La-9

Ray Hanna told us at the Tiger Convention that it is by far the most potent propeller aircraft he’s ever flown. If it was being flown by an ace it would out do the Bearcat with no problem. The only downside to it is it’s ground handling which is far trickier than the 109. We were told it will never fly in the U.K again after the Autumn 2003 airshow.

Originally posted by dhfan
I couldn’t get over how small it was. A lot of engine for not much aeroplane.

I think that just about sums up the concept. It’s small and fast which makes it a difficult target.
For those who have never seen and heard it flying it is, in a word, awesome. Has to be one of the most beautiful piston warbirds in existence

Originally posted by GarryB
That is exactly what I thought when I saw the Yak-3.

Should be good to see a formation of I-15, I-16, Yak-3, and La-9 i the air together… if they are all there that is…

That I would love to see not to mention hearing.

That is exactly what I thought when I saw the Yak-3.

Should be good to see a formation of I-15, I-16, Yak-3, and La-9 i the air together… if they are all there that is…

Yak-3 ??

Didn’t know a Yak-3 was going to be there ?
:confused:

I couldn’t get over how small it was. A lot of engine for not much aeroplane.

That is exactly what I thought when I saw the Yak-3.

Should be good to see a formation of I-15, I-16, Yak-3, and La-9 i the air together… if they are all there that is…

yes please, Ant !!

“Yes, and I’ve got a feeling it’s actually the only La9 in existence at all.”

Hi Steve,
A*roplane published a Database section on the ‘late Lavochkins’ a few months back, which included a survivors listing.IIRC, there are a couple of La-9’s in China,although they’re on outdoor display and looking pretty terrible.I can post the survivors listing tomorrow if anyone’s interested??

I’ll try and get some pics of it parked up against the lovely South Island landscape when I’m there.

Would you say its quite comparable in speed to a Sea Fury ?

Also weren’t they used in the early stages of the Korean War, flown by NK Air Force ?

I couldn’t get over how small it was. A lot of engine for not much aeroplane.

Originally posted by turbo_NZ
I am now really chomping at the bit to see it fly….

Is this the only one flying in the world ?

Yes, and I’ve got a feeling it’s actually the only La9 in existence at all.

Here’s a shot of the port side, sorry about the light. 🙁

I am now really chomping at the bit to see it fly….

Is this the only one flying in the world ?

Originally posted by turbo_NZ
I could paint a big red star on a C152 and no-one would even know the difference…:D

Sorry mate the Red star won’t do it the LA9 is amazing you will soon see,everyone loves it here its that good i’d almost say its orgasmic.

Thanks for the wonderful pics, Steve.

I will definitely take some at Wanaka and post here the minute I get back.

It truly is a beautiful aircraft. I never thought a Russian aircraft could be elegant, but I believe this one is.
🙂

Or this? Unfortunately, I didn’t actually get to see it fly this year, but even on the ground it looks a real beast. I reckon you Kiwi’s will love it! 😀

Or this….?

Turbo, you were wondering what exactly it is about the La-9 that gets us going. How’s this for an answer…?

I could paint a big red star on a C152 and no-one would even know the difference…:D

I think you can keep your cessna 152 😀 ,would take a lot of them to even touch LA9

umm,…if it’s that awesome, then ya gonna have a mission getting it back to UK…

Maybe we could do a part exchange with a slightly used Cessna 152…..:D

La9 is amazing the air i miss her already New Zealand are going to love her,Please send her back to the UK again we can share