Opinion/ info on La-5fn

[Nemisis]

I was just reading the AHWIKI plane evaluations, and I saw they said some good things about the La-5. Are they full of crap, or is it actually a good plane ?

[bravoa8]

I was just reading the AHWIKI plane evaluations, and I saw they said some good things about the La-5. Are they full of crap, or is it actually a good plane ?

Its a nice plane if you know how to fly it,but its slower than the La-7.

[Nemisis]

Speed isn't a huge issue since its only 8mph slower than the La-7. If it were 20, then maybe...

[bravoa8]

Speed isn't a huge issue since its only 8mph slower than the La-7. If it were 20, then maybe...

Oh i dont really fly the La-5 to much but i though it was slower i guess its about like an La-7 then.

[Oldman731]

Its a nice plane if you know how to fly it,but its slower than the La-7.

Most of the Russian planes take some getting used to, but they're all sweet ships.

La5 took me longer than most.

- oldman

[Strip]

Get ready to miss the broad side of a barn for a little bit....

[Nemisis]

If your refering to the poor balistics of the cannons, then I already know about that. I'm looking for an alternative to my La-7, and I started reading through the AHWIKI pages and found this.... Is this one of those "alot of people knows about tactics for this" or is this one of those "I going to have to see what I come up with on my own" type deals"

[trotter]

The LA5 is a fine plane. I wouldn't consider it an alternative to the LA7, because it lacks the top end speed and almost unmatchable OTD climb that make the LA7 so popular. You can't fly an LA5 like an LA7 and expect to be as successful.

But you still can be very successful in it. The LA5 is one of those great planes for "anything you can't ____ you can ____". Outturn or outrun/outclimb. Usually is the case. Also remember that you are a very small target an can afford to give crossing shots for an advantage later on. Remember too that enemies inexperienced with the LA5 will see the 5 designation and probably not give your plane much credit. They do not know that, although not a 7, it really is still a good performer. If you're looking for perks (or if ENY is too high), try the LA5 instead of the LA7, but remember that it is indeed a different a/c and you won't be as invincible.

[Noir]

the la5 still accelerates almost as good, and is a nice climber. If you can deal with the torque (throttle management), you will give the unwary spits & co a nasty surprise in a turnfight.....luv it 

[Boozeman]

People need to know that the speed advantage of the LA7 over the LA5 lies purely in the better aerodynamics. It's not because it has a stronger engine.
Given the fact they both weigh the same, you have the same performance in the La5 as you have in the La7 in a wide flight envelope. The only drawback is the lack of a 3-cannon option.

[Gabriel]

Why would there be any real difference then flying in the -7? 

It's not like they are drastically different aircraft.

[Tilt]

Why would there be any real difference then flying in the -7? 

It's not like they are drastically different aircraft.

Acceleration................

The La7 gains e quicker than the La5FN. The La5FN scrubs e quicker than the La7.

[Die Hard]

At low speed acceleration is proportional to the climb rate. Two aircraft that have the same climb rate at the same speed also have the same acceleration at that speed. The La-5FN and La-7 have almost identical climb rates at low speed (climb speed) and thus virtually the same acceleration. At high speed the La-7 will of course accelerate (and climb) faster since the La-5FN has to fight more drag.

Speed isn't a huge issue since its only 8mph slower than the La-7. If it were 20, then maybe...

The actual difference is more than 20 mph.

[Lusche]

At low speeds, LA-5 does match the LA-7's acceleration. Only above 250-300 mph the difference is getting notable. Climb & turn rates are almost identical.

http://www.gonzoville.com/ahcharts/index.php?p1=la5fn&p2=la7

Basically, it's a La-7 without the ability to run from everyone. It's a true fighter. If you stick with it for some time, your ability to fight in a LA-7 will probably increase too.

[Rich46yo]

I dont understand why folks think of the Russian 20mm SHVak cannon as such a poor performer. It was, and is, a fine dependable aircraft cannon with good ballistics, a real good ROF. It had far less dependability issues in real life then did the Hispano. The LA-5 might have to live with only two of them but like all the Russian fighters they are shooting from the propeller out and this is an advantage.

Ive had a lot of players, mostly in Mustangs, set auto-level-speed when 600 to 800 out from my LAs and Yaks thinking they were safe. They found out they weren't.

Thing is the 20mm SHVak was the lightest aircraft 20mm cannon of the war. And maybe the most dependable. It fired a smaller 20mm projectile just a bit slower then the "other 20mms" but they were beautifully matched to the nimble fighters they armed.

If your refering to the poor balistics of the cannons, then I already know about that. I'm looking for an alternative to my La-7, and I started reading through the AHWIKI pages and found this.... Is this one of those "alot of people knows about tactics for this" or is this one of those "I going to have to see what I come up with on my own" type deals"