Lavochkin La-250
Lavochkin · Soviet Union · first flew 1956 · fighter
The Lavochkin La-250 (nicknamed 'Anaconda') was a large Soviet supersonic delta-wing interceptor prototype designed to intercept high-altitude strategic bombers. It was one of the last aircraft designed by Semyon Lavochkin before his death.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Twin engines side-by-side in fuselage, large ogival delta wing |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- Soviet delta-wing supersonic interceptor prototype, 1956
- Twin engines side-by-side in fuselage, large ogival delta wing
- Nicknamed 'Anaconda' for its size and serpentine handling qualities
Very large delta-wing interceptor with a long pointed nose, twin engines in the lower fuselage, and a massive ogival delta wing — one of the largest Soviet interceptor prototypes of the 1950s.
Specifications
- The Lavochkin La-250 has a length of 26.8 m (88 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.9 m (46 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1700 km/h (1056 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1956, the La-250 was designed as a high-speed high-altitude interceptor to counter US strategic bombers. The aircraft suffered serious handling problems and several crashes during testing, earning its 'Anaconda' nickname. The programme was cancelled after Lavochkin's death in 1960 without the type entering service, and the interceptor role was eventually filled by the Su-9 and Su-11.
Variants
Several prototypes were built in an attempt to resolve handling problems; no production variants were completed.
Where you'll see it
The La-250 never entered service with the Soviet Air Defence Forces; it was cancelled after a troubled development programme.
Related aircraft
- Lavochkin La-15
- Lavochkin La-168
- Lavochkin La-11
- Lavochkin La-160
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- Breguet 1050 Alizé
- Convair F-106 Delta Dart
- Dassault Etendard IV
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