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The PZL P.24E entered service in the ARR in 1939. In June 1941, they were assigned to the 6th Fighter Group, which was based on the Bucuresti-Otopeni airfield, with the mission to defend the capital and the Ploesti area. During the Soviet raids in first weeks of war they claimed 37 victories.
After the danger of the raids decreased considerably, in August, the P.24Es were sent to take part in the siege of Odessa, where they fared reasonably well against aircraft as obsolete as they were.
It became clear, after the first ARR campaign, that these Polish aircraft were not fit for battle anymore and were relegated to the role of advanced trainer.
The P.24E
Picture from "Rumanian Air Force, the prime decade 1938-1947" by Dénes Bernád, Squadron/Signal Publications, 1999
| Wingspan | 10.7 m |
| Length | 7.6 m |
| Height | 2.7 m |
| Weight (empty) | 1332 kg |
| Weight (loaded) | 2000 kg |
| Maximum speed at 4000 m | 408 km/h |
| Maximum operational ceiling | 10000 m |
| Range | 700 km |
| Engine | IAR 14K Mc36 940 HP |
| Machine-guns | 2x7.92 mm |
| Guns | 2x20 mm |
| Bombs | 40 kg |
@ 2002-2003