La-5FN operations · 1942–1945
The La-5 and La-5FN gave Soviet fighter regiments a rugged radial-engined fighter that was especially dangerous at lower altitudes. It fought over Stalingrad, Kuban, Kursk, Bagration and the final campaigns into Germany. Modelling it well means deciding whether you are building an early La-5, improved La-5F or La-5FN: cowling, canopy, cooling, exhaust and camouflage details all matter.
Role & strengths
- Soviet radial-engined tactical fighter
- Stalingrad, Kuban, Kursk, Bagration and Berlin routes
- La-5, La-5F and La-5FN variant differences
- AMT green/black or late grey/blue schemes, red stars and tactical numbers
- Radial exhaust staining, dusty strips, wing-root wear and field repairs
Key theatres
- Stalingrad and southern front fighter operations
- Kuban air battles and low-altitude fighting
- Kursk and 1943 air superiority routes
- Bagration, Poland and final-war Guards fighter units
Specification La-5FN
Survivors today
La-5 survivors and restorations are useful for radial cowling, canopy, spinner, landing gear stance, cockpit framing and red-star/tactical-number placement, but restoration paint needs checking.
View survivorsTimeline highlights
Build this La-5FN as…
Pick the variant and front first. A Stalingrad La-5, a Kuban La-5F, a Kursk La-5FN, a Guards ace aircraft and a late Berlin route all need different markings and weathering.
Aircraft identity
La-5, La-5F and La-5FN can differ in canopy, cowling, intake and finish. Do not mix kit parts and decals casually.
Radial staining is a big visual feature, but keep it directional: cowling, exhaust paths, belly, wing roots and dusty lower surfaces.
Paint scheme cards
Stalingrad/Kuban route with green/black uppers and blue-grey lower surfaces.
Late La-5FN subjects can use VVS grey schemes with tactical numbers and red stars.
Winter La-5 routes need worn whitewash, cowling grime and dirty lower surfaces.
Weather around the radial cowling, exhaust outlets, lower fuselage and wing roots.
Campaign cards
Early La-5 route with emergency fighter operations, rough fields and green/black camouflage.
La-5F route with intense low-altitude fighter combat, dust and sun exposure.
La-5FN route with improved performance, Guards markings and summer dust.
Late-war VVS route with red stars, tactical numbers and restrained but visible field wear.
Build difficulty and related guides
Medium. Compact fighter build, but cowling, canopy and variant detail need attention.
High. La-5, La-5F and La-5FN details can easily be confused.
Medium-high. Radial staining and dusty VVS airfield wear need careful layering.
La-5FN fighter regiments and Guards units
Sortable La-5/La-5F/La-5FN unit cards covering Stalingrad, Kuban, Kursk, Bagration, Guards fighter regiments and survivor/reference aircraft.
La-5FN operating map
Airfield info
Click a marker to show linked La-5FN unit cards and modelling notes.
Campaign timeline
Survivors
Books and reference sources
La-5FN build guide
La-5FN videos, photos and archive material
Media replaces the old separate walkaround tab: cockpit, exhaust, undercarriage, markings, survivor references, archive imagery and video cards are grouped here.