Lavochkin-Gorbunov-Gudkov LaGG-3
Lavochkin-Gorbunov-Gudkov · Soviet Union · first flew 1940 · fighter
The LaGG-3 was a Soviet Second World War fighter notable for its all-wooden construction using a composite material called 'delta-wood,' developed because of Soviet shortages of aluminium. Despite its heavy construction it was the primary Soviet fighter available in large numbers in 1941–42.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.81 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet WWII single-seat low-wing monoplane fighter
- All-wooden construction with delta-wood composites
- Inline engine with distinctive radiator under nose
Low-wing monoplane with a clean inline-engined nose and liquid-cooled radiator beneath, tapered wings and a conventional tail; similar in layout to the Yak-1 but with a slightly more rounded fuselage cross-section.
Specifications
- The Lavochkin-Gorbunov-Gudkov LaGG-3 has a length of 8.81 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.8 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 575 km/h (357 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The LaGG-1 first flew in 1940 and the improved LaGG-3 entered service just before the German invasion in 1941. It suffered severely against Luftwaffe fighters due to its heavy weight and sluggish performance, earning the grim nickname 'Lakirovanny Garantirovanny Grob' (Lacquered Guaranteed Coffin) from Soviet pilots. However, it formed the basis for Lavochkin's superb La-5 and La-7 fighters when a radial engine was substituted.
Variants
The LaGG-3 went through 66 production series with progressive modifications; the La-5 emerged from fitting a Shvetsov radial engine to the same basic airframe.
Where you'll see it
Served with Soviet Air Forces (VVS) from 1941 to the mid-war period; supplied to Finland as war reparations postwar.
Related aircraft
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