A Ukrainian Su-24M bomber from the 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade, a unit named in honor of Petro Franko, crashed this Tuesday (16) in the Khmelnytskyi region of Ukraine.
The information was released by the press service of the Ukrainian Air Force. According to the statement, the accident occurred at around 7 p.m. and resulted in the deaths of the two crew members aboard the aircraft: Major Bohdan Hryhorovych Zaharulka and Senior Lieutenant Bohdan Oleksandrovych Babenko.
The Air Force expressed condolences to the families of the deceased aviators. Rescue teams and law enforcement officers are working at the crash site. According to preliminary information, there are no reports of casualties among the civilian population.
The causes and circumstances of the accident are still being investigated by Ukrainian authorities.
What is the Su-24M?
The Sukhoi Su-24M is a Soviet frontline bomber with variable-geometry wings, designed to strike targets at operational-tactical depth, in any weather conditions and at any time of day.
The aircraft’s main feature is its ability to conduct high-speed, low-altitude incursions, following the terrain to reduce exposure to enemy air defense systems.
The model is operated by a two-person crew, consisting of a pilot and a navigator-operator. The aircraft can reach a maximum speed of about 1,700 to 1,750 km/h at altitude, has an approximate combat radius of between 600 and 1,000 km depending on the mission profile and payload, and can carry up to 8 tons of weapons. The Su-24M is equipped with two AL-21F-3 turbojet engines.
Source and images: Командування Повітряних Сил ЗСУ / Air Force Command of UA Armed Forces. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
