Short answer is: yes, they did exist in the Soviet Air Force.
Long answer is more complicated. Drop tanks were used when/where necessary, for example, in the Northern Fleet and the Baltic Fleet aviation units (I-16, P-39, P-40, Yak-1, LaGG-3). Apparently there was less demand for them in the units deployed for support of ground troops.
LaGG-3 series 11 did carry external tanks (not experimental) but hard points were removed eventually.
I recall drop tanks mentioned on Yak-9 in Black Sea.
Can not remember anything about their usage on La-5 and La-7.
__________________
Q: Mr. Rall, what was the best tactic against the P-47?
A: Against the P-47? Shoot him down!
(Gunther Rall's lecture. June 2003, Finland)
|