Lacaza La-24 Halcón
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| Lacaza La-24 Halcón | |
|---|---|
| |
| A La-24C of the 6th Fighter Squadron, 2nd Fighter Wing | |
| Role | fighter, Multirole Fighter |
| National origin |  Idacua
|
| Manufacturer | Lacaza Aeronautics Design Office |
| First flight | 12 August 1978 |
| Introduction | 23 May 1984 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary user | Idacuan Revolutionary Air Force |
| Produced | 1978-2009 |
| Number built | +280 |
| Unit cost |
$27+ million (2019)
|
The Lacaza La-24 Halcón (Sylvan: Falcon) is an Idacuan tail delta, single engine 4-generation generation air superiority multi-role all-weather tactical fighter developed by the Lacaza Aeronautics Design Office. The La-24 entered service in 1984 mere months before the Marquez Junta took over the country. After the 1986 Revolution, the new government invested more in the aircraft and multiple variants have been created. The La-24 serves as one of Idacua's frontline fighters, and is offered for export.
Origins and development
Design
Airframe
Engines
Electronics and Avionics
Operational history
Variants
- La-24A: Initial production variant.
- La-24B: Initial production two-seat trainer variant
- La-24C: First post-Revolution variant, introduced in 1992. The upgrade features, among others, an added NCTR mode to the radar, as well as an upgraded engine.
- La-24D: Early 2000s modernisation effort with a new TBD radar, mission computer and compatibility with Letnian ordnance in coordination with the purchase of Su-30 fighters.
- La-24BM: Upgraded two-seat operational conversion trainer with new avionics.
- La-24M: 2013 upgrade featuring new TBD radar, modified wings with wingtip hardpoints, as well as a 3rd generation targeting pod.
- La-24E: Export variant offered since 1992 with TBD radar and TBD engine.
- La-24EM: Upgraded export variant comparable to the R-284M.
- La-24EB: Export variant of the La-24BM.
Specifications (La-24M)
General characteristics
- Crew: 1: pilot
- Length: 15 m ()
- Wingspan: 8.40 m ()
- Height: 5.30 m ()
- Empty weight: 8,000 kg ()
- Loaded weight: 14,000 kg ()
- Max. takeoff weight: 19,200 kg ()
- Powerplant: 1 × IdaAvia MTP50-M2 afterburning turbofan
Performance
- Maximum speed: Mach 2.2 (2,336 km/h, 1,451 mph) at high altitude/ 1,110 km/h (690 mph) at low altitude
- Combat radius: 1,550 km (837 nmi, 963 mi) with drop tanks ()
- Service ceiling: 17,060 m (59,000 ft) ()
- Rate of climb: 285 m/s (56,000 ft/min) ()
Armament
- Guns: Provision for 2× 27 mm CR-127 cannon, 130 rounds per gun
- Hardpoints: Total of 9: 4 under-wing, 4 under-fuselage, 1 centerline; with a capacity of 6,300 kg (13,900 lb) external fuel and ordnance (M variants have two additional wingtip hardpoints) and provisions to carry combinations of:
- Other: TBA
- Missiles:
- Air-to-air missiles:
- Air-to-surface missiles
- Bombs:
Avionics
TBA