Yak-3 v. La-5 cannons

[popeye]

Just started flying the La-5 and am having a hard time hitting with the cannons -- much harder than with the Yak-3.  Did the La-5 and Yak-3 use the same cannon?  (I know the Yak-3 fired though the spinner and was unsynchronized, while the La-5 cannons were cowl-mounted and synchronized.)  Just wondering if they are different types and maybe one more or less accurate than the other.

 

[puller]

I read somewhere that the Russian 20mm round was a beefed up 50cal round that had a "chemical" explosive...not that any of that answers ur yak vs LA question... But kinda explains the suckage of the Russian cannon round vs say a hispano 20mm round

[Ack-Ack]

Just started flying the La-5 and am having a hard time hitting with the cannons -- much harder than with the Yak-3.  Did the La-5 and Yak-3 use the same cannon?  (I know the Yak-3 fired though the spinner and was unsynchronized, while the La-5 cannons were cowl-mounted and synchronized.)  Just wondering if they are different types and maybe one more or less accurate than the other.

 

The La-5 was produced with two different 20mm cannons.  Late La-5N models were produced with the 20mm Berezin B-20 cannon (2x mounted in the cowling) that replaced the 20mm ShVAK on earlier La-5 models.

Early Yak-3 production had a single 20 mm ShVAK cannon and one one 12.7 mm UBS machine gun (using high explosive rounds).  Subsequent Yak-3 production blocks added an additional UBS machine gun for additional firepower.

[popeye]

The La-5 was produced with two different 20mm cannons.  Late La-5N models were produced with the 20mm Berezin B-20 cannon (2x mounted in the cowling) that replaced the 20mm ShVAK on earlier La-5 models.

Early Yak-3 production had a single 20 mm ShVAK cannon and one one 12.7 mm UBS machine gun (using high explosive rounds).  Subsequent Yak-3 production blocks added an additional UBS machine gun for additional firepower.

So, they probably have different cannons.  (Which may - or may not - account for my poor aim in the La-5N.)

Thanks.

 

[Randall172]

The biggest thing is that compared to planes with MGs or 4 cannons is that your volume of fire is MUCH lower, and on crossing shots planes are much more likely to pass inbetween rounds, but if you can saddle up and land 2-3 hits you'll kill anything.

you have to time crossing shots because of the lack of volume of fire.

[bustr]

The cartridge wasn't changed between the ShVAK and B-20. The round shot flat to 200m and dropped 24 inches by 400m. The ShVAK had a longer barrel and the B-20 was a lighter cannon allowing 3 to be mounted in the La7. Our La5 has two ShVAK. You may be experiencing an issue with the cannon firing from above the prop opposed to the Yak3 the cannon fires center of the prop. So when you pull lead the la5 bullet stream is slightly different than the Yak3. Try a Ki43 and you see a similar problem with aiming.

[popeye]

Starting to get kills in the La-5N, I guess it's just a "feel" thing.
Great plane for base defense!   

[The Fugitive]

Starting to get kills in the La-5N, I guess it's just a "feel" thing.
Great plane for base defense!   

How have to adjusted your aim point to score more hits Kong? Half plane more lead, quarter plane higher? Guys who cant hit a barn while inside NEED to know!

[pipz]

That big air scoop on the bonnet blocks vision a bit on the la5. The Yak 3 has a clear view. That could be part of it.

[Vulcan]

I find that when your prop is chewing on their tail that's the best time to fire.

[The Fugitive]

Ya  but when they are flopping all over the place it is tough to hang on to that tail!

[popeye]

Really can't say how much to adjust aim, I shoot by "feel".  (Which is why my hit percentage is what it is....)

[Vulcan]

Ya  but when they are flopping all over the place it is tough to hang on to that tail!

Maybe you should fix your internet connection