Time Period: Post-WW2
Country of Origin: France
Type: Fighter Aircraft (Multi-purpose), Air Superiority Aircraft
Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation
Dassault Mirage 2000 Aircraft Overview
The Dassault Mirage 2000 is a fourth-generation, multirole fighter jet developed by the French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. It is a part of the Mirage family of aircraft, which has been a cornerstone of French military aviation. The Mirage 2000 was designed to replace the earlier Mirage III and Mirage V series.
Key features and characteristics of the Dassault Mirage 2000 include:
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Versatility: The Mirage 2000 is a highly versatile aircraft, capable of performing a range of roles, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence.
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Agility: Known for its agility and maneuverability, the Mirage 2000 is designed to excel in dogfighting scenarios. Its aerodynamic design allows for exceptional performance in air-to-air combat.
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Modern Avionics: Equipped with advanced avionic systems, the Mirage 2000 incorporates radar and other electronic systems to enhance its situational awareness and combat capabilities.
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Export Success: The Mirage 2000 has been widely exported to several countries, contributing to its global recognition. It has been used by air forces around the world, and various upgraded versions have been developed over the years.
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Nuclear Deterrence: Some variants of the Mirage 2000 are configured for nuclear deterrence, capable of carrying and delivering nuclear weapons.
The Mirage 2000 has seen active service in various conflicts and has demonstrated its effectiveness in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Its continued upgrades and adaptability have allowed it to maintain relevance in modern air forces.
Dassault Mirage 2000 Specifications
- Crew: 1 pilot
- Dimensions: Length: 14.36 m (47 ft 1 in), Wingspan: 9.13 m (29 ft 11 in), Height: 5.2 m (17 ft 1 in)
- Wing Area: 41 m² (440 sq ft)
- Weights: Empty: 7,500 kg (16,535 lb), Max Takeoff: 17,000 kg (37,479 lb)
- Fuel Capacity: 3,950 L internal, up to 8,000 L with external tanks
- Engine: 1 × SNECMA M53-P2 afterburning turbofan, 64.3 kN (14,500 lbf) thrust dry, 95.1 kN (21,400 lbf) with afterburner
Dassault Mirage 2000 Performance
- Max Speed: 2,336 km/h (1,452 mph), Mach 2.2 at high altitude; 1,110 km/h (690 mph) at sea level
- Range: 1,550 km (960 mi), extended to 3,335 km (2,072 mi) with external fuel
- Service Ceiling: 17,060 m (55,970 ft)
- Climb Rate: 285 m/s (56,100 ft/min)
- Wing Loading: 337 kg/m² (69 lb/sq ft)
- Thrust-to-Weight Ratio: 0.7
Dassault Mirage 2000 Armament
- Guns: 2 × 30 mm DEFA 554 revolver cannons, 125 rounds each
- Hardpoints: 9 total, with a capacity of 6,300 kg (13,900 lb) for fuel and ordnance
- Rockets: Matra 68 mm unguided rocket pods
- Missiles:
- Air-to-Air: MICA IR/RF, Matra R550 Magic-II, Super 530D, Astra
- Air-to-Surface: AM.39 Exocet, SCALP EG
- Bombs:
- Unguided: Mk.82
- Guided: PGM 500, PGM 2000, AS-30L, GBU-12, GBU-16, GBU-24, GBU-49, ASMP-A, Spice 2000