The long-awaited Su-24M frontline bomber will be joining the top ranks of the Soviet Union's aircraft tree in the next major update!
Su-24M: A Strike Aircraft for the USSR at Rank VII
At a glance:
- Very large payload capacity with a huge variety of ordnance.
- High speed, much faster than the Su-25.
- New KAB-1500L guided bombs.
- 600 rounds per second? Yes, that’s real.
- Variable-sweep wing.
Vehicle History
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Almost immediately after the Su-24 entered service, work began on its modernization. The main goal was to improve target accuracy using the latest weaponry, advanced navigation systems, and an upgraded targeting suite. A new generation of missiles with semi-active laser guidance (Kh-25, Kh-29L) and precision-guided bombs (KAB-500L, KAB-1500L) formed the core of the strike power of the updated Su-24M. For defense, the aircraft was fitted with new jamming equipment, and for air combat, could carry up to four R-60M air-to-air missiles. The modernized Su-24M was delivered 1981, with serial production ending in 1993.
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Introducing the Su-24M!
The Dance of Dragons major update is a real treat for jet strike aircraft pilots, as we recently covered the F-111 for the British and American air trees, and today we’re happy to showcase the long-awaited Su-24M for the Soviet research tree. So, let’s take a closer look at this new top bomber!
All-in-all, the Su-24M embodies all of the aircraft design trends of its era — variable-sweep wings, advanced angular air intakes, and a dual-engine powerplant. Its two afterburning AL-21F-3 turbojet engines provide almost fighter-like thrust, capable of pushing this aircraft to a top speed of around 1,800 km/h. Thanks to this engine, the Su-24M boasts impressive climb rates even by rank VII standards, and maintains excellent roll speed at high altitudes. Onboard, there’s also electronics and equipment that are needed in top-tier battles for effective gameplay: a targeting pod, advanced radar, missile launch warning system, and large-caliber chaff and flares for missile defense. It’s got it all!
Did you know? In some units of the Soviet Air Force, the Su-24 series of aircraft earned the nickname “Suitcase” due to its boxy fuselage, enhanced by the air intakes. In NATO classification, this strike fighter was named “Fencer”, supposedly due to the distinctive antenna on its nose, although it’s likely just following the standard nomenclature of using words that begin with “F” to classify fighters.
Now on to its guns. The Su-24M’s armament is focused on suppressing ground targets, although it can also defend itself in air combat. Let's break it down! The core weapon of choice for any loadout will be the built-in six-barrel GSh-6-23M cannon, an outstanding weapon with an unheard-of rate of fire of up to 9,000 rounds per minute. Under the fuselage and wings, the Su-24M has eight hardpoints, capable of carrying up to 8000 kg of ordnance. For example, it can carry three additional GSh-6-23M cannons in pods — that’s 600 rounds and over 100 kg of burst mass per second. As for air-to-air missile combat, the Su-24M is equipped with familiar short-range R-60M missiles, known for their high sensitivity to countermeasures but still quite effective and maneuverable.
One of the Su-24M’s stand-out features is its ability to carry an excellent range of air-to-ground weapons. You’ll have access to the familiar Kh-23, Kh-25, and Kh-29 missile families (including the laser-guided Kh-29L and TV-guided Kh-29TE) and guided bombs like the KAB-500Kr and KAB-1500Kr, new to the game KAB-500S, along with the laser-guided KAB-500L and the new huge KAB-1500L. This arsenal is complemented by conventional bombs ranging from 500 to 1500 kg, as well as unguided rockets, including small S-8, medium S-13, and the large S-24 and S-25. The latter will be available in several modifications, with the S-25L specifically being laser guided!
That’s it for this blog! The brand-new Su-24M will be available to research in the upcoming Dance of Dragons major update. Stay tuned to our website for other vehicles that we’ll be announcing. Until then, happy battles ahead!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.
