military@cbnews (01/14/91)
From: ihlpm!jfb (Joseph F Baugher +1 708 713 4548)
Number 31 in the series--the Su-24 Fencer, which has reportedly shown up
in the inventory of the Iraqi Air Force.
Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer
Engines:
Two Tumansky R-29B turbojets. 17,675 lb. st. dry and
25,350 lb. st. with afterburner (Fencer C)
Performance:
Maximum speed: Mach 2.18 (1440 mph) above 36,000 feet (no
external stores).
Maximum speed: Mach 1.2 (915 mph) at sea level (no external
stores).
Tactical radius: 930 miles (hi-lo-lo-hi mission, two drop
tanks, 6600-pound warload)
Tactical radius: 1100 miles (hi-lo-lo-hi mission, two drop
tanks, 4400-pound warload)
Tactical radius: 345 miles (lo-lo-lo mission, two drop
tanks, 4400-pound warload)
Service ceiling: 54,100 feet.
Weights:
Empty weight: 41,890 pounds
Maximum takeoff weight: 90,000 pounds
Armament:
One 30-mm rotary cannon in fairing on the right side of the
lower fuselage. An identical fairing on the left side of the
lower fuselage probably carries either ammunition or a flare/
chaff dispenser.
Four hardpoints under wing (two swiveling on outer panels and
two on fixed glove)
Four hardpoints under the fuselage (two side by side and two
in tandem)
Two of the underfuselage pylons and the two wing glove pylons
are "plumbed" to accommodate external fuel tanks.
Up to 13,000 pounds of ordinance can be carried.
Electronics:
Large pulse-Doppler navigation and attack radar with a 50-inch
scanner dish. Separate terrain-avoidance radar is fitted.
Fencer D is equipped with an electrooptical gyro-stabilized
sensor system similar to the "Pave Tack" system carried by
the F-111. An infrared video camera is used to search for the
target, and an active laser is used to determine target range
and to designate the target for laser-guided bombs or missiles.
Remarks:
Two-seat deep penetration interdictor and strike reconnaissance
and electronic warfare aircraft.
Designed as a replacement for the Yak-28 Brewer and Ilyushin
Il-28 Beagle in the tactical bombing, reconnaissance, and
electronic warfare roles.
Crew of two (pilot and weapons officer) seated side-by-side.
Has four wing sweep angle settings (16, 45, 55 and 68 degrees).
Prototype first flown 1969-70. Initial operational status
with Soviet Air Force achieved in 1974.
Over 800 currently in service with Soviet Air Force.
No concessions made to providing any kind of fighter capability.
However, it can carry two AA-8 Aphid air to air missiles on
the outer underwing pylons for self-defense.
It is not known whether the Fencer is capable of automatic
terrain-avoidance flight.
The tactical radius of the Fencer is considerably greater
than that of the F-111, with a similar load.
Fencer A was initial production version. Squared-off rear
fuselage box enclosing afterburning boxes. Small braking
parachute fairing at base of vertical fin. Probably only
built in relatively small numbers.
Fencer B was the initial production strike variant. Larger
braking parachute fairing. Rear fuselage "dished" between
between jet pipes, possibly indicating a powerplant change.
Fencer C embodied equipment changes and different engines from
those which powered the Fencers A and B. Fitted with small
triangular fairings on the fin and wing root gloves. These may
contain an active ECM system. Additional sensors under
the nose and the simple nose probe was replaced by a complex
multiple fitting. Fitted with a pair of long, shallow ventral
fins.
Fencer D differs from Fencer C in having a longer nose, a
conventional probe, and large aerodynamic fences above the
inboard wing glove weapons pylons. Fitted with inflight
refueling probe. The chord of the lower tailfin is increased,
giving kinked leading edge. Electrooptic sensor in fairing
behind nose landing gear bay.
Fencer E is a reconnaissance version operated by the Soviet
Navy. Comprehensive internal sensor fit including side-looking
radar, infrared scanners, and optical cameras. Can carry
antiship missiles underwing.
Fencer F is a dedicated electronic warfare version.
There are reports that Iraq has some Fencers in service.
I had always believed that the Soviets had never exported any
Fencers, even to their erstwhile Warsaw Pact allies. To find
out that the Fencer has turned up in Iraqi service is extremely
disturbing. The Fencer is a very capable long-range strike
aircraft which can accurately deliver an impressive variety
of weapons over very long ranges.
Sources:
Various issues of Aviation Week
Various issues of Defense Electronics
The Observer's Book of Aircraft, William Green.
The World's Great Attack Aircraft, Gallery Books
Modern Air Combat, Bill Gunston, Mike Spick
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft Armament, Bill Gunston
Joe Baugher **************************************
AT&T Bell Laboratories * "Book him, Dano!!! Murder-One! *
200 Park Plaza **************************************
Naperville, Illinois 60566-7050
(708) 713 4548
ihlpm!jfb
jfb200@cbnewsd.att.com
Who, me? Speak for AT&T? Surely you jest!