PZL P.24 — Poland’s Export Fighter with Unmatched Panache
The PZL P.24 took the low-wing gull-wing heritage of its predecessor, the P.11, and injected it with fresh vigor—creating one of the 1930s’ most sought-after export fighters. First flying in December 1932, the P.24 never saw Polish service but became a symbol of Poland’s advanced aeronautical engineering on airfields from Turkey to Bulgaria.
Evolution of a Gull Wing Icon
Building on the signature “Puławski wing” gull-wing design, the P.24 boasted a more powerful 840–1,000 hp Bristol Mercury engine, enclosed cockpit, and strengthened airframe. Its all-metal fuselage, duralumin-skinned wings, and retractable radiators reduced drag while maintaining the ruggedness pilots loved. This blend of elegance and practicality made it both easy to fly and maintain—a perfect match for air forces seeking a capable yet user-friendly fighter.
Performance and Firepower
Capable of 430 km/h at altitude with a climb rate exceeding 15 m/s, the P.24 could hold its own against contemporaries. Early variants carried two wing-mounted 7.92 mm machine guns, while later “A” and “G” models added two 20 mm Hispano cannons—turning the gull-wing silhouette into a true aerial threat. Fuel capacity and range (up to 900 km) made it ideal for both defensive patrols and offensive sweeps over contested borders.
In the Skies of Europe
Though Poland held back from adopting it, the P.24 found homes in Greece, Romania, and Turkey just before the war. Greek P.24Fs famously defended against Italian raids over the Aegean, while Romanian crews flew escort and ground-attack missions in 1941. Its combination of speed, climb, and punch earned it respect in diverse theaters—even when facing newer Axis fighters.
A Fighter’s Lasting Allure
While no complete P.24 survives, its legacy lives on through painstaking scale reproductions, flight simulators, and museum displays of wings and fuselage sections. Historians cite the P.24 as a high point of interwar fighter design—proof that aerodynamic innovation and firepower could coexist in a compact, beautiful package.
Wear the P.24 Panache: Exclusive T-Shirt Collection
Celebrate Poland’s export ace with our PZL P.24 t-shirts, featuring original, hand-drawn art that accentuates the gull-wing sweep and cannon-armed silhouette. Printed on premium, breathable cotton with a soft–worn finish, these tees let aviation lovers and history buffs carry a piece of 1930s fighter flair.
Take your style to new heights—explore our PZL P.24 collection and wear the wings of innovation!
