La-168 (Type 15) S.A.Lavochkin

The La-168 had an high-set, swept wing. In contrast with the La-150, 152, 154, 156, 160, 174TK series, the engine was behind the pilot, with an exhaust nozzle at the extreme tail. It was designed around the newly-acquired R.R. Nene engine.

It was intended as a front line fighter. Fuel capacity was increased to 1230l inside plus 610l, allowing to stay airborne for 2h12min. Combination of two 23mm and one 37mm cannons became a standard for whole generation of Soviet jet fighters.

First flight (I.E.Fedorov) took place on April 22, 1948. Trials continued until February 19, 1949. La-168 reached speed M=0.982. Trial of powerful armament at high altitude (15000m) ended in almost fatal accident. Salvo of all three cannons caused collapse of the canopy, and pilot (V.I.Khomiakov) was blackened out by decompression. La-160 fell in free dive, but at 4000m and speed almost reaching M=1.0 pilot recovered and managed to pull the aircraft into horizontal flight and land safely.

Lost to the competing MiG-15 (?).

Created January 25, 1996 Modified February 21, 1998

Back to Main Gate