Mirage 2000

In December 1975, the French Government approved the development of a new delta-wing fighter aircraft to be called the Mirage 2000. The first of five prototypes was initially flown on March 10, 1978. The first of 37 production Mirage 2000Cs made its maiden flight on 20 November 1982 and 2000C deliveries began in April 1983 with initial operating capability (IOC) in July 1984. All early production aircraft have M53-5 engines and the multi-role RDM radar. Later 2000Cs introduced M53-P2 powerplants and RDI radar optimised for look-down/shoot- down intercepts with two MATRA Super 530D missiles. With RDM radar, Mirage 2000Cs carried Super 530F and Magic 1 missiles.
The Mirage 2000 is a multi role fighter-bomber by Dassault Aviation of France. Its delta wing increases lifting capacity and greatly improves the aircraft's low-speed, low-altitude performance. Additionally, the delta wing facilitates sharper high speed turns at high altitudes. Control is maintained by a computer-operated fly-by-wire system together with an SFENA 608 auto pilot system. This system automatically adjusts aerodynamic control surfaces and engine output to keep the aircraft stable.
The Mirage 2000 is a heavily armed aircraft. The nine hard point pylons (four under the wings, five under the fuselage) can carry a total of 6,300 kg of weapon system payloads, including air-to-air and other missiles. The Mirage 2000 is virtually identical in appearance to earlier series of Mirage aircrafts and this can be a potential problem because the Iraqi Air Force flies both the Mirage F1EQ-5 and F1EQ-6. It is also very similar in appearance to the Rafale with a delta wing configuration and the wing set low on the fuselage. However, the Mirage is slightly narrower in wingspan and slightly longer than the Rafale. The aircraft is rated to pull 9g gravitational force.
The Mirage 2000 has proved to be an extremely successful fighter interceptor. To date, the French Air Force has purchased several Mirage 2000s. A total of 136 were designated the Mirage 2000C. For export, Dassault has developed the Mirage 2000-5 in both single and two-seat versions. Taiwan was the launch customer, ordering 60 aircrafts along with 1,000 Magic 2 and MICA AAMs. Besides Taiwan, Mirage 2000 also flies with the air forces of Abu Dhabi, Egypt, Greece, India, Jordan, Peru, and Qatar.

Mirage 2000C Specifications
Length:	14.36 m
Height:	5.20 m
Wing span:	9.13 m
Wing area:	41.0 sq m
Performance
Maximum speed:	Mach 2.35
Weight: (empty):	7,500 kg
Normal take-off weight:	10,680 kg
Maximum take-off weight:	17,000 kg
Tactical Radius:	800 ~ 900 km
Service ceiling:	18,000 m
Rate of climb:	330m/sec
Propulsion
Powerplant:	One SNECMA M53-P2 turbofan rated at 64.33 kN dry and 95.12 kN with after burner.
Armament
Two internal 30-mm DEFA 554 cannon with 125 rounds each Two MATRA Super 530D or 530F missiles Two MATRA Magic 2 AAMs and up to 6,300 kg of ordnance including:- - 250-kg retarded bombs. - BAP-100 anti-runway bombs. - Cluster bombs. - BGL-1000 laser guided bombs. - AS-30L laser-guided missiles. - ARMAT anti-radar missiles. - Rockets. - Fuel tanks.

Mirage 2000 Variants
2000B	Tandem two-seat trainer. First flew in August 1983.
2000C	Single seat production aircraft.
2000E/ED/ER	For export, RDM equipped & M53-P2 powered. This variant has been delivered to Abu Dhabi, Egypt, Greece, India and Peru.
2000N	Two-seater, designed for all weather nuclear penetration at low altitude and very high speed . Initially flown on 3 Feb 1983, achieved IOC in July 1988, this variant will replace the Mirage IVP as the French Air Force's primary strike aircraft.
2000D	Upgraded version of 2000N and is used for automated bombing, using conventional and laser guided munitions. First flew on 19 Feb 1991.
2000S	A non-nuclear export derivative of the 2000D, retaining Antilope 5 radar and terrain-following capability.
2000-5	Upgraded variant, introduces the Rafale's five - screen cockpit display. Trainer prototype flew on 24 October 1990.
2000S	A non-nuclear export derivative of the 2000D.
2000-R	The recce version, has a radar nose and carries podded sensors, multi-camera, side-looking airborne radar and long range optical.
2000EG/BG	Export version, delivered to Greece.