Originally posted by Nimrod45
I will check it out but all the data I have seen says 150 for two and 130 for the third
yes there is a variation in the typical load outs stated over several publications
I have seen many references to typical load outs of 150 and I have two test reports where the ac was tested at 130 (as well as others at 150 rpg) for the 3 gun set.
I have also seen 170 rpg mentioned on the La7 2 gun variant (in fact nearly all the test data I have is at this rpg for 2 gun variants) as well as 200 rpg.
Vestik is the only reference that actually gives the bin capacity.
AH seems to be based very much on Stapfer ISBN 0-89747-392-2 La5/7 Fighters. Which also takes a lot of data from Czech sources and is unusually accurate for squadron/signal publications. (Infact I used to dismiss it as a comic but keep coming back and finding stuff to be accurate)
e.g it is the only publication that tells where spent shells are ejected on the 3 cannon variant (fuselage side!!) as there is clearly not space to eject via the normal two gun ejection tubes.
My view is that the bins could hold more than was typically taken...... ie 200 or 170 but that they were loaded to ensure proper feeding to the cannon with a mind to the same overall weight penalty.
e.g the combined weight of a pair of Shvaks plus 400 rounds was more than 3 x B20's plus 450 rounds
