Mikhail Ivanovich Gudkov was manager of a GAZ (state aviation factory) September 1938 when he became partner forming LaGG. When this evacuated to Gorkii October 1941 Gudkov remained in Moscow and produced 2 LaGG derivatives, K-37 with 37-mm gun and Gu-82 with ASh-82 engine. Gu-1 (12 July 1943) was original design inspired by Airacobra; crashed and KB disbanded.