1/72 IBG Model PZL P.24G in Turkish Service 72525

The PZL P.24 was an export-oriented Polish fighter derived from Zygmunt Puławski’s P.6/P.11 family. Because Polish-built engines could not be re-exported, it was equipped with powerful Gnome-Rhône radial engines. Development of the P.24 and Poland’s domestic fighters occurred simultaneously, allowing design improvements to be shared—such as the P.24 vertical stabilizer being adopted for the P.11a.

After two early prototypes based on the P.7, the third prototype used many components from the P.11c and became the basis for production aircraft. The twin-row engine prevented fuselage-mounted guns, so all armament was placed in the wings. The P.24 could carry either four machine guns or two machine guns plus two 20 mm Oerlikon cannons mounted under aerodynamic fairings.

The aircraft became Poland’s most successful export fighter, purchased or license-built by Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, and Greece, with other nations also showing interest until World War II halted production.

Turkey was the largest customer, ordering P.24A and P.24C fighters and obtaining a production license. Assembly began with Polish-supplied parts and later transitioned to full local manufacturing, including limited production of the advanced P.24G. Entering service in 1936, the P.24 formed the backbone of Turkey’s air defense until 1943, helping maintain national neutrality.

Today, only one P.24 survives, displayed at the Turkish Aviation Museum in Istanbul.