Sukhoi Su-15 Flagon
Summary
| Category | Combat aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| First flight | 30 May 1962 |
| Year of introduction | 1967 |
| Number produced | 1290 units |
| Average unit price | $4 million |
Description
The Su-15 Flagon was the Soviet Union's high-altitude interceptor during the Cold War era. With its missile armament and high operating ceiling, it posed a significant threat to Western reconnaissance and bomber aircraft. The Flagon remained a key part of the Soviet air defense force for over two decades from the mid-1960s onwards.
The Su-15 Flagon was developed by the Soviet Union's Sukhoi design bureau in the 1960s as an interceptor aircraft to defend against high-altitude threats like the U.S. B-70 Valkyrie bomber. It entered service in 1967 and was produced until the 1980s.
The aircraft was equipped with around a twin turbojet engine, shoulder-mounted wing configuration with twin tail fins. The fuselage is cylindrical with a pointed nose and bubble canopy. Early versions were powered by two Tumansky R-11F2S-300 turbojets but later models used more powerful Lyulka AL-7F-1 engines.
The Su-15 was designed to engage aerial targets at high altitude using air-to-air missiles. Its primary armament was the Vympel R-98 (NATO reporting name AA-3 Anab) missile carried on external pylons. It had a maximum loadout of four R-98 missiles. The Flagon also carried unguided rockets and could be armed with cannon pods if required.
The Flagon scored its first kills during the 1970s against South Korean and Iranian aircraft straying into Soviet airspace. It also had some confrontations with American recon planes like the SR-71 Blackbird. The Su-15 remained in frontline use until the late 1980s when it was replaced by more advanced interceptors like the MiG-31 Foxhound.
Main versions:
Su-15 'Flagon-A' - Initial variant powered by Tumansky R-11 engines.
Su-15 'Flagon-B' - Improved version with Lyulka AL-7F-1 engines and upgraded avionics.
Su-15 'Flagon-C' - Final production model with enhanced capability to engage low-altitude targets.
Su-15UT - Two-seat operational conversion trainer.
Su-15UM - Unarmed trainer for pilots.
Technical specifications
| Version: Su-15 | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Operational range | 730 km (454 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 1971 km/h (1225 mph) |
| Wing area | 34.8 m² (374.6 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 10.9 m (35.7 ft) |
| Height | 4.8 m (15.7 ft) |
| Length | 16.5 m (54.2 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 17678 m (57999 ft) |
| Empty weight | 7956 kg (17540 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 13000 kg (28660 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 162.3 m/s (532.5 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 1 × turbojet Pratt & Whitney J57-P-20A delivering 4853 kgp, up to 8165 kgp with afterburner |
Current operating countries
No country is operating the Su-15 Flagon in 2024.
Armament
Missiles payload:
- Air-to-Air Medium-Range Bisnovat R-98 (AA-3 Anab)
Photo of Su-15 Flagon
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