La-7B-20 - Revision history

U44629479: Undo revision 190624 by U85642047 (talk)

2024-08-02T22:33:44Z

Undo revision 190624 by U85642047 (talk)

U85642047: removed external link that does not work anymore.

2024-08-02T21:03:42Z

removed external link that does not work anymore.

U38088265: /* Description */

2024-05-04T13:01:26Z

‎Description

U120313908: /* Description */ New Description Project

2024-02-25T23:07:46Z

‎Description: New Description Project

U44629479: Edits

2022-12-08T22:12:53Z

Edits

U38088265: /* In-game description */ Reformatted

2022-11-16T16:49:09Z

‎In-game description: Reformatted

U44629479: Undo revision 133515 by U8128791 (talk)

2022-07-19T07:15:59Z

Undo revision 133515 by U8128791 (talk)

U8128791 at 06:43, 19 July 2022

2022-07-19T06:43:16Z

U44629479: Edits

2022-03-07T08:18:27Z

Edits

U84049687: Corrected the thickness of cockpit armour (minor inaccuracies were present); elaborated slightly more on the strengths and weaknesses of the La-7B-20; made a handful of small grammatical corrections.

2022-03-07T00:46:23Z

Corrected the thickness of cockpit armour (minor inaccuracies were present); elaborated slightly more on the strengths and weaknesses of the La-7B-20; made a handful of small grammatical corrections.

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 * ''topic on the official game forum;''
 * ''other literature.''-->
 {{AirManufacturer Lavochkin}}
 {{USSR fighters}}

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 * ''topic on the official game forum;''
 * ''other literature.''-->
 {{AirManufacturer Lavochkin}}
 {{USSR fighters}}

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was originally intended to equip a set of 3 x B-20S 20mm cannons. However due to reliability problems with said armament, 2 x 20mm ShVAK cannons were used instead, the same armament as the previous La-5 series of fighters. A total of 368 fighters of this type were produced before switching to the regular La-7. The 3 x B-20 cannons were known as "three pointers" and were liked by test pilots.
+The La-7 was originally intended to equip a set of three B-20S 20 mm cannons. However, due to reliability problems with said armament, two 20 mm ShVAK cannons were used instead, the same armament as the previous La-5 series of fighters. A total of 368 fighters equipped with B-20S cannons were produced before switching to the regular La-7. The three B-20 cannons were known as "three pointers" and were liked by test pilots.
-It was introduced in [[Update 1.31]]. Compared to the regular La-7, the La-7B-20 has a worst flight performance and less rounds per gun. However, with 3 guns instead of 2, each salvo fired is deadlier with the B-20 cannons. The aircraft has the same Shvetsov M-82FN as the La-7, the decreased flight performance can be attributed to the increased weight of the 3 x B-20 cannons. Try to use boom and zoom tactics, and stay below 4000m for dogfights for maximum engine performance.
+It was introduced in [[Update 1.31]]. Compared to the regular La-7, the La-7B-20 has worse flight performance and fewer rounds per gun. However, with 3 guns instead of 2, each salvo fired is deadlier with the B-20 cannons. The aircraft has the same Shvetsov M-82FN as the La-7, the decreased flight performance can be attributed to the increased weight of the 3 x B-20 cannons. Try to use boom and zoom tactics, and stay below 4,000 m for dogfights for maximum engine performance.
 == General info ==

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.31]].
+The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was originally intended to equip a set of 3 x B-20S 20mm cannons. However due to reliability problems with said armament, 2 x 20mm ShVAK cannons were used instead, the same armament as the previous La-5 series of fighters. A total of 368 fighters of this type were produced before switching to the regular La-7. The 3 x B-20 cannons were known as "three pointers" and were liked by test pilots.
 == General info ==
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 ;Related development
 * [[La-7 (Family)]]

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 Testing began on the experimental La-5 Benchmark 1944 in February 1944, and went into series production in May 1944 with the designation La-7.
-The La-5 Benchmark 1944 underwent tests with three synchronized Berezina B-20 aviation cannons. These new cannons were large-caliber UB machine guns redesigned for use with 20 mm rounds, and were not yet in series production. They were very light (only 25 kg) but unreliable. For this reason, the test reports recommended series production of the plane with the same armament as was used on the La-5FN – two 20 mm Shpitalny-Vladimirov ShVAK cannons.
+The La-5 Benchmark 1944 underwent tests with three synchronized Berezina B-20 aviation cannons. These new cannons were large-calibre UB machine guns redesigned for use with 20 mm rounds, and were not yet in series production. They were very light (only 25 kg) but unreliable. For this reason, the test reports recommended series production of the plane with the same armament as was used on the La-5FN – two 20 mm Shpitalny-Vladimirov ShVAK cannons.
 In October 1944, the B-20 cannons went into production at the Kovrov Ordnance Plant, and in January–February 1945, the La-7 underwent testing with them again. The in-flight firing results showed that the reliability of the cannons had improved, but was still lower than that of the ShVAK cannons. Nonetheless, a small batch of the fighters with three cannons (these were also called "three-pointers") was produced in the winter of 1944–1945 on the No. 381 Aviation Plant in Moscow.
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 Its firing armament consisted of three 20 mm synchronized Berezina B-20 cannons with 130 rounds each.
-The plane's bomb complement consisted of two detachable wing-mounted DZ-40 locking bomb racks, each of which could carry bombs with a caliber of up to 100 kg. It mostly used the general-purpose air-dropped FAB-50 and FAB-100 bombs, along with the ZAB-50 and ZAB-100 incendiary bombs and the AO-50 and AO-25 fragmenting bombs.
+The plane's bomb complement consisted of two detachable wing-mounted DZ-40 locking bomb racks, each of which could carry bombs with a calibre of up to 100 kg. It mostly used the general-purpose air-dropped FAB-50 and FAB-100 bombs, along with the ZAB-50 and ZAB-100 incendiary bombs and the AO-50 and AO-25 fragmenting bombs.
 Approximately 368 planes of this model were made. Further production was stopped owing to the unsatisfactory reliability of the B-20 cannons. However, combat pilots liked the "three-pointer" La-7 and, like the test pilots, did not complain about the weaponry's operation.
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 ;Skins
-* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=ussr&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=la-7b-20 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=la-7b-20 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 ;Videos
-{{Youtube-gallery|PUw2CQ8e0lE|'''Best Combo #1'''  discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:47  - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|-mO0zn_YsDo|'''Realistic: La-7B-20''' - ''Jengar''|RahK6Ig7xdg|'''La-7 & La-7 B-20S Gameplay & Review''' - ''DigitalDigging''}}
+{{Youtube-gallery|PUw2CQ8e0lE|'''Best Combo #1''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:47 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|-mO0zn_YsDo|'''Realistic: La-7B-20''' - ''Jengar''|RahK6Ig7xdg|'''La-7 & La-7 B-20S Gameplay & Review''' - ''DigitalDigging''}}
 == See also ==
-''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
-* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+;Related development
-* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+* [[La-7 (Family)]]
 == External links ==

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 In September 1944, the first La-7s found their way onto the front lines with the 63rd Guard Fighter Aviation Corps. The reception of the new fighter was warm - it was faster and more manoeuvrable than the La-5, which meant it could more efficiently tackle the most common German fighter the Soviets faced: the Messerschmitt Bf 109 G. In certain circumstances, the speed allowed the Soviet pilots to intercept Fw 190 fighter-bombers - a feat impossible to achieve for other Soviet fighters like the Yak-3. The main critiques of the design were considered to be the engine reliability and armament - the twin 20 mm ShVAK cannons were judged as inadequate in fights against better armoured Fw 190s. Still, the La-7 became one of the most successful Soviet piston fighters of World War II. Soviet ace Ivan Kozhedub scored 17 kills while flying the La-7 - his last one being an [[Me_262_A-1a|Me 262]] jet. After the war the La-7 was replaced by the La-9 prop fighter, although many were still used by other communist states as both fighters and trainer aircraft.
-=== In-game description ===
+{{break}}
 A single-seat cantilever monoplane fighter with a closed cockpit and retractable landing gear with a tail wheel. The La-7 was the successor to the La-5FN.
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 Approximately 368 planes of this model were made. Further production was stopped owing to the unsatisfactory reliability of the B-20 cannons. However, combat pilots liked the "three-pointer" La-7 and, like the test pilots, did not complain about the weaponry's operation.
 == Media ==

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 * Poor maximum dive speed
 * Fast-firing cannons burn through ammunition
 == History ==

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 <!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
-* 55 mm Bulletproof glass in the cockpit front.
+* 55 mm Bulletproof Glass - Fore canopy
-* 75 mm Bulletproof glass in the cockpit rear.
+* 66 mm Bulletproof Glass - Rear canopy/headrest (75 mm with the modification researched)
-* 10 mm Steel plate in the pilot's seat.
+* 8.5 mm Steel - Armour plate behind pilot's seat (10 mm  with the modification researched)
 === Modifications and economy ===
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 The La-7B-20 is placed quite low in the Battle Rating spread, which means that you will still engage Rank III aircraft, the majority of which you will out-perform at low altitude.
-The key to staying alive in the La-7 series lies in deceiving the enemy. By flying at around 4,500 m (15,000 ft) altitude, you present yourself as an easy target for Boom & Zoom aircraft that are flying at higher altitudes. When you spot someone diving at you, break off and evade his burst, while slowly luring him to lower altitude, then engaging in maneuver combat - this way you will start gaining the edge while the enemy loses his speed and momentum in the turn. Another habit worth developing in the La-7B-20 is ammo conservation; because the available load per gun has decreased compared to the [[La-7]], combined with the quicker fire rate of the cannons, you can very quickly run out of ammo if you aren't careful. Thus, it is crucial to only take shots that you know will hit. By following these rules, you will soon find yourself efficiently researching the final Lavochkin piston fighter: the [[La-9]].
+The key to staying alive in the La-7 series lies in deceiving the enemy. By flying at around 4,500 m (15,000 ft) altitude, you present yourself as an easy target for Boom & Zoom aircraft that are flying at higher altitudes. When you spot someone diving at you, break off and evade his burst, while slowly luring him to lower altitude, then engaging in manoeuvre combat - this way you will start gaining the edge while the enemy loses his speed and momentum in the turn. Another habit worth developing in the La-7B-20 is ammo conservation; because the available load per gun has decreased compared to the [[La-7]], combined with the quicker fire rate of the cannons, you can very quickly run out of ammo if you aren't careful. Thus, it is crucial to only take shots that you know will hit. By following these rules, you will soon find yourself efficiently researching the final Lavochkin piston fighter: the [[La-9]].
-One strength that you will want to take advantage of is the excellent low-altitude performance. Ideally, you want to engage your enemies at altitudes lower than 4 km. Higher up, the power output of the engine reduces drastically, making you an easy target. Aside from its speed, the La-7B-20 possesses very good turning capabilities - while it is not as good a turner as some British and Japanese designs, it can give many German and US aircraft a run for their money. Because of this maneuverability, good energy retention and speed, the La-7B-20 is very capable when engaging in defensive maneuvers and duels, the latter being the ideal combat situation for the La-7.
+One strength that you will want to take advantage of is the excellent low-altitude performance. Ideally, you want to engage your enemies at altitudes lower than 4 km. Higher up, the power output of the engine reduces drastically, making you an easy target. Aside from its speed, the La-7B-20 possesses very good turning capabilities - while it is not as good a turner as some British and Japanese designs, it can give many German and US aircraft a run for their money. Because of this manoeuvrability, good energy retention and speed, the La-7B-20 is very capable when engaging in defensive manoeuvres and duels, the latter being the ideal combat situation for the La-7.
 === Manual Engine Control ===

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 {{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 <!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 * 55 mm Bulletproof glass in the cockpit front.
-* 66 mm Bulletproof glass in the cockpit rear.
+* 75 mm Bulletproof glass in the cockpit rear.
-* 8.5 mm Steel plate in the pilot's seat.
+* 10 mm Steel plate in the pilot's seat.
 === Modifications and economy ===
@@ Line 92: / Line 93: @@
 The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 * 3 x 20 mm B-20S cannons, nose-mounted (130 rpg = 390 total)
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 The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 * Without load
 * 2 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs (100 kg total)
@@ Line 106: / Line 109: @@
 == Usage in battles ==
 <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
-The key to staying alive in the La-7 series lies in deceiving the enemy. By flying at around 4,500 m (15,000 ft) altitude, you present yourself as an easy target for Boom & Zoom aircraft that are flying at higher altitudes. When you spot someone diving at you, break off and evade his burst, while slowly luring him into manoeuvre combat - this way you will start gaining the edge while the enemy loses his speed and momentum in the turn. Another habit worth developing in the La-7B-20 is ammo conservation - because the available load per gun has decreased compared to the [[La-7]], it is crucial to only take shots that you know will hit. This way, you stand a larger chance of critically damaging the enemy airplane. By following those rules, you will soon find yourself efficiently researching the final Lavochkin piston fighter - the [[La-9]].
+The La-7B-20 is placed quite low in the Battle Rating spread, which means that you will still engage Rank III aircraft, the majority of which you will out-perform at low altitude.
-The LA-7B-20 is placed quite low in the Battle Rating spread, which means that you will still engage Rank III aircraft.
+The key to staying alive in the La-7 series lies in deceiving the enemy. By flying at around 4,500 m (15,000 ft) altitude, you present yourself as an easy target for Boom & Zoom aircraft that are flying at higher altitudes. When you spot someone diving at you, break off and evade his burst, while slowly luring him to lower altitude, then engaging in maneuver combat - this way you will start gaining the edge while the enemy loses his speed and momentum in the turn. Another habit worth developing in the La-7B-20 is ammo conservation; because the available load per gun has decreased compared to the [[La-7]], combined with the quicker fire rate of the cannons, you can very quickly run out of ammo if you aren't careful. Thus, it is crucial to only take shots that you know will hit. By following these rules, you will soon find yourself efficiently researching the final Lavochkin piston fighter: the [[La-9]].
-One strength that you will want to take advantage of is the excellent low altitude performance. Ideally, you want to engage your enemies at altitudes lower than 5 km. Higher up, the power output of the engine reduces drastically, making you an easy target. Aside from the speed, the La-7B-20 possesses very good turning capabilities - while it is not as good a turner as some British and Japanese designs, it can give many German and US aircraft a run for their money.
+One strength that you will want to take advantage of is the excellent low-altitude performance. Ideally, you want to engage your enemies at altitudes lower than 4 km. Higher up, the power output of the engine reduces drastically, making you an easy target. Aside from its speed, the La-7B-20 possesses very good turning capabilities - while it is not as good a turner as some British and Japanese designs, it can give many German and US aircraft a run for their money. Because of this maneuverability, good energy retention and speed, the La-7B-20 is very capable when engaging in defensive maneuvers and duels, the latter being the ideal combat situation for the La-7.
 === Manual Engine Control ===
@@ Line 133: / Line 136: @@
 '''Pros:'''
 * Excellent low altitude performance (<3,000 m)
 * Decent manoeuvrability
 * Great acceleration and climb
 * Good roll rate
-* Centre-mounted cannons
+* Centre-mounted, powerful, accurate cannons
 '''Cons:'''
 * Poor performance at high altitude (>4,000 m)
 * Poor maximum dive speed
@@ Line 173: / Line 178: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=ussr&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=la-7b-20 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
@@ Line 180: / Line 186: @@
 == See also ==
 ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 * ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''