Lavochkin La-7 — Primary-Source Soviet Technical Documentation

A curated archival collection of original Soviet state-issued technical manuals covering the Lavochkin La-7 — the pinnacle of Soviet piston-engine fighter development during World War II. Documents originate from Oborongiz and Voenizdat (Soviet military publishing houses), the Lyotno-Issledovatelsky Institut (LII) — Soviet Flight Research Institute — and the factory of the Order of Lenin named after Sergo Ordzhonikidze. Aerodynamic and performance data reflects studies by TsAGI and state acceptance testing by NII VVS (Soviet Air Force Research Institute).

Documents in This Collection

• Самолёт Ла-7 — Описание Конструкции, Книга Третья (Aircraft La-7 — Construction Description, Book Three). Compiled by the Technical Descriptions Group, Factory named after S. Ordzhonikidze. Chief Editor: Engineer B. M. Kanevsky. НКАП СССР / Государственное Издательство Оборонной Промышленности, Moscow 1945. Copy No. 5692. Approved by Factory Director, Major General of Aviation Engineering Agadzhanov, 5 September 1944; coordinated by Deputy Chief of VVS KA Technical Exploitation Directorate, Lieutenant General of Aviation Engineering Volkov, 31 October 1944.
• Отчёт № 44-23: Лётные испытания серийного самолёта Ла-7 (Report No. 44-23: Flight Testing of the Production La-7 Aircraft, Serial No. 452101-39, Factory No. 21, May 1944 production). Лётно-Исследовательский Институт (LII — Flight Research Institute), USSR. Approved by LII Director, Professor A. V. Chesalov. Archive copy No. 995/57. Lead Engineer: Kasa B. I. 1944.
• Инструкция по эксплуатации самолётов Ла-7 и Ла-5ФН с мотором АШ-82ФН в зимних условиях (Operating Instructions for La-7 and La-5FN Aircraft with ASh-82FN Engine in Winter Conditions). State Factory of the Order of Lenin and Order of the Red Banner of Labour, named after Sergo Ordzhonikidze. НКАП СССР / Оборонгиз, Moscow 1945. Copy No. 1895.
• Самолёт Ла-7 — Инструкция Авиамеханику (Aircraft La-7 — Mechanic's Instruction Manual). Issued by the Military Air Forces of the Red Army (ВВС Красной Армии). Военное Издательство Народного Комиссариата Обороны СССР, Moscow 1946. Copy No. 1333.

Aerodynamic Refinements — TsAGI Wind Tunnel Studies

The La-7's design was driven by systematic parasitic drag elimination rather than raw power increases, following TsAGI wind tunnel analysis of the La-5FN baseline:

• Intake Relocation: Top-engine carburetor air scoop deleted; intakes integrated into wing roots to optimize RAM pressure and clean the nose profile.
• Radiator Repositioning: Oil cooler/radiator assembly moved from under the forward cowl to a ventral tunnel beneath the cockpit.
• Internal Sealing: Engine compartment air leaks into the fuselage fully sealed, drastically reducing internal pressure drag.
• Landing Gear Enclosure: Gear wells and tailwheel assembly modified for 100% flush-fitting enclosure doors when retracted.

Engine Technical Notes — Shvetsov ASh-82FN

The La-7 was powered by the Shvetsov ASh-82FN (FNU) — a 14-cylinder, twin-row, air-cooled radial with direct fuel injection.

• Take-off / Emergency Power: 1,850 hp at 2,500 RPM / 1.6 atm boost
• Nominal Power: 1,650 hp at 1,650 m altitude
• Supercharger: Two-speed centrifugal; Forsazh (WEP) coupled to first stage, automatically disengaged on second stage to prevent over-boosting.
• Direct Injection: Exceptional stability during negative-G maneuvers and inverted flight — eliminating float carburetor fuel starvation.
• Thermal Issues: NII VVS test logs recorded severe overheating during prolonged climbs, requiring strict cockpit cowl flap management.

Handling & Stability

• Structural Upgrade: Duralumin wing spars replaced heavier all-wooden La-5 structures — saving weight, reducing thickness, improving rigidity.
• Horizontal Maneuverability: Full 360° banking turn in 19–21 seconds.
• High-Speed Control: Control surfaces remained balanced and responsive approaching V_NE; excellent lateral roll rates.
• Cockpit Ergonomics: Major documented flaw — cockpit temperatures reached +55°C (+131°F) due to proximity to exhaust and oil lines, causing severe pilot fatigue on extended missions.

Performance Data — 1944–1945 State Acceptance Testing

Engineering Bulletins & Armament Modifications

• The Three-Cannon Dilemma: Original blueprint called for three synchronized 20mm Berezin B-20 autocannons replacing the dual ShVAK setup. Manufacturing delays meant only ~368 triple-gun airframes were produced; the majority retained the twin-ShVAK configuration.
• Hydraulic System Bulletins: Late-1944 field bulletins addressed vulnerabilities in pneumatic/hydraulic flap linkages, occasionally causing asymmetric split-flap extension during high-speed approaches.
• Experimental Variants: La-7R integrated a liquid-fuel rocket engine in the tail; La-7S tested underwing ramjets. Both programs canceled as turbojet technology advanced.

⚠️ Regulatory Notice: Under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13 and EASA Part-M, any mechanic performing maintenance on an active aircraft must use current, manufacturer-approved revision-controlled data. This archival document does not satisfy that requirement.

This is an archival, static-copy edition fixed at its original publication date. Intended for historical reference, flight simulation, museum restoration, and educational use only. Not approved for active airworthiness maintenance under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13, EASA Part-M, or equivalent international regulations. Operators of active aircraft must use current, revision-controlled publications from the Type Certificate holder or an authorized distributor.

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