Lavochkin La-9 & La-11 — Soviet Piston Fighter Manuals Collection
The Lavochkin La-9 and La-11 (NATO reporting name: Fang) represent the pinnacle of Soviet piston-engined fighter development. The La-9 entered service in 1946 as a fully all-metal successor to the wartime La-7; the La-11 followed in 1947, optimized for long-range strategic bomber escort. This collection brings together original Soviet Ministry of Armed Forces and Ministry of Aviation Industry technical publications issued by Oborongiz and Voenizdat, 1947–1951.
Technical documentation, aerodynamic characteristics, and flight performance data derive from original Soviet OKB-301 flight testing records.
📚 Documents in This Collection
La-9 — Technical Publications
- Самолёт Ла-9 — Краткое описание конструкции (Brief Description of Construction) · Oborongiz 1947
- Самолёт Ла-9, Книга первая — Общие данные и летно-тактические свойства самолёта (General Data & Flight-Tactical Characteristics, Book 1) · Министерство авиационной промышленности СССР · Oborongiz 1949
- Самолёт Ла-9, Книга вторая — Вооружение (Armament, Book 2) · Министерство авиационной промышленности СССР · Oborongiz 1947
- Самолёт Ла-9, Книга третья — Описание конструкции и спецоборудования самолёта (Airframe & Special Equipment, Book 3) · Управление Главнокомандующего ВВС ВС СССР · Oborongiz 1948
- Самолёт Ла-9 с мотором АШ-82ФН — Инструкция авиамеханику (ASh-82FN Engine — Aircraft Mechanic's Manual) · Военное издательство МВС СССР 1948
La-9 & La-11 — Joint Service Publications
- La-9 & La-11 — Service Manual (Инструкция по эксплуатации и техническому обслуживанию) · Oborongiz 1950
La-11 — Technical Publications
- La-11 — Technical Description, Book 1 (Техническое описание, Книга первая) · Oborongiz 1950
- La-11 — Technical Description, Book 2: Armament (Вооружение, Книга вторая) · Oborongiz 1951
- La-11 — Technical Description, Book 3: Airframe & Special Equipment (Описание конструкции и спецоборудования, Книга третья) · Oborongiz 1950
✈️ Aerodynamic Reports & Configuration
The La-9 and La-11 transitioned away from the wood-composite structures of wartime Lavochkins to a fully all-metal duralumin stressed-skin construction.
- Wing Profile: TsAGI advanced laminar flow airfoil — minimized high-speed drag but produced a sharper, less forgiving stall than the La-7.
- Drag Reduction (La-11): Oil cooler intake cleanly integrated inside the lower engine cowling, eliminating the external ventral scoop used on the La-9.
- Weight Penalties (La-11): Internal long-range fuel tanks and enlarged main landing gear tires required structural reinforcement, raising empty weight to 2,770 kg.
⚙️ Engine Technical Notes
Both aircraft were powered by the Shvetsov ASh-82FN (or FNV variant) — 14-cylinder, two-row, air-cooled radial engine.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Output | 1,850 hp (1,380 kW) at Takeoff |
| Aspiration | Direct fuel injection, 2-speed centrifugal supercharger |
| Propeller Unit | VISh-105V 3-bladed constant-speed |
| Combustion Safety | Exhaust gases ducted into empty wing fuel voids as inert gas to suppress fuel-vapor explosion risk |
🕹️ Handling and Stability Studies
- Control Harmony: Light and highly responsive at low to medium altitudes. Roll rate via ailerons outperformed contemporary Allied platforms including the Supermarine Spitfire.
- Trim & Longitudinal Stability: Firm elevator authority; excellent longitudinal stability once trimmed for cruise.
- High-Altitude Degradation: Stability degraded significantly above 7,000 m (23,000 ft) — sluggish control response in steep maneuvering turns.
- Stall Characteristics: Docile at low weights; unexpected wing-drop with asymmetrical fuel levels in wing tanks.
📊 Performance Data Sheet (La-11)
- Maximum Speed: 562 km/h (349 mph) at sea level · 674 km/h (419 mph) at 6,200 m
- Service Ceiling: 10,250 m (33,628 ft)
- Rate of Climb: 1,190 m/min (initial)
- Time to Altitude: 26 minutes to 10,000 m
- Maximum Ferry Range: 2,235 km (1,388 miles) with full internal and underwing external fuel
- Armament: Three 23mm Nudelman-Suranov NS-23 autocannons (75 rpg)
🔧 Engineering Bulletins & Modifications
- La-134 & 134D Prototypes: CG adjustment after expanding inner wing tanks to 1,100 liters total fuel capacity.
- Pilot Ergonomics: Padded seat backings, adjustable flight armrests, and onboard relief tube for long-range escort missions.
- La-11 PVO Photo-Reconnaissance Variant: 100 airframes cleared for conversion with AFA-BA-40 movable camera in rear fuselage.
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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