In the Summer of 1943, the German Luftwaffe encountered the Soviet Lavochkin La-5 in the skies over the Eastern Front for the first time. Initially unaware of the capabilities of the new Soviet fighter, German pilots dubbed the aircraft the 'Neue Rata', comparing it to the Polikarpov I-16s that had first been used in the Spanish Civil War and were obsolete by this time. Luftwaffe airman, however, quickly learned to respect and even fear the La-5 as it soon became clear that Soviet engineers had finally built an aircraft that could go toe to toe with their Bf 109s and FW 190s. Fitted with the more powerful M-82 radial engine, the new La-5 enjoyed its first major success at the Battle of Kursk in the Summer of 1943 where it showed that it not only possessed significant firepower but could also match the speed and maneuverability of the German fighters, particularly at the lower altitudes where most of the combat was being fought. 8,8874 La-5s and La-5FNs were produced in 1943 and 1944 and these proved as deadly as any other aircraft on the Eastern Front, being used extensively by the VVS from Kursk to Berlin.

We believe that this is the first time the La-5 has ever been offered in 1/700 scale. These 3D printed models easily rival (and probably exceed) the quality of comparable Pit-Road white metal and WEM resin models but we've posted some high resolution photos so you can judge for yourself. While photography of these little gems is a challenge for our equipment and limited skills, check out the well proportioned model including the fuselage with detailed canopy, gun breech bulges, engine cowling complete with the air intake fairing above and oil cooler below and wings with the retracted landing gear detail on the underside.

Although the surfaces are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers), the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene.

NOTE: While we currently maintain limited inventories of most items, some items may be "printed on demand", which usually requires 10-15 business days from order to shipment.