Next up in the evolution of the Soviet fighter is the LaGG. This aircraft was designed by Lavochkin and two guys who's names started with 'G' but I forget for now. This aircraft was the first in a long line of aircraft which, along with the Yakovlev stable of fighters, formed the backbone of the Soviet fighter inventory for the duration of WW2. This was the least successful of the Lavochkin series of aircraft but it bore the brunt of the German invasion in 1941 until replaced by the far superior La-5. The LaGG suffered heavily at the hands of the Luftwaffe. Three examples were used against the Soviets by the Finnish Air Force (Ilmavoimat) and one was capturedand evaluated by the Japanese. Maximum speed was 308 mph (495 kph) at sea level. Armament consisted of 1xShVAK 20mm or 23mm cannon in the propeller hub and 2x 12.7mm machine guns in the upper cowling. 6,528 were built. This is a LaGG 3.
LaGG 3.jpg