Dassault Mirage 2000
The Dassault Mirage 2000 is a French multirole, single-engine jet fighter designed in the late 1970s to replace the Mirage III.
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Aircraft by Country > France
France has a rich history in aviation and has produced some of the most innovative and influential aircraft designs in history. Some notable examples of French aircraft include the Bleirot XI (a monoplane designed in 1908), the SPAD S.VIII (a biplane fighter of WW1), the Dewoitine D.520 (a fighter aircraft in action during WW2), and the Mirage (a supersonic fighter and one of the most successful aircraft in history). French aviation continues to be at the forefront of aircraft design and technology today, with companies such as Airbus and Dassault Aviation still developing cutting-edge aircraft for both commercial and military use.
From supersonic marvels to cutting-edge fighter jets and reliable commercial airliners, France has played a pivotal role in shaping the course of aviation history. Here are five famous French aircraft that have not only soared through the skies but have also left an indelible mark on the global aerospace landscape:
The Dassault Mirage 2000 is a French multirole, single-engine jet fighter designed in the late 1970s to replace the Mirage III.
The Dassault Mirage 2000 is a French multirole, single-engine jet fighter designed in the late 1970s to replace the Mirage III.
The Concorde is a retired French-British supersonic airliner and tailless aircraft design with a narrow fuselage.
The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multirole fighter aircraft equipped with a wide range of weapons.
The Airbus A320 is a series of narrow-body airliners launched in March 1984. The first flight took place in 1987.
Follow the events and milestones of French aeronautics.
1909 – Bleriot XI
1916 – SPAD S.VII Enters Service
1969 – Maiden Flight of Concorde
1986 – Rafale’s First Flight
2005 – Airbus A380 Enters Service
In 1909, Louis Blériot’s successful flight across the English Channel in the Blériot XI marked a pivotal moment in aviation history, showcasing French prowess in early aircraft manufacturing.
The SPAD S.VII, a French World War I fighter plane, entered service in 1916, becoming a renowned aircraft on the Western Front and contributing significantly to the Allies’ air superiority.
The Concorde‘s maiden flight in 1969 marked a historic moment in aviation. Developed jointly by British and French aerospace industries, it became the world’s first supersonic passenger airliner.
Dassault Aviation’s Rafale, a multirole fighter jet, took its first flight in 1986, showcasing French innovation and becoming a key player in the global fighter market.
The Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airliner, entered commercial service in 2005. A significant portion of its design and manufacturing occurred in France.
French aircraft are renowned for their innovation, versatility, and technological advancements. French aviation has a rich history that spans both military and civilian sectors, contributing significantly to global aerospace development.
In World War I, French aviation played a significant role, marked by innovation, bravery, and technological advancements. French aircraft were at the forefront of aerial combat, reconnaissance, and bombing missions throughout the conflict. Among the notable French airplanes of the era were the SPAD series, including the SPAD S.XIII, renowned for its speed, agility, and robust construction, which made it a favorite among French and Allied pilots alike.
The Astra-Torres Airship was a French non-rigid airship built by Société Astra between 1908 and 1922 and designed by Leonardo Torres Quevedo.
The Nieuport 27 was a French sesquiplane fighter aircraft designed by the Nieuport company and used during World War I.
The Nieuport 24 was a French sesquiplane fighter aircraft designed by the Nieuport company and used during World War I.
The Nieuport 17 was a French sesquiplane fighter aircraft designed by the Nieuport company and used during World War I.
The Nieuport 16 was a French single-seat sesquiplane fighter aircraft designed by Gustave Delage and used during World War I.
The Nieuport 12 was a French sesquiplane fighter and reconnaissance aircraft used by France, Great Britain, Russia, and the US during WW1.
The Nieuport IV was a French monoplane built for sporting, training, and reconnaissance. It was created and retired in 1911.
The Nieuport II was a French mid-wing monoplane used for training, sporting and racing. It was noted for its high performance.
The SPAD S.VIII was a French biplane fighter aircraft produced by Société Pour L’Aviation et ses Dérivés and used during World War I.
The SPAD S.VII was a series of successful French biplane fighter aircraft produced by Société Pour L’Aviation et ses Dérivés and used during WW1.
During World War II, French aviation underwent a tumultuous period marked by both collaboration and resistance. Following the fall of France in 1940, the French Air Force, known as the Armée de l’Air, faced significant challenges as the country came under German occupation. Many French aircraft were either destroyed, captured, or incorporated into the Luftwaffe, the German air force.
However, the French resistance movement, supported by Allied forces, continued to operate clandestine air operations using various aircraft. Notable among these were the Dewoitine D.520 and the Morane-Saulnier MS.406, which saw action both during the Battle of France and in subsequent resistance efforts. These aircraft, though outnumbered and outgunned by their German counterparts, showcased the courage and determination of French pilots in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Lioré et Olivier LeO 45 was a French medium bomber designed for the new Armée de l’air and used during and after the Second World War.
The Bloch MB.150 was a French fighter aircraft that featured an all-metal construction, a retractable undercarriage, and an enclosed cockpit.
The Arsenal VG-33 was a fast French light fighter aircraft that was under development at the start of World War II.
The Dewoitine D.520 is a French fighter aircraft that entered service shortly after the beginning of the Second World War.
The Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 is a French fighter used during the Second World War and France’s most numerous aircraft.