WWII Soviet Fighter

LaGG-3 belonged to the new generation of Soviet fighters that were created just before WWII. The first prototype named I-301 was completed in March 1940. The trio of constructors – S. Lavochkin, V. Gorbunov and M. Gudkov, designed it. The main difference of this project became the all-wooden construction.

Serial production of the new fighter named LaGG-3 began in January 1941 on 5 plants. The main producer became the Plant 21 in Gorky. First three series were completed with armament including 3 BS heavy machine guns and 2 ShKAS machine guns. Since autumn 1942 LaGG-3 was produced only the Plant 31 in Tbilysi. Aircraft series 35 had more powerful VK- 105 PF engine, armament included one ShVAK cannon, one BS machine gun and rocket projectiles.

It was equipped with slots, aerodynamic compensators of rudder and retractable tail wheel. LaGG-3 became one of three new types of Soviet fighters. In air battles of the war in the Soviet- German front LaGG-3 showed its solid construction, power armament, but it was too heavy and had difficult control. But in skilful hands it became menacing weapon of air war. Many Soviet aces such as Heroes of the USSR L. Galtchenko and I. Evteev flew on LaGG-3.

Three of the captured LaGG-3 served in Finnish Air Force.