High Performance · ICAO SU24

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.

Sukhoi Su-24, example photo from Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Unknown author Unknown author · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Did you know?

Unlike most strike aircraft, the Su-24 Fencer seats its two crew side by side rather than in tandem.

Specifications

Length24.5 m (80 ft)
Wingspan17.6 m (58 ft)
Height5 m (16 ft)
Persons on board2
Crew2
Maximum take-off weight19.6 t
Range1,050 NM (1,945 km)
Maximum speed950 kt (1,759 km/h)
Service ceiling57,400 ft (17,496 m)
Rate of climb45,000 ft/min (228.6 m/s)
Take-off distance900 m (2,953 ft)
Landing distance900 m (2,953 ft)
Fuel capacity4,000 l
Engines2x Saturn AL-21F
Units built1,400

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.

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