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La-7 "White 14"
Lt. A. Bivalov
63 GIAP
ca. winter 1944
Camouflage Colors: AMT-11/-12/-7
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"White 14" was a presentation La-7 photographed
outside the Factory at Gor'ki (Zavod 21) during the winter of 1944. The lineup
shows an eskadrilya of La-7s donated by workers in Gor'ki, and wearing
the inscription "Gor'kovskiy Rabochiy" (Gor'ki Workers). These machines are
thought to have been delivered to the 63 GIAP, and this aircraft, specifically,
to belong to Lt. Bivalov [confirmation of Bivalov's assignment will confirm
or deny the unit identification]. Published photos of this machine can be found
in Soviet Combat Aircraft Vol.1 and Lavochkin La-7 (MBI).
Bivalov's La-7 wears an absolutely text-book
example of the NKAP template fighter scheme as it appeared on the La-7. All
of the classic features are present here, and "14" could serve as a prototype
of the application. The tactical numerals are large and smartly trimmed in red,
and there are 'La-7' logos present on both cowling and rudder surfaces. The
cowl bands are unpainted, and indeed in every sense this aircraft is a classic
VVS La-7 of the GPW era.
"White 14" wears Victory type national insignia
in six locations, as shown. 'La-7' type logos appear on the port and starboard
side cowling and rudder.