Closed in 1949, the Sukhoi Design Bureau was reborn in 1953 to meet an
urgent demand for a fast interceptor that would counter the threat posed
by NATO bombers. It wasted no time developing a succession of
missile-armed, Mach 2 interceptors characterized by delta wings; the
single-engined Su-9 entered service in 1960, followed by the up-armed
Su-11 in 1964 and the twin-engined Su-15 in 1967. Though built in modest
numbers, the three types became an important asset for the Soviet air
defence force--particularly the more capable Su-15, which unfortunately
became notorious for shooting down two intruding South Korean airliners
within five years. The Su-15 outlasted the Soviet Union, the last being
retired in 1996. There were also several Sukhoi interceptors that
remained in prototype or project form. All known versions are described,
as are operational details. The book features many rare and previously
unpublished photos.