- Yes
- No
Background
Spoiler
The La-9UTI was developed from the Lavochkin La-9, a Soviet Fighter that entered service in 1946. The La-9UTI is different compared to the La-9, for starters, it was a trainer with dual control for both of the pilots, it featured non rectractable tail landing gear, only had 1 NS-23 23mm Cannon, Reduced the amount of fuel tanks to three, and the addition of night equipment, and a device for towing was installed.
The La-9UTI, formally known as the “La-9V” (Prior to 1948) first flew in May, 1947, and passed the state test shortly after.
The La-9UTI was Exported to the PRC, Romania, and Potentially North Korea.
Towards the end of 1949, China imported a total 60 La-9 and La-9UTI aircraft from the Soviet Union through the Manzhouli land port. The La-9UTI was used for flight training at the fighter aviation school from January 1950 onward. In June 1950, the La-9UTI was equipped with the 10th and 11th Regiments of the 4th Composite Air Brigade, the first aviation force of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. On October 13th, 1950, the Soviet Air Force stationed in Shanghai, China, handed over La-9 / La-9UTI aircraft to the 4th Brigade. The 9th Air Force Division formed in November 1950 was equipped with 15 La-9 aircraft. By 1951, a total of 73 aircraft were imported. From March to October 1958, one La-9UTI was used in Gansu. Counterinsurgency operations in Qinghai region were also done by a La-9. In 1959, there were still 39 La-9 aircraft. On April 17, 1959, the General Staff agreed to retire all La-9, Fighter aircraft.
The last 4 La-9UTI’s were retired in in 1966
Retired
Technical Data
Specifications
Crew - 2
Length - 8.63 m
Height - 3.56 m
Wingspan - 9.8 m
Empty Weight - 2,554 kg
Gross Weight - 3,285 kg
Max Takeoff Weight - 3,676 kg
Powerplant - 1 x Shvetsov ASh-82FN Radial Engine (1,380 kW)
Max Speed - 659 Km/h at 6,250 m
Climb Rate - 5 Minutes to 5,000 m
Service Ceiling - 10,800 m
Range - 940 km
Takeoff Run - 345 m
Landing Run - 490 m
Armament
1 x 23mm NC-23 cannon
Images
Spoiler
Sources
Spoiler
(Book) Encyclopedia of Chinese Aircraft (Vol. 2)