Early combat experience showed it to be superior to all Luftwaffe fighters at altitudes below 5,000 m (16,404 ft).

Luftwaffe fighters in combat with the Yak-3 tried to use surprise tactics, attacking from above.

The base also served as a diversion field for Luftwaffe fighters.

In the six days from 18 to 24 October, 140 Soviet aircraft were lost, 124 of them to Luftwaffe fighters.

This put the aircraft at risk of attack from Luftwaffe fighters and within easy range of light anti-aircraft guns.

One O-52 was shot down by Luftwaffe fighters.

Their Anson was intercepted and shot up by Luftwaffe fighters.

In this role there were fewer opportunities to engage Luftwaffe fighters.

Over 60 Luftwaffe fighters were shot down with a loss of 19 bombers and 5 fighters.

He downs two Luftwaffe fighters before being shot down.