Soviet interceptors of the 1960s

[Flying Sorcerer]

The Soviets developed the Yak-28, Tu-128, and Su-15 supersonic interceptors in the 1960s. Why three different types?

 

[Dmitry V.]

Su-15 - a short-range interceptor to protect objects (to replace the Su-9/11). Yak-28 light loitering interceptor. Tu-128 heavy barraging interceptor for operations in areas with rare airfields (Far East and Arctic).

 

[robunos]

From what I've read the Yak-28P was never officially accepted for service . . .
This from Putnam's 'Yakovlev', p.167,
"The Yak-28P had an extremely active career with the IA-PVO, despite the fact that officially it was never accepted for operational service."
and from 'OKB Yakovlev' p.227 . . .
" After completing its State acceptance trials in 1965 with the new engines and K-8M-1 or K-98 weapons system the Yak-28P entered production in Novosibirsk under the In-house product code 'izdeliye 40'. This was by far the most prolific version of the Yak-28 family: 435 examples were built between 1962 and 1967. Still, the aircraft was never officially included into the Air Force inventory, despite serving with the PVO for many years. On 9th July 1967 the Yak-28P made its first public appearance at a big airshow at Moscow-Domodedovo airport; after this the fighter received the NATO codename Firebar"

cheers,
Robin.

 

[emile1211]

In terms of time line, I believe that Soviet knew the value and influence of Kestrel brought to aviation history, and their "Freehand" looks so embryonic, lateral proporsal as Forger also many flaws according to hindsight, however, project like Harrier brings difficulty of stable during control due to its narrow air column given by the width of engine diameter. Yakovlev bureau certainly thought their Brewer was a better plantform for VTOL than P1127/1154. What they wanted was the one I resonanced the same as the first moment I saw Firebar more than 30 years ago. This fantecy never become true because their territoy has been so vast, damaged runway is not a priority issue to be worried and the weight of intercepter radar brought was too heavy perhaps. Today, AI easily understand what I had been thinking, so it share me the partten is excatly I imaged long time ago.