The reforms of the Khrushchev-era reduced the Soviet armed forces and pilot training to the degree where they were severely felt when, in the early 1970s, Sukhoi Su-15 interceptors were introduced into service. The shortage of pilots and Sukhoi Su-15UT two-seat conversion trainers was such that when the 166th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment of the Soviet Air Defence Force (V-PVO) was ordered to convert to the new type, in 1970, it had only enough pilots for two squadrons, and they had to use MiG-15UTIs and Sukhoi Su-7Us for training. This was one of 166th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment’s early Su-15 interceptors, and it is shown with that version’s original radome and its sole armament: one R-98 air-to-air missile installed under each wing. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)