Sukhoi SU-15 “FLAGON”

In 1967, the Soviet Union put into service a high-performance interceptor capable of dealing with the attacking American strategic bombers thanks to their long-range air-to-air missiles. It was the Sukhoi Su-15 Flagon, a larger and more powerful version of the Su-9/11 Fishpot, equipped with two Tumansky R13 turbojets that exceeded Mach 2 and could reach 20,000 meters altitude in just 3 minutes. In 1967, the Su-15 Flagon-A pre-series aircraft entered service, carrying the RP-22 Oryol-D long-range radar and medium-range R-8/K-8/R98 (AA-3 “Anab” and “Advanced Anab”) air-to-air missiles. In 1969, the Su-15T Flagon-D variant with “Taifun” radar arrived, but only 10 units entered service due to problems with the new radar. In 1972, the major production variant Su-15TM Flagon-E entered service, with more powerful engines, four underwings hardpoints instead of two, and the improved Taifun-M radar. Finally in 1975, appeared the Su-15bis Flagon-F, which would be the last model to enter service, with re-powered engines and a new radome for radar. In total about 1,500 Flagon served with the Soviet Air Defense Forces until the mid-90s, when they were replaced by MiG-31 and Su-27 interceptors.

SU-15 FLAGON gallery and more info