----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 5:54
PM
Subject: [KOREAN-WAR-L:11421] Re: Russian
La7, La 9 and La11
There is a good new history out by the Russians on the LA-9/LA-11 series
of aircraft, and it has a different view of ops.
The Soviets only used the La-11 in Korea, and did try in the early stages
to use it as a night FIGHTER, not a bomber. Neither the -9 or the -11 was
configured for bombing missions.Also they had no provisions for drop tanks or
external ordnance. The Chinese used the 11 and the Koreans later got 9s to
replace the Yak-9P aircraft that they squandered earlier in the war.
The 9 was a long-range fighter but with lower ceiling and faster climb
rate than the 11. It carried twin 23mm NS-23 guns. The 11 could carry four,
but was more often found with three and most appear to have only carried two
into combat to reduce the weight of the aircraft and increase speed.
The raid on Inchon was not apparently carried out by La-9s or 11s, but
more likely a Yak-18 trainer as those were converted for use as bombers by the
Koreans and used successfully. It doesn't take much of a bang to set off 5
million gallons of fuel!
Most KPAFAC stories are just that, and need to be taken in light of the
propaganda value to the Koreans and not reality.
Cookie Sewell
AMPS