La-5 series 8

The Lavochkin La-5 series 8 is a premium fighter from the Battle of Stalingrad module of IL-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles.

Hangar view

Important facts and figures

Engine management

• Boosted power time limit (stock engine): 5min.
• The M-82F mod removes this time limit.
• In addition to boosted power, both engines use the boost button for extra oomph.
• The M-82Fs' limit to its power output is heat soak. Under boost, unless speeds are very high, the oil will overheat after 5 to 10 minutes. Climbing with boost can overheat the cylinder heads too.
• Shift supercharger gears at 3000m (earlier than the manual calls for).
• Inlet cowls should be open at all times. They should only be closed to protect the engine from overcooling.
• The mixture at 100% can loosely be equated to auto-rich in an american plane. Lean only to conserve fuel in cruise.
• The engine guzzles gas. With a full tank, if you are heavy on the boost, expect a flight time between 35 and 45 minutes.
• The outlet cowls are super draggy. Keep them completely closed as much as possible.

Flying the La-5

Out of combat

Startup and taxi

• RPM, mixture 100%.
• Inlet cowls fully open.
• Throttle 10-15%.
• Yaw trimmer strongly to the right (30-50% according to your preference).
• Begin engine startup sequence.
• For taxiing, be aware that the tailwheel doesn't lock, therefore the plane will need careful handling on the ground.

Takeoff

• Oil radiators fully open.
• Outlet cowls at around 60% for the initial climb to altitude.
• Smoothly throttle up to full power.
• Use right rudder to keep the plane straight.
• Takeoff speed is just under 200km/h.

Climb

• Pitch trim to achieve the desired attitude.
• Keep an eye on your cylinder head temperature and adjust the outlet cowls if necessary.
• Keep an eye on your oil temperature. If it get too high, turn off boost. If that still isn't enough, reduce the power output (throttle and RPM).
• Adjust the yaw trimmer until the slip indicator is centred.
• Dont forget to shift your supercharger gear at 3000m (earlier than the manual calls for).

Cruise

• Pitch trim to achieve the desired attitude.
• Close the outlet flaps.
• Adjust the yaw trimmer until the slip indicator is centred.
• If you wish to save fuel, lean your mixture.

Landing

• RPM to 100%.
• Keep an eye on your oil temperature and adjust the radiator accordingly.
• Keep an eye on your cylinder head temperature and close the inlet cowls if necessary.
• Extend flaps below ???km/h.
• If the plane needs a little more encouragement to slow down, opening the outlet flaps to 100% can help.
• Landing speed is around 155km/h.
• After touchdown, let the plane roll for a little while before applying the brakes.