Lavochkin La-7

The Lavochkin La-7 was a development and refinement of the Lavochkin La-5, and the last in a family of aircraft that had begun with the LaGG-1 in 1938.

The La-7 earned itself a superb combat record by the end of the war, and was flown by the top two Soviet aces of the conflict.

The La-7 was the only Soviet fighter to shoot down a Messerschmitt Me-262, by Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub on one occasion over Germany on February 15, 1945.

Total production of the La-7 amounted to 5,753 aircraft, including a number of La-7UTI trainers.

General characteristics

• Wingspan 32 feet 1 inch
• Area 188 square feet
• Length 28 feet 2 inches
• Engine Shvetsov ASh-82FN radial, 1,850 horsepower
• Maximum speed 425 miles per hour
• Range 618 miles
• Service ceiling 31,160 feet
• Armament 2 or 3x 20 mm ShVAK cannons

Source: Wikipedia

The Kit

Our 1:12 scale kit was designed by Tom Jacoby for 400-size brushless power. The kit is easy to build because it's constructed over a central crutch that becomes an integral part of the model's structure. Most of the fuselage is sheeted with 1/16" balsa. Planking isn't required but works well on the bottom rear of the fuselage. Here's a preview of the kit plans:

Our La-7 kit is a short kit containing:

• All laser-cut wood parts needed to build the model:
  • fuselage and cowl formers
  • wing ribs and spars
  • fin and rudder
  • stabilizer and elevator
  • laser-cut and etched lower skins for the wing
• 3/8" x 3/4" wing leading edges
• custom vacuum-formed clear plastic canopy
• full-size plan sheet
• construction manual
• full set of decals

To complete this kit, the builder will need the following additional materials:

• 3/32" Aluminum tubing, 3"
• 1/16" Music wire, 20"
• 1/16" x 4" x 36" Balsa sheet for wing and fuselage skin, 3 each
• 1/8" x 4" Hardwood dowel
• 1/64 or 1/32 ply and foam blocks for fillets
• Wing mounting bolt
• Hinges (ailerons, elevator)
• Miscellaneous servo mounting materials and pushrods
• Covering materials and paint
• 400-size brushless power system
• 1-3/4" Spinner

Our kit's decal set represents the markings of the La-7 flown by Major Ivan Kozhedub, in late April, 1945. Kozhedub holds the record for proven air combat victories amongst all Allied air force pilots (effectively the Allied "Ace of Aces") during WWII. His record includes 62 enemy aircraft shot down, including one Me 262 jet fighter, and two USAAF P-51 Mustangs.

Status

Steve St. Martin will build the prototype at Ezone magazine online soon.

The kit is now shipping.

To order this kit, please go to the Kits page.

Free Downloads

Construction Manual v1.1 - 19 July 2006
Leading Edge Contour Templates
Paint Schemes
Decals
Maj. Ivan Khozedub, 176 GIAP	Lt.Col. Sergei Dolgushin, 156 IAP