The Lavochkin La-15 (NATO reporting name 'Fantail') was an early Soviet jet fighter and a contemporary of the MiG-15. It was popular with pilots because of it's easy handling and reliability. It's pressurised cockpit was an advantage at high altitude. However, although the La-15 had a number of technical advantages over the MiG-15, a combination of easier manufacture and lower costs led to the MiG-15 being favoured. Only 235 La-15s were built, serving with the Soviet Air Force until 1953.