LA-9 Arrives

Agreed

My apologies BK

I would put rather more faith in Nigel Lambs words than any of the garbage written in the ‘press’.

Oh no. No no no. Something new, and no time to appreciate it.

WAIT UNTIL IT’S OFFICIAL YOU DOOM-MONGERS!

I don’t want to know until then.

I think, we should wait and see.
Wait until an official press announcement from OFMC i reckon.

I do know that the La 9 is only 50% owned by Ray Hanna.
The aircraft was registered ZK-LIX to Hanna-Hogan Ltd – a new 50:50 partnership set up by Ray Hanna of the OFMC and Garth Hogan of Pioneer Aero Restorations to operate the aircraft.

I hope she stays!
I was told by an OFMC bod that she is staying. I think they like us speculating though.

Nigel Lambs words at the OFMC Tiger Squadron Convention the day before the Autumn airshow were that “tomorrow is the last day we’re allowed to fly the La-9 in this country, so i only have today and tomorrow to have a go”.

Flypast Magazine September’s issue had great article on the La-9.Even a quick pilots report too. Nice one !!

you are quite correct Ant, i have edited my post with a link to their site also!

As far as survivors go, another aviation magazine covered Lavochkin’s radial series in one of their recent editions quite well i might add, and featured at the end of the rport is how many LA aircraft exist – not many! let alone airworthy (only OFMC’s one!)

Well said Digby. 😀

Robbo mentioned she looks a bit 190-ish. That was certainly my thought when I took this photo….

The La-9 has the top speed approx.. 429 mph(not sure at what height) .The Bearcat (stock) is approx 421 mph at 19.700 feet.

I guess the La-9 would be hard pressed to keep up with the likes of the Rare Bear,which is pretty quick these days, around the plyons at Reno .Anyway why use such a rare beast as the La-9 to go around the desert.After all their are only about 5 survivors left in the world.

well it looks faster anyway!:D

official stats:
La9 – 690km/h
F8F – 720km/h

Not much in it though!

I think i prefer the La9 though, cos it looks meaner!:p

To be pedantic about it,the restoration company in NZ is PioneerAero,rather than aero pioneer.These are the guys who did the La-9 and are famed for thier P40 restorations,including OFMC’s P40E,the former AFC P40K which is now in Kentucky and ‘Currawong’,a former RAAF P40N which currently flies in NZ.

“faster than a Bearcat” What Twaddle

total rumour!

As far as i understand this was a ****-up by the IWM. It is indeed the p40 and corsair that are leaving for NZ. The Spit and La9 are definately staying in the UK for the forseeable future as is the Mustang. Their Yak3 is also being crated for NZ to be restored with Pioneer Aero (who restored the La 9) and when comlpeted will hopefully return to the UK.

As for the performance of the La 9, Ray says it is an absolute dream to fly, but quite tricky on the ground!
Apparently among the pilots there is a constant half-joking rumour that they’d like to take her to Reno as stock and wipe the floor!

I finally got to see this beauty at the autumn show, and all i can say is WWWWWOOOOOOOOOWWWWWW!!!!!!
I am in LOVE!

She really sounds like nothing else and is definately faster than a bearcat!

Black Knight

Can you substantiate this potentially very damaging rumour.

Hi BlackKnight,
Although that is what was reported in the IWM’s October airshow programme,it appears not to be true.A couple of forum folks who are close to OFMC asked around,and apparently it’s total twaddle. It’s thought that the La-9 WILL be diplaying in the UK next year.
The P40 and the Corsair are off to NZ for the airshow at Wanaka over Easter 2004,with the P40 definately staying there,and perhaps also the Corsair.

The October airshow at Duxford was the last time the La-9 was allowed to fly in this country. It will most probably be leaving the U.K.

Originally posted by ageorge
Sounds nice , doe’s anybody have any photos , for us aviation starved Scots . Cheers.

This was one I took at Flying legends. there are several more you may find on old threads.
mmitch.

I missed seeing it fly this year, but did take a good look at the meet. I’ll have to make sure I see it next year – especially if it outperforms a Bearcat! Sounds scary.

Sounds nice , doe’s anybody have any photos , for us aviation starved Scots . Cheers.

When we saw it close up on our Forum get-together, I was amazed at how small it was. It’s a lot of engine for not much aeroplane.