What does that hole do in LaGG-3's cockpit?

[[RG]Flanker1985]

I just want to ask what does that hole do in LaGG-3's cockpit if it is not for the radio navigator?
Or it is just that developing team haven't model it yet?

[SeriousFox]

Perhaps Russians used same parts for various planes to reduce production cost?

[Finkeren]

Reserved space for a future gauge that might be needed without manufacturing a new backplate for the panel perhaps?

 

The 109 also has an empty hole in the dashboard.

[Brano]

May be that radionavigation/compass.In VVS it was common practice that only squadron leaders were equipped with such "highly sophisticated" devices (like 1 in 10) Maybe later ,when available in larger nr. ,it was installed on every plane.But I read somewher that radiocompass devices were shipped to PVO units preferentially.

It was common practice also with radiostaions.Early in war it was aslo only squadleader who had transmitter/reciever station,other were lucky to have at least reciever.

[Requiem]

Isn't it obvious? Why they are speed holes of course! 

(picture is a gif)

Edited June 26, 2014 by SYN_Requiem

[Brano]

Well,in fact it should be space for voltmeter

 

http://mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/lagg3/cockpits/cockpitlagg3.html

[Soarfeat]

I thought it was a good place for the pilots to stick their old chewed gum---- that is through the hole and on the hidden side of the panel. This would also act as a air freshner depending on the type gum chewed of course ( Beemams would leave a nice pepsin smell )          http://www.oldtimecandy.com/beemans-gum.htm

cheers-sf-

[Matt]

The 109 also has an empty hole in the dashboard.

Those holes are actually used to take out the barrels of the MG17s.