Difference between revisions of "La-7"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Added Encyclopedia Desc into history)
(Updated)
Line 11: Line 11:
 
== 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 '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in the garage]]
+
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{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.
 
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.
  
The La-7 is an effective mid-low altitude interceptor. It has many unique capabilities that make it an exceptional fighter. As the successor of the La-5/F/FN, it has a more powerful engine and improved aerodynamics.
+
The La-7 is an effective mid-low altitude interceptor. It has many unique capabilities that make it an exceptional fighter. As the successor of the [[La-5 (Family)|La-5/F/FN]], it has a more powerful engine and improved aerodynamics.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 40: Line 40:
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
| 647 || 632 || 10,450 || 20.3 || 20.7 || 11.6 || 14.1 || 348
+
| 651 || 631 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.6 || 14 || 14 || 348
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,250 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,250 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
+
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
Line 57: Line 57:
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
| 711 || 677 || 10,450 || 18.7 || 19.0 || 28.5 || 18.5 || 348
+
| 711 || 677 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.3 || 19.2 || 23.9 || 18.2 || 348
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps
! Take-off flap
+
! Take-off flaps
! Landing flap
+
! Landing flaps
 
! Air brakes
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
! Arrestor gear
Line 82: Line 82:
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
Line 88: Line 88:
 
! -
 
! -
 
|-
 
|-
| 735 || 320 || 530 || ~21 || ~21
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 530 || ~13 || ~13
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 101: Line 101:
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
| < 350 || < 350 || < 440 || > 230
+
| < 400 || < 400 || < 400 || > 341
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 115: Line 115:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| 1,550 m || 1,670 hp || 1,959 hp
+
| 1,550 m || 1,630 hp || 1,920 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
Line 123: Line 123:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| 4,700 m || 1,410 hp || ?,??? hp
+
| 4,550 m || 1,430 hp || N/A
|-
 
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
Line 143: Line 135:
 
== Armaments ==
 
== 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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 20 mm ShVAK cannons in the nose (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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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)|FAB-100 (100 kg)}}
 
{{main|FAB-50 (50 kg)|FAB-100 (100 kg)}}
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
* 2 x 50 kg bombs (100 kg total)
+
* 2 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs (100 kg total)
* 2 x 100 kg bombs (200 kg total)
+
* 2 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs (200 kg total)
  
 
== Usage in 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 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).'' -->
 
[[File:Cockpit_La-7.jpg|thumbnail|right|The La-7's instrument panel.]]
 
[[File:Cockpit_La-7.jpg|thumbnail|right|The La-7's instrument panel.]]
The key to staying alive in the La-7 series lies in using evasion and deception to destroy the enemy. Start by flying at around 4.5 km altitude as you present yourself as an easy target for Boom & Zoom aircraft that are flying at higher altitudes. Maintain a high energy level/speed (conceal your energy as well). When you spot someone diving at you, break off and evade his burst, and then chase him and return your own bursts, or, if he turns, engage in turning combat. Watch your opponent, however. Spitfire (Griffons) can, for the most part, out turn a La-7 while other planes such as the FW-190 D are far inferior at turning. It is possible to force overshoots on Spitfires by going into scissors. Acceleration on this plane is excellent at low-medium altitude (below 3 km where WEP still work). Additionally, the La-7 can be an effective mid-alt Boom and Zoom/ energy fighter- when most opponents have been destroyed and the rest are engaging below you, the La-7, with its effective climb rate as well as acceleration/energy retention, can be unstoppable.
+
The key to staying alive in the La-7 series lies in using evasion and deception to destroy the enemy. Start by flying at around 4.5 km altitude as you present yourself as an easy target for Boom & Zoom aircraft that are flying at higher altitudes. Maintain a high energy level/speed (conserve your energy as well). When you spot someone diving at you, break off and evade his burst, and then chase him and return your own bursts, or, if he turns, engage in turning combat. Watch your opponent, however. [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfire (Griffons)]] can, for the most part, out-turn a La-7 while other planes such as the [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190 D]] are far inferior at turning. It is possible to force overshoots on Spitfires by going into scissors. Acceleration on this plane is excellent at low-medium altitude (below 3 km where WEP still works). Additionally, the La-7 can be an effective mid-alt Boom and Zoom / energy fighter - when most opponents have been destroyed and the rest are engaging below you, the La-7, with its effective climb rate as well as acceleration/energy retention, can be unstoppable.
  
One habit you have to take to heart is aiming strategies/skill. The 2 cowling-mounted ShVAks are quite ineffective in side-on approaches as well as longer range fire due to the fact that there is little spread to the cannons and low damage and hit detection compared to comparable 20 mm cannons such as the Hispano and MG-151. The low spread allows for greater damage upon hitting your opponent- if used correctly, the cannons can be extremely lethal. Ground Targets belts have the most HE shells in their composition; these are the most versatile as they are extremely effective against planes as well as Ground targets.
+
One habit you have to take to heart is aiming strategies/skill. The 2 cowling-mounted ShVAKs are quite ineffective in side-on approaches as well as longer range fire due to the fact that there is little spread to the cannons and low damage and hit detection compared to comparable 20 mm cannons such as the Hispano and MG-151. The low spread allows for greater damage upon hitting your opponent - if used correctly, the cannons can be extremely lethal. Ground Targets belts have the most HE shells in their composition; these are the most versatile as they are extremely effective against planes as well as Ground targets.
  
 
Another habit worth developing in the La-7 is ammo conservation, it is crucial to only take shots that you know will hit and aiming them carefully. This way you stand a bigger chance of critically damaging the enemy aeroplane. By following those rules you will soon find yourself researching the final Lavochkin piston fighter - the [[La-9]].
 
Another habit worth developing in the La-7 is ammo conservation, it is crucial to only take shots that you know will hit and aiming them carefully. This way you stand a bigger chance of critically damaging the enemy aeroplane. By following those rules you will soon find yourself researching the final Lavochkin piston fighter - the [[La-9]].
  
The aircraft are placed quite low in the [[BR|Battle Rating]] spread, which means that you will still engage [[:Category:Third_rank_aircraft|Era III aircraft]]. Do not underestimate them. If flown up to their respective strengths, planes such as the [[Bf 109 G-2]] and [[Spitfire Mk Vc]] are superior to the La-7. The strengths of both La-7 variants lie in very good low altitude performance - ideally, you want to engage your enemies at altitudes lower than 5 km - higher up, the power output of the engine reduces drastically, making you an easy target. Aside from the speed, the La-7 possesses very good turning capabilities - while it is not as good a turner as some British and Japanese designs, it can give many German and US aircraft a run for their money.
+
The aircraft is placed quite low in the [[BR|Battle Rating]] spread, which means that you will still engage [[:Category:Third_rank_aircraft|rank III aircraft]]. Do not underestimate them. If flown up to their respective strengths, planes such as the [[Bf 109 G-2]] and [[Spitfire Mk Vc]] are superior to the La-7. The strengths of both La-7 variants lie in very good low altitude performance - ideally, you want to engage your enemies at altitudes lower than 5 km - higher up, the power output of the engine reduces drastically, making you an easy target. Aside from the speed, the La-7 possesses very good turning capabilities - while it is not as good a turner as some British and Japanese designs, it can give many German and US aircraft a run for their money.
  
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 184: Line 176:
 
! Type
 
! Type
 
|-
 
|-
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| 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
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===Modules===
+
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 
! colspan="1" | Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
+
! colspan="1" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
| Fuselage Repair
+
| Fuselage repair
 
| Radiator
 
| Radiator
| Armored Glass
+
| Armored glass
 
| DZ-40
 
| DZ-40
 
|-
 
|-
Line 208: Line 200:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
| Wings Repair
+
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
| Rear Armor Plate
+
| Rear armor plate
 
| Offensive 20 mm
 
| Offensive 20 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
 
|
 
|
| Engine Injection
+
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
| New 20 mm Cannons
+
| New 20 mm cannons
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 224: Line 216:
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!-- ''Summarize 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 (< 3,000 m/9,843 ft)
+
* Excellent low altitude performance (< 3,000 m / 9,843 ft)
 
* Decent manoeuvrability
 
* Decent manoeuvrability
 
* Great acceleration and rate of climb
 
* Great acceleration and rate of climb
 
* Good roll rate
 
* Good roll rate
* Center-mounted cannons- can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your aiming ability
+
* Center-mounted cannons - can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your aiming ability
 
* Decent cockpit visibility
 
* Decent cockpit visibility
 
* Good speed in level flight
 
* Good speed in level flight
Line 239: Line 231:
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
* Poor performance at high altitude (> 4,000 m/13,124 ft)
+
* Poor performance at high altitude (> 4,000 m / 13,124 ft)
 
* Poor maximum dive speed
 
* Poor maximum dive speed
 
* Fast-firing cannons means you have to be more diligent with ammo conservation
 
* Fast-firing cannons means you have to be more diligent with ammo conservation
Line 245: Line 237:
 
* Center-mounted cannons can be difficult to master
 
* Center-mounted cannons can be difficult to master
 
* Poor stock belts
 
* Poor stock belts
* Relatively poor durability- wings tend to rip at higher speeds compared to contemporaries
+
* Relatively poor durability - wings tend to rip at higher speeds compared to contemporaries
* Jack-of-all trades fighter- no specialized job means that the La-7 isn't dedicated to tasks like Boom & Zoom
+
* Jack-of-all trades fighter - no specialized job means that the La-7 isn't optimised for tasks like Boom & Zoom
  
 
== 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 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. 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>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</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.]]
 
 
The concept of a new fighter for the Soviet Air Force was pitched in 1943. While the earlier Lavochkin La-5 proved to be one of the best Soviet fighters produced up to that point, the main designer of the [[La-5FN|La-5]], Semyon Lavochkin, felt that it could be improved even further. Work on a completely new fighter began in the early months of 1944. The new fighter was supposed to be an improved version of the La-5 design. The changes included the incorporation of a lighter and more durable metal airframe in place of the earlier wooden one. Other changes included the mounting of a new gun sight and propeller, as well as the strengthening of the landing gear struts and streamlining of the wings. It was to be armed with three Berezin B-20 20 mm cannons, however, the delay in production meant that most new La-7s were armed with 2 x 20 mm ShVAK cannons, like its predecessor. After more tests, the new fighter was accepted into serial production in late 1944.
 
The concept of a new fighter for the Soviet Air Force was pitched in 1943. While the earlier Lavochkin La-5 proved to be one of the best Soviet fighters produced up to that point, the main designer of the [[La-5FN|La-5]], Semyon Lavochkin, felt that it could be improved even further. Work on a completely new fighter began in the early months of 1944. The new fighter was supposed to be an improved version of the La-5 design. The changes included the incorporation of a lighter and more durable metal airframe in place of the earlier wooden one. Other changes included the mounting of a new gun sight and propeller, as well as the strengthening of the landing gear struts and streamlining of the wings. It was to be armed with three Berezin B-20 20 mm cannons, however, the delay in production meant that most new La-7s were armed with 2 x 20 mm ShVAK cannons, like its predecessor. After more tests, the new fighter was accepted into serial production in late 1944.
  
Line 276: Line 267:
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
   
+
 
 
{{USSR fighters}}
 
{{USSR fighters}}

Revision as of 16:30, 8 May 2019

RANK 6 BRITAIN
Rooikat 105 PACK
la-7.png
La-7
AB RB SB
4.3 4.7 5.0
Class:
Research:26 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:76 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the Russian fighter La-7. For the premium version, see Dolgushin's La-7. For the other version, see La-7B-20.

Description

GarageImage La-7.jpg


The La-7 is a rank III Russian fighter with a battle rating of 4.3 (AB), 4.7 (RB), and 5.0 (SB). This aircraft has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The La-7 is an effective mid-low altitude interceptor. It has many unique capabilities that make it an exceptional fighter. As the successor of the La-5/F/FN, it has a more powerful engine and improved aerodynamics.

General info

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.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 6,250 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
651 631 10450 20.0 20.6 14 14 348
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 6,250 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
711 677 10450 18.3 19.2 23.9 18.2 348

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flaps
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
530 ~13 ~13
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< 400 < 400 < 400 > 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

  • 8.5 mm Steel - Armor plate behind pilot's seat (with upgrade = 10 mm total)
  • 55 mm Bulletproof Glass - Fore canopy
  • 66 mm Bulletproof Glass - Rear canopy/headrest (with upgrade = 75 mm total)

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: ShVAK (20 mm)

The La-7 is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

The La-7 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs (100 kg total)
  • 2 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs (200 kg total)

Usage in battles

The La-7's instrument panel.

The key to staying alive in the La-7 series lies in using evasion and deception to destroy the enemy. Start by flying at around 4.5 km altitude as you present yourself as an easy target for Boom & Zoom aircraft that are flying at higher altitudes. Maintain a high energy level/speed (conserve your energy as well). When you spot someone diving at you, break off and evade his burst, and then chase him and return your own bursts, or, if he turns, engage in turning combat. Watch your opponent, however. Spitfire (Griffons) can, for the most part, out-turn a La-7 while other planes such as the Fw 190 D are far inferior at turning. It is possible to force overshoots on Spitfires by going into scissors. Acceleration on this plane is excellent at low-medium altitude (below 3 km where WEP still works). Additionally, the La-7 can be an effective mid-alt Boom and Zoom / energy fighter - when most opponents have been destroyed and the rest are engaging below you, the La-7, with its effective climb rate as well as acceleration/energy retention, can be unstoppable.

One habit you have to take to heart is aiming strategies/skill. The 2 cowling-mounted ShVAKs are quite ineffective in side-on approaches as well as longer range fire due to the fact that there is little spread to the cannons and low damage and hit detection compared to comparable 20 mm cannons such as the Hispano and MG-151. The low spread allows for greater damage upon hitting your opponent - if used correctly, the cannons can be extremely lethal. Ground Targets belts have the most HE shells in their composition; these are the most versatile as they are extremely effective against planes as well as Ground targets.

Another habit worth developing in the La-7 is ammo conservation, it is crucial to only take shots that you know will hit and aiming them carefully. This way you stand a bigger chance of critically damaging the enemy aeroplane. By following those rules you will soon find yourself researching the final Lavochkin piston fighter - the La-9.

The aircraft is placed quite low in the Battle Rating spread, which means that you will still engage rank III aircraft. Do not underestimate them. If flown up to their respective strengths, planes such as the Bf 109 G-2 and Spitfire Mk Vc are superior to the La-7. The strengths of both La-7 variants lie in very good low altitude performance - ideally, you want to engage your enemies at altitudes lower than 5 km - higher up, the power output of the engine reduces drastically, making you an easy target. Aside from the speed, the La-7 possesses very good turning capabilities - while it is not as good a turner as some British and Japanese designs, it can give many German and US aircraft a run for their money.

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability 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

Four upgrades are of importance: Offensive 20 mm, Compressor, Engine and Engine injection.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent low altitude performance (< 3,000 m / 9,843 ft)
  • Decent manoeuvrability
  • Great acceleration and rate of climb
  • Good roll rate
  • Center-mounted cannons - can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your aiming ability
  • Decent cockpit visibility
  • Good speed in level flight
  • Pilot armour options
  • Bomb options
  • has less of a stock syndrome than most other tier IV aircraft

Cons:

  • Poor performance at high altitude (> 4,000 m / 13,124 ft)
  • Poor maximum dive speed
  • Fast-firing cannons means you have to be more diligent with ammo conservation
  • Tends to bleed energy
  • Center-mounted cannons can be difficult to master
  • Poor stock belts
  • Relatively poor durability - wings tend to rip at higher speeds compared to contemporaries
  • Jack-of-all trades fighter - no specialized job means that the La-7 isn't optimised for tasks like Boom & Zoom

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.

The concept of a new fighter for the Soviet Air Force was pitched in 1943. While the earlier Lavochkin La-5 proved to be one of the best Soviet fighters produced up to that point, the main designer of the La-5, Semyon Lavochkin, felt that it could be improved even further. Work on a completely new fighter began in the early months of 1944. The new fighter was supposed to be an improved version of the La-5 design. The changes included the incorporation of a lighter and more durable metal airframe in place of the earlier wooden one. Other changes included the mounting of a new gun sight and propeller, as well as the strengthening of the landing gear struts and streamlining of the wings. It was to be armed with three Berezin B-20 20 mm cannons, however, the delay in production meant that most new La-7s were armed with 2 x 20 mm ShVAK cannons, like its predecessor. After more tests, the new fighter was accepted into serial production in late 1944.

In September 1944, the first La-7s found their way onto the front lines with the 63rd Guard Fighter Aviation Corps. The reception of the new fighter was warm - it was faster and more manoeuvrable than the La-5, which meant it could more efficiently tackle the most common German fighter the Soviets faced: the Messerschmitt Bf 109 G. In certain circumstances, the speed allowed the Soviet pilots to intercept Fw 190 fighter-bombers - a feat impossible to achieve for other Soviet fighters like the Yak-3. The main critiques of the design were considered to be the engine reliability and armament - the twin 20 mm ShVAK cannons were judged as inadequate in fights against better armoured Fw 190s. Still, the La-7 became one of the most successful Soviet piston fighters of World War II. Soviet ace Ivan Kozhedub scored 17 kills while flying the La-7 - his last one being an Me 262 jet. After the war, the La-7 was replaced by the La-9 prop fighter, although many were still used by other communist states as both fighters and trainer aircraft.

Encyclopedia info

The Lavochkin La-7 was a Soviet single-seat single-engine monoplane fighter. It was a further development of the La-5FN. The first prototype was built in January 1944, making its first flight on 2nd February and entering state trials on 16th February. The aircraft entered serial production in May 1944, designated La-7, and fully replaced the La-5FN on production lines by November 1944.

The La-7 was one of the best serial fighters of WWII, highly maneuverable with advanced performance characteristics and powerful armament. One on one, it was greatly superior to contemporary Axis, British and US fighters at low and medium altitudes. Other features included improved survivability and ease of control. A total of 5,735 La-7s were built before the end of WWII.

Media

See also

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


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 · 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