Lavochkin La-132 - Fritz's New Fangs

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Lavochkin La-132

As development of the La-9 was underway, the time-tested ASh-82FN was selected as the engine. However, despite being highly reliable and available in significant numbers, the ASh-82 was a little low on power compared to its contemporaries - especially at higher altitudes. Therefore in 1946, Lavochkin drew up design studies for fitting a more powerful engine to the aircraft. Eventually they settled on the experimental Shvestov M-93 18-cylinder radial engine making around 2,000 hp. This design would be designated La-132.
Installing the new engine required modifications, specifically a larger-capacity oil cooler, and the aircraft’s take-off weight rose to 3,500 kg. The projected performance of the La-132 was promising, reaching 740 km/h at an altitude of 6,500 m, however factory tests revealed that the M-93 engine was completely unsuitable for flight - eventually being cancelled in late 1946. As a result, the engine was swapped to the ASh-82M making 2,200 hp. This aircraft underwent flight tests - reaching 730 km/h at an altitude of 5,000 m - in 1947 but the ASh-82M was determined to have insufficient reliability and never reached production.
This, combined with the rapid advancements of jet fighters and the introduction of more reliable turboprop engines, were the final nail in the coffin of the La-132 program and the aircraft was subsequently scrapped.

Specifications

  • Engine: Shvestov ASh-82M air-cooled radial engine - 2,200 hp
  • Length: 8.46 m
  • Height: 3.47 m
  • Wingspan: 9.8 m
  • Wing area: 17.59 m²
  • Empty weight: 2,638 kg
  • Take-off weight: 3,580 kg
  • Top speed: 650 km/h at sea level, 730 km/h at 5,000 m
  • Climb rate: 5,000 m in 4.8 minutes
  • Range: 1,000 km
  • Armament: 4 x 23 mm NS-23 cannons, 75 rpg

Its place in War Thunder

Russia lacks a strong contender in the superprop race in its main tech tree, with the I-225 being optimized for high altitudes and the Yak-3 VK-107 being a premium. The La-132 would allow tier IV Russia to compete better with the likes of the P-51H, Spitfire Mk 24 and G.56, bringing solid performance and excellent guns to the table.

Sources

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As you can glean from the small number of sources, information on this aircraft is extremely scarce. If anyone has more information to add, please feel free to share!

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