The Lavochkin La-7 was a Soviet single-seat, piston-engined fighter aircraft developed during World War II.
It represented the final evolution of a design lineage that began with the LaGG-1 in 1938 and progressed through the LaGG-3 and La-5.
Origins and Development
The La-7 was a refinement of the La-5, which had itself been a major improvement over the underpowered LaGG-3 thanks to the adoption of the Shvetsov ASh-82 radial engine.
Designed by Semyon Lavochkin’s bureau, the La-7 aimed to improve speed, manoeuvrability, and firepower while addressing structural weaknesses.
The first flight occurred in early 1944, and it entered service with the Soviet Air Forces by mid-1944.
Design Features
The La-7 retained the La-5’s general layout but incorporated aerodynamic refinements, including a cleaner engine cowling and improved airframe sealing.
It was armed with two or three 20 mm Berezin B-20 cannons, offering formidable firepower.
Despite its performance, the La-7’s wooden airframe was vulnerable to environmental degradation, prompting efforts to develop all-metal successors.
Combat Performance
The La-7 was highly regarded by Soviet pilots for its speed, agility, and climb rate.
It was considered equal to or better than German piston fighters like the Fw 190.
Top Soviet ace Ivan Kozhedub flew the La-7, scoring his final 17 victories in it, including the downing of a Messerschmitt Me 262 jet.
Production and Service
Over 5,700 La-7s were built between 1944 and 1946, with an additional 582 trainer variants.
It served primarily with the Soviet Air Forces and briefly with the Czechoslovak Air Force.
The aircraft was retired from Soviet service in 1952 and phased out in Czechoslovakia by 1950.
Legacy and Successors
The La-7’s limitations—especially its wooden construction—led to experimental upgrades like the La-120 and La-126, which featured metal airframes, laminar flow wings, and improved engines.
These prototypes culminated in the all-metal Lavochkin La-9, which entered production and marked the end of the La-7’s evolutionary path.
