Sukhoi Su-24

Sukhoi Su-24. The Sukhoi Su-24 is a twin-engine, variable-sweep wing, all-weather attack aircraft developed in the Soviet Union by the Sukhoi design bureau. It was designed for high-speed, low-altitude penetration to deliver precision and nuclear strikes against ground targets. Entering service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1974, it remains in limited service with several nations, having seen extensive combat use in conflicts including the Soviet–Afghan War and the Syrian Civil War.

Development and design

The development program, initiated in the early 1960s, was driven by the Soviet Air Forces requirement for a new strike aircraft to replace the aging Ilyushin Il-28 and Yakovlev Yak-28. The design team, led by chief designer Yevgeny Felsner, faced significant challenges integrating advanced avionics for terrain-following flight. The initial prototype, designated T-6, first flew on 2 July 1967, but the program underwent major redesigns to adopt variable-geometry wings for improved performance. This feature allowed the aircraft to operate efficiently from short runways like those used by the Soviet Naval Aviation while achieving high speeds necessary to evade NATO air defenses. The definitive design incorporated a side-by-side seating arrangement for the pilot and weapons systems officer, advanced PNS-24 navigation/attack system, and a powerful suite of Soviet Air Defence Forces jamming equipment. The aircraft was powered by two Lyulka AL-21F turbojet engines, providing the thrust needed for its demanding mission profile.

Operational history

The Su-24 entered operational service with frontline regiments of the Soviet Air Forces in 1974, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the Warsaw Pact tactical strike capability. Its first major combat deployment occurred during the Soviet–Afghan War, where it was used for bombing missions against Mujahideen positions. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the aircraft saw extensive action in numerous post-Soviet conflicts. The Russian Air Force employed it heavily during the First Chechen War and Second Chechen War. It has been a key asset for export operators, with the Syrian Air Force using it extensively in the Syrian Civil War and the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force deploying it in regional conflicts. The type has suffered significant combat losses, including incidents over Georgia during the Russo-Georgian War and several shot down during operations in Syria, some by Turkish Air Force F-16s. The Ukrainian Air Force also used the Su-24 during the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War.

Variants

The primary production model was the original Su-24 with the basic PNS-24 system. The significantly upgraded Su-24M introduced improved Kaira-24 laser/TV targeting, inflight refueling, and enhanced electronic countermeasures. The dedicated reconnaissance version, the Su-24MR, replaced attack avionics with sensors like the Tangazh side-looking airborne radar and Shpil-2M infrared reconnaissance system. The electronic warfare and suppression variant, the Su-24MP, was equipped for stand-off jamming and carried weapons like the Kh-31 anti-radiation missile. Other notable versions include the export Su-24MK and the modernized Su-24M2 fielded by the Russian Aerospace Forces, which featured integration of GLONASS navigation and compatibility with precision-guided munitions like the KAB-500S guided bomb.

Operators

The primary current operator is the Russian Aerospace Forces, which maintains a fleet of modernized Su-24M2 aircraft. Other former Soviet republics operating or having operated the type include the Ukrainian Air Force, Belarusian Air Force, and Kazakh Air Defense Forces. Significant export customers have included the Algerian Air Force, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, and the Syrian Air Force. Past operators from the Warsaw Pact included the Polish Air Force and the Bulgarian Air Force. Nations that have retired the type include the Azerbaijani Air Forces and the Angolan Air Force.

Specifications (Su-24M)

* Crew: 2 (pilot and weapons systems officer) * Length: 24.53 m (80 ft 6 in) * Wingspan: 17.64 m (57 ft 10 in) spread, 10.37 m (34 ft) swept * Height: 6.19 m (20 ft 4 in) * Empty weight: 22,300 kg (49,163 lb) * Max takeoff weight: 43,755 kg (96,463 lb) * Powerplant: 2 × Lyulka AL-21F-3A afterburning turbojet engines * Maximum speed: 1,654 km/h (1,028 mph, 893 kn) at altitude * Combat range: 1,150 km (710 mi, 620 nmi) on a hi-lo-hi mission * Service ceiling: 11,000 m (36,000 ft) * Armament: 9 hardpoints with a capacity of 8,000 kg (17,637 lb), including tactical nuclear weapons, guided missiles like the Kh-25 and Kh-29, anti-radiation missiles like the Kh-58, laser-guided bombs, rocket pods, and a single GSh-6-23 23mm rotary cannon.

Category:Sukhoi aircraft Category:Attack aircraft Category:Military aircraft of the Soviet Union