was originally designed as an evolutionary development of the SU-9/Su-11 family with a more capable radar and twin engines, however the Su-15 grew into a much larger and heavier aircraft. The Su-15TM was developed to supercede initial versions with increased combat capability and featuring the Taifoon-M (RP-26) radar, ogival nose cone, and R-60 'dogfight' missiles.
Deliveries of production SU-15TM's to PVO fighter units commenced from 1972. Gradually, togeather with the MIG-25P heavy interceptor, the Su-15 replaced the Su-9, Su-11, Yak-28P and Mig21PFM in the IA-PVO frontline inventory. Su-15's saw service with PVO units stationed in almost all borderside regions of the USSR, the high north and far east receiving priority.
With electronics, engines, and armaments upgrades, the Su-15 remained a formidable high-speed interceptor, guarding Soviet airspace during the cold war in the 1970's and 80's. During the course of it's frontline career, the Su-15 participated in many sucessful interceptions, and occaisionally, used it's weapons systems in anger.
About 700 su-15s remained in service by the mid-1980s, but these were gradually retired and replaced by the MiG-31 and Su-27 by about 1993.
Aircraft model by Brett Hoskins.
Textures by Mike Mahat - mikemahat@hotmail.com
Custom 3M 'Bison-B' panel by Jan Moravec.
Flight Dynamics with thanks by Bennett Gray - cadetpilot1@yahoo.com
