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LaGG-3 (35 series)
In the spring of 1940, a group of designers directed by S.Lavochkin, V.Gorbunov and M.Gudkov proposed a new experimental fighter to be built for test flight - the "I-301". As a result of shortages concerning metallic materials, basic construction was made using "delta-wood", or wood soaked in special phenolic resins. The aircraft was powered by a 1050h.p. M105P liquid-cooled engine enabling it to reach speeds of 605 km/h - it was faster than a modified "Me-109", Germany's main fighter.
Production of the new plane, named the LaGG-1, was started just before the end of flight testing, the plane's construction being developed in time for production to proceed serially.
Series 35 was a modification, equipped with the more powerful M-105PF engine. For weight reduction some armament was deleted - only one UBS machine gun and one ShVAK cannon remained. To increase maneuverability the aircraft was equipped automatic slats, and aerodynamic performance was improved. After that LaGG-3, series 35 approached the performance of the Me-109F, Germany's main fighter.
Aircraft of this type were used all over the Eastern Front, the Finnish Air Force also using a few captured LaGG-3. More then 6500 planes of all modification were built in total.
Wing span - 9,8 m
Length - 8,81 m
Take-off weight - 2992 kg
Speed - 591 km /h
Engine- M-105PF
Engine power - 1180 h.p.
Armament
Cannon's - 1x20 mm Sh VAK
Machine guns - 1x12,7 mm UBS
Rockets - 6x82 mm RS
Bombs - 2x50 kg
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ROD-038
