Developed from the poorer performing La GG-3 by refitting the aircraft with a more powerful radial engine, the La-5 (first flown as the La GG-5 in January 1942)was an excellent fighter. Though it only carried two 20mm cannon, the mostly wood La-5 was very light, exceptionally maneuverable and around 30mph(48.28km/h) faster than a BF109G at lower altitudes. The redesigned, lighter La-5FN was fitted with a more powerful engine and became the standard Lavochkin in the massive air battles of 1943, well able to meet the German opposition.

With a major redesign effort to reduce drag and lower the aircraft's weight even more, another 20mm cannon was added along with increased underwing bomb or rocket capacity and it was redesignated La-7. Much to the delight of those who had flown earlier models, the La-7 was just as maneuverable with a higher top speed of 423 mph(680 km/h), equal to anything on either side. In spite of having only two or three cowl-mounted 20mm cannon, all Lavochkins had a more than sufficient punch, even in short bursts.

With nothing to clutter the inside of the wing, the design remained exceptionally clean, a major benefit in air combat. many of the Soviet Union's leding aces, including top scorer lvan Kozhedub(62kills), flew the Lavochkin fighters, finding them to be the best in the air force inventory.

• Highly detailed cockpit interior & landing gear.
• Fully engraved panel lines & detail.
• Authentic decals included.