La-9 a continuation of the Lavochkin fighter line of WW II (La-5 and La-7)The first La-9 was flight tested in November 1946 and series production began in 1947. An ASH-82FN air-cooled 14-cylinder engine of 1850H.P driving a three-blade propeller powered the aircraft. 1630 La-9’s were built and served with the Soviet Air Force, and in small numbers in Bulgaria and other East block countries. In 1950 - 51 large numbers were delivered to China and some to North Korea where they were involved in early fighting during the Korean War. On several occasions they were involved in combat with USAAF F86 Sabre jets and other allied aircraft.In design and performance the La-9 was the equivalent of the American Bearcat and the British Sea Fury, heavily armed with 4x 23mm cannon, mounted in the nose. The La-9 was a formidable opponent demanding respect from opposing forces.The Old Flying Machine Company aircraft ( serial Number 828 ) flew with the Soviet Air Force before being transferred to the Chinese Air Force in 1950. Taken out of service in the early 60’s the aircraft became a technical exhibit at the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, where in 1986 negotiations were begun to obtain the aircraft for restoration in the United Kingdom. Following ten years of complex discussion, agreement was finally reached and the aircraft was delivered to Duxford in 1996.After initial inspection and appraisal the decision was made to ship the aircraft to New Zealand (2001) to be re-built to flying condition by Pioneer Aero Restorations at Auckland’s Ardmore Airfield. The engine and propeller were overhauled in the Czech Republic in 2002. The engine re-build was by W. Motor Service, the propeller by Avia and the combination mated to the airframe in New Zealand in January, 2003.Following extensive engine running and systems checking the aircraft was successfully test flown by John Lamont on February 2003.Further intensive test flying cleared the aircraft for participation at the Auckland Air Show on 8th March 2003S~TX-FlightRisk Black 3
