Dassault Mirage 2000
From Scramble - The Aviation Magazine
| Mirage 2000 | ||
|---|---|---|
| ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Multirole fighter | |
| Crew | 1 or 2 | |
| First Flight | March 10, 1979 | |
| Entered Service | July 1984 | |
| Number built | (Still in production) | |
| Manufacturer | Dassault Aviation | |
| Dimensions | ||
| For Mir2000C | ||
| Length | 14.36 m | 47 ft 1in |
| Wingspan | 9.13 m | 29 ft 12in |
| Height | 5.20 m | 17 ft 0in |
| Wing area | 41.0 m² | 441.3 ft² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 7500 kg | 16534 lb |
| Loaded | 14000 kg | 30864 lb |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 17000 kg | 37480 lb |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | one Snecma M53-P2 turbofan | |
| Thrust | ||
| -dry | 64.3 kN (each) | 14462 lbf (each) |
| -a/b | 95.1 kN (each) | 21385 lbf (each) |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 2340 km/h | 1450 mph |
| Operational range | 1852 km | 1000 miles |
| Service ceiling | 16460 m | 54000 ft |
| Rate of climb | 17060 m/min | 56000 ft/min |
| G-limit | +9.0 / -3.2 | |
Contents |
History
The Mirage 2000 was selected as the main French Air Force combat aircraft 18 December 1975. The first of four single-seat prototypes flew 10 March 1979, followed by the two-seat version on 11 October 1980. The Mirage 2000 was initially developed as an interceptor with the Snecma M53 power plant and Thomson-CSF RDM multimode pulse Doppler radar. The M53-5 power plant in early production aircraft was succeeded by the M53-P2. The aircraft were fitted with RDI radar from 38th French Air Force 2000C onwards. The first flight of a production 2000C was 20 November 1982, the first flight of production two-seat 2000B, 7 October 1983. The first unit to be equipped with the aircraft, EC 1/2 `Cigognes', was formed at Dijon 2 July 1984. Subsequently the Mirage 2000 was developed for strike/attack roles as Mirage 2000N/D.
The second-generation Mirage 2000-5 was first flown as a prototype 24 October 1990, with the initial production aircraft flown in October 1995 and type qualification granted (for SF1 French production standard) by the DGA procurement agency on 13 June 1997. The first export delivery was in May 1997, followed by the first delivery to the French Air Force in December 1997. By 2001, Mirage 2000s of eight air forces had accumulated 900,000 flying hours.
Versions
2000B
Biplace meaning two-seat. Trainer counterpart of the 2000C. Final delivery in December 1994. See also Mirage 2000DA below. One or two Mirage 2000Bs are distributed to each 2000C operating squadron, but most are operated by the OCU, EC 2/5 at Orange, which assumed this task from EC 2/2 at Dijon on 1 July 1998.
2000C
Chasse meaning fighter. Standard interceptor. Nos. 1 to 37 built as series S1, S2 and S3 with RDM radar and M53-5 power plants, since upgraded to S3 radar standard. Loosely called Mirage 2000RDM. The Mirage 2000B and C are collectively known as Mirage 2000DA(Défense Aérienne). Later aircraft (loosely called 2000RDI) have RDI radar and M53-P2 power plants: Nos. 38 to 48 Series S4, delivered from July 1987 and later upgraded to S4-1, Nos. 49 to 63 S4-1, Nos. 64 to 74 S4-2, Nos. 75 to 124 Series S5, delivered between late 1990 and June 1995. Equipment standards of the Mirage 2000B/Cs are S3, incapable of launching the Matra R.530D (R.530F only). Conversion completed of 37 2000B/Cs to Mirage 2000-5F (see below). Withdrawal of S3 began in January 1998 for upgrading with RDI radar and final aircraft returned to service (at Orange) in March 1999.
2000D
Two-seat conventional attack version of the 2000N, lacking the ASMP missile interface and nose pitot but with HOTAS controls, additional display screens for both crew members, Antilope 5-3D terrain-following/terrain-reference radar, GPS and improved (ICMS Mk 2) ECM. The functions of pilot and navigator more clearly demarcated. Combat debut was 5 September 1995, launching some AS 30L ASMs in Bosnia. Deliveries in 1999 totalled 11, followed by 10 in 2000 and final seven in 2001.
2000N
Two-seat low-altitude penetration version to deliver the ASMP nuclear standoff missile. Two prototypes, first flight 3 February 1983. One preseries aircraft (No. 301) built at Istres and first flown 3 March 1986. The first 24 production aircraft (Nos. 302-325) were 2000N-K1 with ASMP capability only, and from July 1988 the remaining aircraft, designated 2000N-K2, have full conventional and ASMP capability. The types production ended in 1993. Since then all K1s (initially of squadrons 3/4 and part of 2/4) have been retrofitted to K2 for conventional attack, this programme was completed by late 1998. A further upgrade, 2000N K3, was expected to be launched in early 2003 for incorporation in 45 aircraft of EC 1/4, 2/4 and 3/4, gaining IOC in 2006-07. This upgrade has a dedicated WSO position in the rear cockpit.
Proposals and modifications
2000AT
Advanced Trainer announced in November 2001. It is based on the 2000-5 Mk 2, including `glass cockpit', but with operational equipment, such as radar and EW, removed. Cost 20 to 25 per cent less than an operational Mirage 2000, with savings in training costs to be achieved by extending the turboprop basic stage, then transferring the student directly to the 2000AT, thus eliminating an intermediate jet trainer.
2000BOB
One aircraft, No. 504, converted to 2000BOB (Banc Optronique Biplace: two-seat electro-optics testbed). First flown 28 June 1989 after modification by CEV at Brétigny-sur-Orge. It covered trials of the Rubis FLIR, VEH-3020 holographic HUD, night vision goggles, helmet-mounted display and other electro-optical systems. Trials mainly in connection with the Dassault Rafale programme, but it also flew with the Shehab/Nahar designator/FLIR system for the Mirage 2000-9 programme. Fitted with OBOGS.
2000BR
Version of 2000-5 proposed for Brazil, 2001. Development and promotion agreement signed by Dassault, Embraer, Snecma and Thales 3 April 2002.
2000DA
Défense Aérienne meaning Air Defense. Collective name for both Mirage 2000B and C versions.
2000E
Multirole fighter for export, with the M53-P2 power plant throughout. Baseline version for India, Egypt and Peru, differences from 2000C including RDM radar with CW illumination for Super 530D AAM, two main computers, with expanded memory, ULISS 52 INS, improved ECM, VE-130 HUD, VMC-180 head-down and expanded weapon options. Abu Dhabi and Greek 2000Es have extra computing power, further armament options and improved self-defence (SAMET system for Abu Dhabi and ICMS Mk 1 for Greece).
2000ED
Two-seat trainer counterpart of 2000E.
2000N' (N Prime)
Initial designation of 2000D.
2000R
Single-seat day/night reconnaissance export version of 2000E but with normal radar nose and various sensor pods possible.
2000-3
Private venture upgrade, begun 1986, with Rafale-type multifunction (five-CRT) cockpit displays known as APSI (advanced pilot system interface). The prototype BY1/F-ZJTB (ex-No. B01) first flew 10 March 1988. It later received the RDY radar.
2000-4
Private venture integration of the Matra MICA air-to-air missile. First guided flight against a target drone was performed 9 January 1992.
2000-5
Multirole upgrade incorporating -3 and -4 improvements, plus Thales RDY radar and new central processing unit, Thales VEH 3020 HUD and ICMS Mk 2 countermeasures, laser-guided bombs and ASMs, or APACHE-SCALP standoff dispenser in air-to-ground role. First Mirage flight of RDY radar in BY1 (later numbered BY2) in May 1988, the first flight of full 2000-5 configuration 24 October 1990 (this was the same aircraft, but initially it carried no serial number; this was later reverted to B01). The first single-seater, 01 (conversion of trials aircraft CY1) was flown 27 April 1991.
2000-5 Mk 2
This was announced in early 1999 and purchased initially by Greece. Features in common with 2000-9 include modular avionics, laser gyro INS, upgraded ECM, expanded aircraft-missile datalink, Damoclès laser-designation pod (known as Shehab on 2000-9), Nahar navigational FLIR in Damoclès pylon, upgraded version of RDY radar (RDY2), increased MTOW of 17,500 kg (38,580 lb), new multichannel recording system, new rear cockpit colour display repeater and, possibly, helmet-mounted sight. It can carry six Matra MICA AAMs in addition to air-to-surface weapons.
2000-5F
After some lobbying, in 1993 the French Air Force decided to upgrade 37 of their existing Mirage 2000s to 2000-5 specification as a solution to fill in the gap before the arrival of the Rafale in service. The upgraded aircraft were redesignated "Mirage 2000-5F", and became operational in 2000. They retained the old countermeasures system with the Serval/Sabre/Spirale units and did not receive the ICMS 2 system. The aircraft upgraded were late production Mirage 2000Cs and their RDI radars were passed on to older Mirage 2000Cs with the early RDM radar.
2000-8
Mirage 2000EAD/RAD/DAD supplied to Abu Dhabi/UAE from 1989. Standard AD8.
2000-9
Version of the 2000-5 for the United Arab Emirates incorporating a long-range air-to-ground capability with weapons including Black Shahine and Hakim. This configuration includes M53-P2 engines, RDY-2 radar with synthetic aperture and beam-sharpening modes, Thales Totem 3000 laser INS, upgraded air conditioning system, Elettronica IMEWS (integrated modular electronic warfare system) and digital terrain system. The first 2000-9s were undertaking flight testing and proving (three aircraft) at Istres from early 2001, after it’s first flight (DAD10, a two-seat version) 14 December 2000. The sole single-seat 2000-9RAD (RAD19) flew 25 January 2001. Further features are as for the 2000-5 Mk 2.
2000S
Export attack version of 2000D. This versions promotion has been discontinued.
Operators
France
France required seven prototypes and 372 production aircraft. This was reduced in late 1991 to 318 by the abandonment of the final 24 2000Cs and 30 2000Ds and transfer of some single-seat aircraft to the trainer contract. No Mirages were funded in 1992 or 1993, but one 2000B and 14 2000Cs were cancelled, then re-ordered in the 1994 defence budget as 2000Ds. French orders subsequently amended to 30 2000Bs, 124 2000Cs, 75 2000Ns and 86 2000Ds (a total of 315) with delivery of the last in 2001.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) ordered 18 aircraft on 16 May 1983 and took up 18 options in 1985 for a total of 22 2000EADs, eight 2000RADs and six 2000DADs, these to Standard AD8. The deliveries were delayed from 1986 to 1989 by provision for US weapons such as Sidewinder; the deliveries (first delivery was 7 November 1989) to Maqatra/Al Dhafra were completed November 1990 for Nos. 1 and 2 Shaheen (Warrior) Squadrons. Abu Dhabi 2000RADs carry COR2 multicamera pod, but alternatives include Raphaël-type SLAR 2000 or Harold pods. The second 18 have Elettronica ELT/158 threat warning receivers and ELT/558 self-protection jammers. All are fitted with Spirale chaff/flare system. Weapons include BAE Systems PGM Hakim ASM. A follow-on batch was authorised in late 1996 and was reported 16 December 1997 as 30 new 2000-9s and upgrade to this standard of 33 earlier aircraft. The contract was signed 18 November 1998. The new element later was alleged to be 32 aircraft, while upgrades reduced by attrition to approximately 30. Initial deliveries, from mid-2002 at one per month, are upgrades of the existing fleet to Standard AD91 with MICA AAM capability. New aircraft, delivered from 2004, will be fully capable Standard AD92s, with additional air-to-ground radar modes and weapons.
Egypt
Egypt ordered 16 2000EMs and four BMs in December 1981. Deliveries 30 June 1986 to January 1988. The aircraft were based at Beni Suef with 82 Squadron in interceptor role.
Greece
India
India first ordered 36 2000Hs and four THs in October 1982: 26 Hs and four THs temporarily powered by M53-5, and the final 10 by M53-P2 from the outset. The first flight of the 2000H (KF-101) was 21 September 1984, and the first flight of the 2000TH (KT-201) in early 1985. No. 7 IAF Squadron `Battle Axe' was formed at Gwalior AB 29 June 1985, coincident with the first arrivals in India. Named Vajra(Divine Thunder) in the Indian Air Force. A second Indian order for six Hs and three THs was signed March 1986 and these were delivered April 1987 to October 1988 to complete No. 1 `Tigers' Squadron. A third order was placed 19 September 2000 for four 2000Hs and six 2000THs to be delivered in 2003/04. By 1993 the IAF aircraft were appearing in an experimental brown-and-green low-level colour scheme, with Spirale chaff dispensers. By 1998, 38 remaining 2000Hs had been upgraded by HAL at Bangalore with local flare dispensers and were preparing for receipt of LGBs.
Peru
Peru ordered 24 2000Ps and two 2000DPs in December 1982, but later reduced this to 10 2000Ps and two 2000DPs. The first 2000DP was handed over 7 June 1985, with deliveries to Peru from December 1986.
Qatar
Qatar ordered 12 Mirage 2000-5s under the `Falcon' contract on 31 July 1994, together with MICA and Magic 2 AAMs. Qatari versions are 2000-5EDA (nine, single-seat) and 2000-5DDA (three, two-seat). First flight was late 1995. The first three were handed over at Bordeaux on 8 September 1997, four delivered to Qatar 18 December 1997 and four more on 1 April 1998.
Taiwan
Taiwan ordered 60 Mirage 2000-5s with M53-P2 power plants on 18 November 1992. This was the first export sale for the 2000-5. The first flight was late 1995. The first was handed over on 9 May 1996 for training in France. The initial five arrived in Taiwan as sea freight on 5 May 1997. The final eight were delivered late October 1998, at which time the second squadron was declared operational. Taiwanese versions are 2000-5Ei (48 aircraft, single-seat) and 2000-5Di (12 aircraft, two-seat).
Jordan
Additionally, Jordan ordered 10 2000EJs and two 2000DJs on 22 April 1988. This order was cancelled in August 1991.
Technical information
Design Features
Multirole combat aircraft with a low-set, thin delta wing for high internal volume and low wave drag (as in the Mirage III and 5), but with the delta's disadvantages in manoeuvrability and landing/take-off requirements offset by relaxed stability and leading-edge slats. The aircraft is cleared for 9 g and 270º/s roll at sub- and supersonic speed carrying four air-to-air missiles.
Power Plant
One Snecma M53-P2 turbofan, rated at 64.3 kN (14,462 lb st) dry and 95.1 kN (21,385 lb st) with afterburning. The alternative M53-P20, rated at 98.1 kN (22,046 lb st), is no longer offered. Movable half-cone centrebody in each air intake.
Crew
One or two occupants on SEMMB licence-built Martin-Baker Mk 10Q zero/zero ejection seat(s), in an air conditioned and pressurised cockpit. Pilot-initiated automatic ejection in the two-seat aircraft, with 500 microseconds delay between departures. The canopy/ies is/are hinged at the rear to open upward and, on Mirage 2000D, is covered in gold film to reduce the radar signature.
Armament
Two 30 mm GIAT DEFA 554 guns in 2000C, 2000E and single-seat 2000-5 (not fitted in B, D or N), with 125 rds/gun. Nine attachments for external stores, five under the fuselage and two under each wing. On the 2000-5, the fuselage centreline is stressed for 1,400 kg (3,086 lb) loads, the other four fuselage points for 400 kg (882 lb) each, the inner wing pylons for 1,830 kg (4,034 lb) each and the outboard wing points for 300 kg (661 lb) each. Typical interception weapons comprise two 275 kg (606 lb) Super 530D or (if the RDM radar is not modified with a target illuminator) 250 kg (551 lb) R.530F missiles (inboard) and two 90 kg (198 lb) Magic/Magic II missiles (outboard) under the wings. Alternatively, each of the four underwing hardpoints can carry a Magic. The MICA AAM (110 kg or 243 lb) is optional on the Mirage 2000-5. The primary weapon for 2000N is the 900 kg (1,984 lb) ASMP tactical nuclear missile mounted on a LM-770 centreline pylon. In the air-to-surface role, the Mirage 2000 can carry up to 6,300 kg (13,890 lb) of external stores, including MBDA 250 kg retarded bombs or 32.5 kg (72 lb) TDA BAP 100 anti-runway bombs, 16 MBDA Durandal 219 kg (483 lb) penetration bombs, one or two 990 kg (2,183 lb) MBDA BGL 1000 laser-guided bombs, five or six 305 kg (672 lb) MBDA Belouga cluster bombs or 400 kg (882 lb) TDA BM 400 modular bombs, one Rafaut F2 practice bomb launcher, US Mk 20, Mk 82, GBU-10 and GBU-12 bombs, two 520 kg (1,146 lb) AS 30L, Armat anti-radar, or the 655 kg (1,444 lb) Aerospatiale AM.39 Exocet anti-ship, air-to-surface missiles, four 185 kg (408 lb) MBDA LR F4 rocket launchers, each with eighteen 68 mm rockets, two packs of 100 mm rockets or a 765 kg (1,687 lb) Dassault CC 630 gun pod, containing two 30 mm guns and total 600 rounds of ammunition. Mirage 2000D (and export 2000-5) are to receive the 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) APACHE-AP standoff (216 n mile or 400 km or 249 mile) weapons dispenser. The APACHE-SCALP (Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée) was selected in December 1994 to satisfy the APTGD (Arme de Précision Tirée à Grande Distance) requirement for a 216 to 324 n mile (400 to 600 km or 249 to 374 mile) range stealthy cruise missile with a service entry in 2002. For air defence weapon training, a Cubic Corporation AIS (airborne instrumentation subsystem) pod, externally resembling a Magic missile, can replace a Magic on the launch rail, enabling the pilot to simulate a firing without carrying an actual missile.
Images
 Mirage2000B of EC02.012 |
Mirage2000C of EC02.012 |
 Another Mirage2000C of the French Air Force |
More information
External links
- Dassault-Breguet Mirage 2000 - Wikipedia
- Fas.org
- Airforce Technology
- The Vector site
- Dassault Aviation Defense page
