IVAN N. KOZHEDUB LAVOCHKIN La-7Image size 19 l/2" X 26" with margins; 22 3/4" X 29" overall
Limited to 950 s/n edition with 50 Artist's Proofs.
In addition to the artist's signature, each print is co-autographed by the leading Allied and Soviet Ace of WWII, Air Marshall Ivan N. Kozhedub.
The Painting: Born in 1920 in the Ukraine, Ivan Kozhedub became the leading Soviet and Allied Ace of WWII. His first combat mission was on 26 March 1943, flying a LaG-5. Early May 1944, he flew the La-5N and July 1944, he was assigned his famous 'white 27', La-7.
In this aircraft Kozhedub scored a victory against a Me 262 on 19 February 1945, the scene beautifully captured by historical artist Jerry Crandall. Kozhedub was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union medal twice during the war with the third on 18 August 1945.
Almost 8,000 of these excellent low-altitude fighters, the Lavochkin La-7 were built during WWII. The fuselage, wings and tail section were covered with a molded plywood, the front fuselage was metal and the control surfaces were metal frame work covered with fabric. The twin row 14 cylinder Shvetson M-82FV radial engine produced 1850 h.p. at take-off. Two 20mm cannon give the La-7 its firepower. Its top speed is reported to be about 375 m.p.h. at sea level.
PRICE: $165.00 each s/n
$265.00 each Artist's Proof.