Lightning vs Su-15 Flagon

The Lightning and the Su-15 Flagon are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by English Electric and Sukhoi respectively. Top speed is 2,414 km/h for the Lightning vs 1,971 km/h for the Su-15 Flagon. The Lightning has an operational range of 1,367 km vs 1,380 km for the Su-15 Flagon. The Su-15 Flagon operates at altitudes up to 17,678 m compared to 16,459 m for the Lightning. The Lightning has been produced in 337 units vs 1,290 for the Su-15 Flagon. Unit cost is $2M for the Lightning vs $4M for the Su-15 Flagon. The Lightning first flew 8 years before the Su-15 Flagon (1954 vs 1962).

British interceptor aircraft, recognized for Cold War era service, extensively deployed for high speed, high altitude defensive roles.
English Electric Lightning Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer English Electric
First flight 4 August 1954
Year introduced 1960
Number produced 337 units
Average unit price $2 million
Soviet interceptor jet, notable for its Cold War service, involved notably in significant incidents such as Korean Air Lines Flight 007.
Sukhoi Su-15 Flagon Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Sukhoi
First flight 30 May 1962
Year introduced 1967
Number produced 1290 units
Average unit price $4 million
Wing area 44.1 m² ◉
Wingspan 10.6 m â—‰
Height 6.0 m â—‰
Length 16.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2414 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,367 km â—‰
Service ceiling 16,459 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 20,752 kg â—‰
Empty weight 14,092 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 5,684 kgf â—‰
Wing area 34.8 m² ◉
Wingspan 10.9 m â—‰
Height 4.8 m â—‰
Length 16.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1971 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,380 km â—‰
Service ceiling 17,678 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 7,956 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 4,853 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Lightning or Su-15 Flagon?
The Lightning is faster with a maximum speed of 2,414 km/h compared to the Su-15 Flagon's 1,971 km/h, a difference of 443 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Lightning or Su-15 Flagon?
The Su-15 Flagon has a longer range at 1,380 km compared to the Lightning's 1,367 km.
Which can fly higher, the Lightning or Su-15 Flagon?
The Su-15 Flagon has a higher service ceiling at 17,678 meters (57,998 ft) compared to the Lightning's 16,459 meters (53,999 ft).
Which is heavier, the Lightning or Su-15 Flagon?
The Lightning has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,752 kg compared to the Su-15 Flagon's 13,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Lightning or Su-15 Flagon?
The Lightning is longer at 16.8 meters compared to the Su-15 Flagon's 16.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Lightning or Su-15 Flagon?
The Su-15 Flagon is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the Lightning at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Lightning or Su-15 Flagon?
The Lightning entered service first in 1960, 7 years before the Su-15 Flagon which entered service in 1967.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Lightning or Su-15 Flagon?
The Su-15 Flagon has been produced in greater numbers with 1,290 units compared to 337 units of the Lightning.