50 / 130 / 270 % Sl icon.png
136 / 136 / 136 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
2 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods armor glas.png
Armored glass
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
2 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods armor back.png
Rear armor plate
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
DZ-40
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
shvak_belt_pack
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
shvak_new_gun
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 400 Sl icon.png
210 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-5FN is armed with:

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

The ShVAK cannons are quite effective at this battle rating consisting of adequate damage output, a high rate of fire, and decent ammunition belts. However, they are crippled by mediocre damage per shot and by having close to the worst HEI round in the game, so one should focus on the critical components of a plane such as an engine and pilot. The cannons themselves are accurate, even in stock configuration and have the fastest rate of fire of any of its contemporaries (Hispano Mk.II's/404's, MG 151's, Ho-5's, Type 98/99's).

Suspended armament

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

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

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

Usage in battles

The La-5FN is the last of the La-5 modifications available before moving on to the improved La-7 and is one of the best planes at its BR. Designed to be contemporary to the German Bf 109, it maintains excellent energy retention, adequate speed, brutal acceleration, and an amazing turn rate makes this a monster at its rank. If you made it this far in the Soviet tech tree, you should understand that all but 4 Soviet prop fighters are horrible above 4,000 m (13,123 ft), where their engines that are tuned for low-altitude will asphyxiate above that altitude, so avoid high altitude fights at all costs.

Head-on engagements should be avoided, as the radial engine presents a large target that's prone to damage.

A purebred energy fighter through and through, one should employ energy fighting tactics such as stall fighting, vertical scissors and others. However, due to its fantastic turn rate, you can outturn most German, American, Italian and French fighters. Never engage in a turn fight with the British Spitfires or most Japanese fighters, as they can turn on a dime and have a relatively powerful armament.

Some enemies to be considered:

  • Spitfires: The legendary British fighter is the king of low altitude fighting. It can turn on a dime, has a decent top-end speed, but has a mediocre roll rate that only gets worse at higher speeds. Avoid them at all costs unless they are unaware of your presence. In which case, dive on it and aim for the pilot and wings, as your cannons will rip through them.
  • C.205 serie 3 and G.55 sottoserie 0: These Italian menaces are heavily armed dogfighters that are effectively Bf 109's with more weapons. Their speed is almost unparalleled at this rank and excels at most fighting scenarios. If one forces a fight on you, attempt to turn fight, as when combined with combat flaps and the effective rudder, you outturn them by a decent margin.

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

Usage of manual engine controls will allow you get more out of the engine at lower altitudes. Setting the propeller pitch to 100%, the radiator to 35% and the oil radiator to 40% will allow you to use WEP indefinitely without overheating. The values for both of the radiators can be reduced slightly when flying at higher altitudes or on colder maps.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent low altitude performance, faster on the deck than most of its peers
  • Great energy retention and excellent acceleration
  • Good manoeuvrability, combat flaps can be deployed up to 400 km/h IAS
  • Accurate and fast-firing cannons with a larger ammo supply than most Soviet fighters
  • Sturdy for a Soviet fighter

Cons:

  • Poor engine performance at higher altitudes, can't use WEP above 3,700 metres or gear 2 supercharger with MEC
  • Engine has a tendency to overheat at lower altitudes if manual engine controls aren't used
  • Armament is inadequate when facing multi-engined aircraft, such as bombers
  • Lower dive speed compared to contemporaries
  • Lacklustre suspended armament
  • Severe elevator lock-up above 550 km/h IAS

History

Soviet ace pilot Ivan Kozhedub standing in front of his La-5FN fighter. As the Soviet Unions highest ace, Ivan is three times recipient of the Hero of the Soviet Union award for shooting down 64 aircraft during the Great Patriotic War.

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.

Lavochkin's OKB was, in the meantime, transfer 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 its full-scale development began as the LaG-5. The first fully operational LaG-5s was delivered on 20 June 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.


Archive of the in-game description

The Lavochkin La-5 was a single-engine monoplane fighter, a single-seater with an enclosed cockpit, wooden frame and a canvas skin. FN in the designation stands for Boosted, Fuel Injection. The new variant entered production and began to reach front-line units in March 1943. The La-5FN, rather than being a successor to the earlier La-5F, was produced concurrently. Its ASh-82FN engine could reach 1,850 HP and remain at takeoff power settings for up to 10 minutes.

In April 1943 a serial La-5FN was flight tested in mock combat against a captured Bf-109G-2. The Soviet aircraft proved superior at low and medium altitudes, the most common on the Eastern Front. The La-5FN was superior both in top speed as well as maneuvering in the vertical. An analysis of these engagements led to significant changes in Soviet tactics. The La-5FN's armament was identical to that of the La-5 and consisted of twin 20mm ShVAK cannon with 200 rounds per gun. The guns were pneumatically or mechanically operated.


Notable pilots

  • Soviet ace pilot Ivan Kozhedub, highest scoring Allied ace of WW II.

Media

Skins
Videos
Fast Like A Brick - La-5FN - DEFYN
Realistic: La-5FN [Energy Monster!] - Jengar
La-5FN - Back to Basics, Overshoots, reversals, BNZ - Green Fury

See also

Related development

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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