The Lavochkin-Gorbunov-Gudkov LaGG-3 was a Soviet single-seat fighter aircraft developed during World War II.
It originated from the I-301 prototype, which first flew on 28 March 1940.
Designed by Semyon Lavochkin, Vladimir Gorbunov, and Mikhail Gudkov, the aircraft was conceived as a successor to the LaGG-1 and aimed to meet the Soviet Air Force’s urgent need for modern fighters.
A distinctive feature of the LaGG-3 was its extensive use of “delta wood”—a composite of birch veneer and phenolic resin—chosen due to wartime shortages of strategic metals.
This material offered durability and resistance to rot but contributed to the aircraft’s excessive weight.
Despite its wooden construction, the LaGG-3 was heavier than its metal-framed contemporaries and suffered from being underpowered, initially equipped with the Klimov M-105P V-12 engine.
The LaGG-3 entered production in early 1941 and was deployed widely during the initial stages of the German invasion.
Although it featured modern elements such as retractable landing gear and heavy armament (typically a 20 mm cannon and multiple machine guns), its flight performance was disappointing.
Pilots criticised its sluggish climb rate, poor acceleration, and tendency to enter spins during tight manoeuvres.
The aircraft earned the grim nickname “Varnished Guaranteed Coffin”.
Despite its shortcomings, the LaGG-3 was produced in large numbers—over 6,500 units—thanks to its ease of manufacture and the Soviet Union’s urgent wartime needs.
It was used primarily in bomber escort, ground attack, and second-line duties, where its reliability and firepower proved useful against less agile German aircraft.
Throughout its production run, the LaGG-3 underwent continuous refinement, including aerodynamic improvements, weight reduction, and engine upgrades.
These efforts culminated in the development of the La-5, which replaced the inline engine with a radial Shvetsov ASh-82 and marked a significant leap in performance.
The La-5 and its successor, the La-7, became among the most effective Soviet fighters of the war.
Production of the LaGG-3 ceased in 1944 as the Soviet Air Force transitioned to more capable designs like the Yak-3 and La-5 series.
