Sukhoi Su-24
The Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer is a variable-sweep, side-by-side two-seat strike aircraft built for low-level, high-speed penetration of enemy air defences, broadly comparable in role to the Western Panavia Tornado and General Dynamics F-111. Its side-by-side cockpit seating, unlike the tandem seating common on most strike aircraft, gives the weapons officer a clearer view of the pilot's instruments and controls. It has flown combat missions in numerous post-Soviet conflicts, including extensively over Syria and Ukraine. Russia continues to operate large numbers of Su-24s despite their age, pending replacement by newer strike aircraft.

Did you know?
Unlike most strike aircraft, the Su-24 Fencer seats its two crew side by side rather than in tandem.
Specifications
| Length | 24.5 m (80 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 17.6 m (58 ft) |
| Height | 5 m (16 ft) |
| Persons on board | 2 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 19.6 t |
| Range | 1,050 NM (1,945 km) |
| Maximum speed | 950 kt (1,759 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 57,400 ft (17,496 m) |
| Rate of climb | 45,000 ft/min (228.6 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 900 m (2,953 ft) |
| Landing distance | 900 m (2,953 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 4,000 l |
| Engines | 2x Saturn AL-21F |
| Units built | 1,400 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Sukhoi Su-24 starts as a Legendary catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you. The first catch of a legendary type pays a bonus of its own.
A catch counts for the manufacturer Sukhoi, the Su-24 family and the model in your collection, and the daily Type Rating quiz asks about the types of each family.
Catch it yourself.CatchFlights shows the aircraft flying near you on a radar, so a type like this one is only a catch away when it passes overhead. Explore CatchFlights.
Browse all aircraft types, or learn to tell Airbus from Boeing.