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In 1966, the Mikoyan Design bureau launched the development of the E-155M multi-purpose variable-geometry twin-seater powered by two RD36-41M turbo-jet engines designed by the OKB-36 MAP Design Bureau (Chief Designer Pyotr
Kolesov).
It derived from the E-158 interceptor (1965), which was a further development of the E-155P
(MiG-25P) swing-wing aircraft powered by RD-19M engines. In accordance with the 24 May, 1968 directive by the USSR Council of Ministers, there were three E-155M versions to be developed - the E-155MP fighter-interceptor as part of the S-155M airborne all-altitude interceptor, the
E-155MF tactical missile-carrying bomber as well as the E-155MR reconnaissance aircraft. For the first time in the world practice, the Zaslon phased array radar capable of detecting all types of aerial targets at long ranges within the whole scope of altitudes and speeds including treetop targets flying against the land background, was supposed to become the backbone of the E-155MP's armament control system.
The radar featured the beam electronic scanning capability, which provided the view of a wide solid angle and made it possible to rid of the low-speed mechanical antenna drives and solve the problem of tracking and attacking a large number of targets without angle limitation.
The E-155MP (518-21) conceptual design was tailored in 1968. The directive required that the aircraft proceed to a joint state testing in the fourth quarter of 1971. However, further research found it necessary to re-design the aircraft configuration - the existing configuration provided lower climb rate and service ceiling if compared to the characteristics set, with the design proper being too heavy. In 1969, the development of the E-155MP modified design was commenced (product 518-22). In 1971, the aircraft configuration with a fixed trapezoid wing, conformal under-fuselage
K-33 missile attachment and tandem-type two-seat cockpit to house the pilot and the systems operator was finally approved. The aircraft was supposed to be powered by the D-30F-6 engines designed by the Perm-based MKB Design bureau (Chief Designer Pavel Solovyev). One of the new requirements to meet was the capability to engage in semi-self-sustained combat without the continuous radar AD coverage in the country's Far North and Far East.
That led to the development of the E-155MP (product 83) fighter-interceptor predesign in 1972.
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