Choosing a Soviet piston fighter for Graf Zeppelin

How suitable are late Lavochkin and Yakovlev piston fighters for Graf Zeppelin in the Red Fleet alternate history?

Several designs are plausible. Availability, reliable operation, and ease of naval conversion would decide the choice.

Late Lavochkin and Yakovlev piston fighters offer several plausible candidates for the alternate Soviet Graf Zeppelin. Low landing speeds, controllable handling, wide undercarriages, and reliable engines make these aircraft attractive for conversion. The scenario initially operates Graf Zeppelin with a straight deck and arresting gear but no catapults. For its first six to eight years, the ship primarily trains aviators and lets the navy work out how carrier operations fit its doctrine. Aircraft availability and ease of conversion therefore matter more than selecting a single preferred design in advance. Lavochkin would have a strong incentive to compete because it faces an order shortage after MiG wins the main Soviet jet-fighter work.