F-24 Zephyr

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F-24 Zephyr
Role Multi-role fighter
National origin South Axiom
Manufacturer Avalon Aerospace
First flight 24 June 1976 (F-24A)
Introduction 9 April 1981 (F-24A)
Status In service
Primary users Royal Axiomian Air Force
Japanese Air Self Defense Force
Royal Saudi Air Force
Indian Air Force
See Operators section for others
Produced 1978–present
Number built 1,471+ as of 12 January 2019
Program cost US$168.2 billion (through 2031 in then-year dollars), US$9.8B for RDT&E, $36.5B for procurement, $3.0B for MILCON, $118.9B for operations & sustainment (2018 estimate)
Unit cost
F-24A/B: US$29.1M/31.7M
F-24C: US$42.6M
F-24D: US$46.0M
F-24E: US$53.2M
EF-24G: US$52.5M
F-24K/N: US$31.5M/45.8M
Developed from Avalon Aerospace XF-24 Zephyr

The F-24 Zephyr is a South Axiomian 4th-generation jet fighter, designed to replace the F-4 Phantom in RXAF and RXN service. The base F-24J design was developed as a carrier-based air superiority fighter, with a slightly modified version also being adopted for land use.

The Zephyr is somewhat smaller, lighter and more compact than the Hornet, its closest foreign analogue. Its single tail and double delta wings give it good maneuverability and Mach 2 speed. It incorporates a fly-by-wire system and two efficient F104 turbofans. The F-24's range is similar to the Hornet, but its combat load was smaller due to its smaller dimensions and the focus on air-to-air operations.

The Zephyr made its combat debut in the Third Axiom War of 1984, serving with distinction in both RXAF and RXN squadrons against PRX aircraft. Its advanced electronics, good maneuverability and capable missile armament gave it a qualitative edge against its opposition. However, the limited air-to-ground ability, confined to unguided iron bombs and externally guided munitions, became a clear handicap.

The issues discovered in 1984 would be rectified in the second batch of Zephyr aircraft, which entered service from 1987 to the mid-1990s. Multi-role capability (and numerous other upgrades) was incorporated into the C (RXAF) and N (RXN) variants, while the D variant was designed from the outset as a dedicated ground attack platform. Due to a perceived need for SEAD and electronic warfare-capable tactical aircraft the G variant was designed as an EW platform.

Most second-batch Zephyr air-frames received extensive modification over the years, incorporating technologies from the F-29 Kestrel. The F-24E Zephyr (introduced in 2013) is the culmination of these modifications, allowing the Zephyr to survive and carry out operations on the modern battlefield. However, starting from the outdated A/B/K variants the Zephyr is being phased out of front-line RXAF and RXN service.

As a competitor to the F-16, F/A-18 and Mirage 2000, the Zephyr had success on the export market. While unable to catch up to the F-16's production levels, over 1,450 F-24s were delivered to 14 nations.

Development

Design

Overview

Engine

Armament

Sensors and Avionics

Operational History

Procurement and Exports

Variants

F-24A/B

F-24C

F-24K/N

F-24D

F-24E

EF-24G

Operators

  • South Axiom: 184 A (retired/sold), 124 B (retired/sold), 234 C/E (152 upgraded), 146 D, 39 G, 70 K (retired), 102 N (45 retired)
  • Finland: 32 A, 12 B, 20 D
  • Switzerland: 32 A, 12 B
  • Taiwan: 48 AT, 16 B
  • India: 48 A, 16 B, 64 C/E (35 upgraded), 72 D
  • Thailand: 18 A, 6 B (ex-RXAF)
  • Ecuador: 9 A, 3 B (ex-RXAF)
  • Peru: 12 A, 4 B (ex-RXAF)
  • Indonesia: 16 A, 4 B (ex-RXAF)
  • South Africa: 18 A, 6 B (ex-RXAF)
  • Singapore: 36 C/E (20 upgraded), 14 D
  • Greece: 32 C/E (10 upgraded), 10 D
  • Egypt: 32 C/E (12 upgraded), 10 D
  • Jordan: 18 C/E (6 upgraded), 6 D

Specifications (F-24C)

Characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 16.20 m
  • Wingspan: 11.00 m
  • Height: 5.02 m
  • Wing area: 45 sq m
  • Empty Weight: 9,700 kg (F-24E: 10,300 kg)
  • Loaded Weight: 14,700 kg (F-24E: 15,500 kg)
  • Max Takeoff Weight: 21,000 kg (F-24E: 23,400 kg)
  • Fuel Capacity: 4,700 kg internally (plus 2 1,600 kg conformal fuel tanks on F-24E)
  • Powerplant: 2 x Tosar Industries F104-TI-370 afterburning Turbofan (10,900 lbf dry / 17,000 lbf with afterburner)

Performance

  • Top Speed: Mach 2 (2,160 km/h) at 10,000 m, Mach 1.2 (1,480 km/h) at sea level; F-24E: Mach 2.2 (2,380 km/h) at 10,000 m
  • Cruise Speed: Mach 0.9 (970 km/h) at 10,000 m; Mach 1.2 supercruise (1,300 km/h) at 10.000 m for F-24E
  • Combat Radius: 850 km air-to-air, 500 km with full weapons load (F-24E with conformal tanks: 800 km with full weapons load)
  • Ferry Range: 3,500 km (F-24E with conformal fuel tanks: 4,800 km)
  • Service Ceiling: 15,000 m
  • Thrust/weight: 1.05 loaded (1.20 in F-24E)

Armament

  • Gun: 1 x M61A1 20 mm cannon with 520 rounds of ammunition
  • Hardpoints: 4 wing (6 on F-24D/E), 1 centreline and 2 waist (conformal from F-24E) with a capacity of 6,200 kg of ordnance (7,700 kg on F-24E)