GP* Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 Hi all, The La-5 that we have in BOS is a blast to fly, and it seems well-modeled. It really feels like a LaGG-3 with a more powerful engine. My question is, did the La-5F and FN versions just have even further boosted engines, or were the airframes lightened over time as well? I just always had the impression that these fighters had great turn rates (sustained and instantaneous) but the La-5 we have in game doesn't quite fit that bill. Maybe this is a poor impression left over from IL2 FB. Note: I am not at all saying the La-5 in game isn't modeled correctly. The assumption of the thread is that there's nothing wrong with the FM, and I'm just curious to know if the series gets even more formidable with the F and FN variants, or if it's not until the La-7 that it becomes a real monster.
LLv34_Flanker Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 (edited) S! First series of La-5F (Type 37) looked the same as La-5 Series 8 in game, only significant difference externally the "F" on the cowling marking the new "souped up" engine M-82F. So it did not have the cut back fuselage until 1943. They removed the wing tanks and other smaller arrangements in it, including replacing one 20mm cannon with a heavy calibre machine gun to save weight. Cut back La-5F came in 1943 and was built a bit along with the new La-5FN (Type 39) which had still the wooden wing spar. Cowling and exhaust stacks were re-designed, to get better aerodynamics. Problems in production of the fuel injection system to M-82FN engine delayed the La-5FN a bit and during battle of Kursk the mainstay of La-5FN's were still the early series. Latest iteration of La-5FN (Type 41) with metallic wing spar came in 1944 when design of La-7 was underway already. The turning and other performance is always a debatable issue. On both side are accounts on relative performances between Bf109G/Fw190A and La-5F/FN. My own personal opinion based on all that is, that even the La-5F/FN was impressive on paper, in reality it was more or less the same as Bf109G. Contributing to this are the known manufacturing and quality issues, pilot training, used tactics and all that. Even looking good on tests and paper, an average pilot could not fully utilize the full potential of the otherwise good plane. The mainstay of Finnish Air Force in 1944 consisted of Bf109G-6's and none of the veterans said a La-5F/FN could climb with them, not even the Yak-9, that was encountered as well. Yak-9 was considered more dangerous, they said it turned better and rolled very fast(Yak's usually disengaged using their fast roll rate and doing a split-s). Well, some tidbits from the top of my head Hope something cleared up and I believe there are more information coming. Looking at you, Mr. Bivalov Edited October 31, 2014 by LLv34_Flanker 1
303_Kwiatek Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 Early version of LA5 dindt turn too good at all. Without slats it made 360 deg at 1000 m in 25 second, La5 with slats made it in 22,6 seconds - so it was worse then 109 F-4, G version. La5 F had reduced weight and some other improvements so its turn time was better - about. 20-21 seconds, then La5FN about 19 seconds. Don't take old IL2 seriously expecially regarding VVS planes performacne. In old Il2 La5 familiy was clearly overmodeled in performance ( speed, climb and turn).
bivalov Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 My question is, did the La-5F........ just have even further boosted engines, or were the airframes lightened over time as well? ............. I just always had the impression that these fighters had great turn rates (sustained and instantaneous) but the La-5 we have in game doesn't quite fit that bill. Maybe this is a poor impression left over from IL2 FB. ..................... I'm just curious to know if the series gets even more formidable with the F Flanker well and reasonable said, and by my memory, i only can add that La-5 type 37 s1-8 were really heavy, and there were several problems with quality, design and equipment. but starting from s9 and later, were removed 2x98 ltr. fuel tanks, and were done other little changes, plus, in end'42 control of quality was better. and this is time of starting of production of M-82F, which got >10 min. "forsazh", instead of 5-10 min. for M-82(A), but no any serious confirmations about UBS for serial planes. so, these La-5/La-5F type 37 were really much better - ie something like 550 kph/16 mps/20 sec/3230 kg - instead of 535/14/23/3360 kg. but, of course, there still not really optimal design of handmade-cooling, high fuselage = bad rear visibility, and other little things.
Brano Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 I am looking forward for La5F with new canopy and ASh 82F engine.That will be different mount to saddle We have to take into consideration,that plane performance is not measured only for its max speed/climb/turn but also for its serviceability on the ground - thats where they spent much of their time in hands of mechanics.ASh aircooled engine was big improvement in terms of maintenance effort.Much easier to take care of then liquid cooled klimov engines.Mainly during long russian winters.
LLv34_Flanker Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 (edited) S! A bit off topic, but got an interesting book today. Tells about a pilot who flew Morane-Saulnier MS.406's and VVS designs in FiAF during WW2. These were DB-3M, IL-4 and Pe-2! Especially interested in the section where he tells about the missions in Pe-2. By a quick look it looks like the Pe-2 was regarded as pretty advanced design, but that also created problems of it's own. More advanced and complicated things also bring more trouble Will see, need to read this book Edited October 31, 2014 by LLv34_Flanker
Brano Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 Yes,it was,for that time,full of electronics Is it available only in Finland?
LLv34_Flanker Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 S! It was just released, so I have no idea if it will be in english or any other language. Has nice pictures as well. 3 books came today, and that was one of them The others were about the Tiger - Heavy tank and FiAF ace Ilmari "Illu" Juutilainen.
Brano Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 Care to send me PM about that book?just to know the title and maybe follow in future.And if you have other good tips about FiAF,in english,that would be welcomed as well
LLv34_Flanker Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 (edited) S! Check here, top 3 books on the right. http://www.koalakustannus.fi/ One in English http://www.amazon.com/In-Skies-over-Europe-Luftwaffe/dp/0764337602 Just about to be released in Finnish. This gentleman just passed away at age of 102 years. Edited October 31, 2014 by LLv34_Flanker 1
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