Lavochkin „La-5FN“ - the Soviet fighter

After the production of the La-5F fighter began, Lavochkin KB continued to develop the fighter, which ended in series production on the La-5FN in March 1943. The biggest innovation was the installation of the heavily improved engine I-82 FN. These engines are equipped with a direct fuel injection system. The top of the rear of the aircraft fuselage has been lowered, the cabin cover has been divided into several parts, and a protective 55 mm thick armored glass plate has been installed behind the pilot's head. The designers tried to reduce the weight of the aircraft by dismantling two of the five fuel tanks, which reduced the range, but greatly improved the flight characteristics. It was not until the summer of 1943, that the Germans took over the intact La-5FN and tested it. The fighter is compared to Bf-109 and FW-190A-8. With “Meser”, it was rated equivalent, and “Fokewulf” was significantly faster in the horizontal plane, but slower in the vertical and with a much larger turning radius. The short flight distance was noted - fuel reserves allowed to fly for only 40 minutes. There are reports, that between 15 and 20,000 La-5 fighters (of all brands) were produced during the war, taking part in all air battles and on all fronts, where the Red Army fought.

A well-designed and detailed model of medium complexity, which can be freely glued by an advanced beginner, working under the supervision of a more experienced modeler.