Lavochkin La-11 "Fang"

Lavochkin · Soviet Union · first flew 1947 · fighter

The Lavochkin La-11 was the last piston-engine fighter produced for the Soviet Air Force, developed as a long-range escort fighter to accompany Tu-4 bombers on strategic missions. It refined the La-9 design with additional fuel capacity and reduced armament.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	8.62 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Last Soviet piston-engine fighter, 1947
Long-range escort fighter with large fuel capacity
Radial engine with prominent NACA cowling

Nearly identical to the La-9 externally; the La-11 is slightly larger with additional fuel tank fairings along the wing roots. The ASh-82FN radial engine in a close-fitting NACA cowling and the straight-tapered wing are the primary recognition features.

Specifications

The Lavochkin La-11 has a length of 8.62 m (28 ft).
It has a wingspan of 9.8 m (32 ft).
Its maximum speed is 674 km/h (419 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Entering service in 1947, the La-11 was designed primarily for escort duties over long distances, distinguishing it from the shorter-range La-9. It saw combat during the Korean War when Chinese and North Korean pilots flew it against USAF aircraft.

Variants

No significant production variants were created; minor changes included revised oil cooler intakes and radio equipment.

Where you'll see it

The La-11 served with the Soviet, Chinese, and North Korean air forces; Chinese La-11s engaged US aircraft over North Korea, and the type remained in Chinese service into the late 1950s.

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