Description:
I would like to suggest adding a captured Soviet LaGG-3 fighter (specifically early series, such as Series 1 or Series 4) to the German aviation tech tree. It fits perfectly as a Tier I-II Premium vehicle for Golden Eagles, a Warbonds shop reward, or an Event vehicle for a Battle Pass season.
History:
During the summer and autumn of 1941/1942 campaign on the Eastern Front, several Soviet LaGG-3 fighters were captured by the German forces in operational or repairable condition. At least one LaGG-3 (early series) was sent to the Erprobungsstelle Rechlin (the main Luftwaffe test center) for thorough flight and evaluation trials.
German test pilots noted the extreme structural durability of the “delta-wood” construction, though they criticized the aircraft’s heavy weight and poor power-to-weight ratio compared to the Bf 109. Introducing this aircraft would give German players a unique opportunity to experience Soviet design philosophy and flight characteristics within their own lineup, similar to the captured Yak-1B already present in the German tree.
Suggested Placement & Gameplay Role:
• Country: Germany (Captured)
• Classification: Fighter
• Rank: I or II
• Estimated Battle Rating: 2.0 – 2.3 (Realistic Battles)
• Role: Premium / Event / Battle Pass Reward
Performance Specifications:
• Engine: Klimov M-105P (1,050 hp)
• Maximum Speed: ~550-575 km/h at altitude
• Construction: Delta-wood (highly resistant to fire and structural damage)
Armament:
• 1 x 20 mm ShVAK cannon (mounted through the propeller hub)
• 2 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns (or 1 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun depending on the exact chosen early sub-series).
Visuals & Camouflage:
The aircraft should feature its historical Luftwaffe evaluation livery: Soviet green/black camouflage painted over with German Balkenkreuz crosses on the wings and fuselage, a swastika on the tail, and standard Luftwaffe yellow tactical theater markings on the engine cowling and under the wingtips for rapid identification.
No. Doesn’t belong
Thank you for your feedback! However, Germany already has captured Soviet aircraft like the Yak-1B and Il-2 in the game, which have been there for years. This LaGG-3 would be a historical addition since it was thoroughly tested at Rechlin. As a low-tier premium or a rare battle pass reward, it won’t break the matchmaker but will offer a unique piece of history for collectors
Here is some additional historical context to support the suggestion. In July 1943, one of the captured early-series LaGG-3 fighters was even used by the German Ministry of Propaganda for filming official documentaries at the Rechlin test center.
During the evaluation, Luftwaffe engineers noted the unique properties of the Soviet ‘delta-wood’ construction, praising its extreme structural durability and high fire resistance compared to standard wood.
With its early-series armament (ShVAK 20mm cannon and machine guns), this aircraft would offer a very distinctive playstyle and a historically accurate collectible for the German Tier I-II lineup."
You are absolutely right, the most common photo online is actually one of the 3 captured LaGG-3s operated by the Finnish Air Force (LeLv 32). However, historical records confirm that the Luftwaffe did capture several flyable LaGG-3s during the 1941–1942 campaigns and sent them to the Erprobungsstelle Rechlin for evaluation trials. While direct Luftwaffe photo evidence is extremely rare, the historical testing by German pilots is a well-documented fact, which justifies its addition as a unique premium/event vehicle, just like other rare captured aircraft already in the game.
Holy cope. Yeah, strong wood. But its still wood and it was also heavy, because it was so dense.
Absolutely right! The weight of the delta-wood construction was the main reason why Soviet engineers struggled with the power-to-weight ratio in early series, and why German test pilots noted its heaviness. However, in War Thunder, this translates to excellent energy retention in dives and a very rugged airframe that can take a lot of damage at BR 2.0. It would create a very unique contrast to the lightweight Bf 109s!
If you want a vehicle added to the game, you should write and submit a Suggestion for it in Air Suggestions.
One billion captured vehicles to Germany
That’s on the light side… :3
Because it is
Also, are Swastikas allowed to be shown in the forum?
Not sure about that
Found it
It’s true that Germany has quite a few captured options, but that’s exactly because the Luftwaffe was obsessed with testing enemy hardware at Rechlin. The LaGG-3 is a fully historical example of this. Unlike paper designs or speculative concepts, this aircraft actually flew in German skies with Luftwaffe markings. It’s a perfect fit for a rare low-tier collectible that harms no one but adds great historical value.
It harms tech tree uniqueness and actually adds nothing special to Germany.
Just to clarify regarding the forum rules on historical symbols: I posted the photo strictly for historical reference and to show the physical aircraft that was tested at Rechlin. I absolutely support the forum rules and game policy, and if the developers decide to add this aircraft, the texture should obviously be censored with a clean tail or standard German Balkenkreuz, exactly like all other Luftwaffe vehicles currently in War Thunder.
You know what, I’m a UK main but I’m going to disagree with you on that. Captured vehicles are real, they were used extensively in particular in North Africa and on the Eastern Front and Germany in WT has a great selection with many more possibilities.
From a game development perspective it’s also simpler to re-skin an existing vehicle than to commission something brand new, so is an easy route to adding quantity. Other trees just need the same treatment.
Spoiler
Thank you for the support! You hit the nail on the head. From a development standpoint, it’s a very cost-effective way for Gaijin to add historical content. It doesn’t slow down the implementation of unique tech tree vehicles, but it satisfies collectors and history enthusiasts. Hopefully, other nations will get their historical captured clean-ups too!
While adding nothing unique and promoting the exact thing the majority of people don’t like. Copy and paste. Germany and the western allies (particular Britain and the ussr) did use a lot of captured vehicles. But they don’t add anything but take away from unique nations
Hi if you could make this a suggestion.
Please have a look at the guidelines in this link for how to do so… Rules, Guidelines & Tips For Creating Suggestions (Check Before Creating A New Suggestion!) - #10 by leroyonly
Also If you could blur the Swastika as not allowed on the Forum thank you.
Has been answered by staff.