Intro
Discover the Dassault Breguet Mirage 2000, a fourth-generation multirole fighter jet renowned for its versatility and maneuverability. Learn about its advanced avionics, air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, and exceptional performance. Explore its variants, upgrades, and combat history, making it a formidable force in modern military aviation.
The Dassault Breguet Mirage 2000 is a multirole fighter jet that has been in service since 1984. It is a single-engine, fourth-generation fighter jet designed and manufactured by the French company Dassault Aviation. The Mirage 2000 has been widely used by several countries, including France, India, and the United Arab Emirates, among others.
The Mirage 2000 has a long history, dating back to the 1970s when the French government announced its intention to develop a new multirole fighter jet. The project was led by Dassault Aviation, which had previously developed the successful Mirage III and Mirage F1 fighter jets. The Mirage 2000 made its first flight in 1978 and entered service in 1984.
The Mirage 2000 is powered by a single SNECMA M53-P2 turbofan engine, which provides a maximum speed of over Mach 2.2 (around 1,470 mph). The aircraft has a range of over 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) and a service ceiling of 18,000 meters (59,000 feet). The Mirage 2000 is also equipped with a variety of advanced avionics systems, including a pulse-doppler radar, a laser rangefinder, and a helmet-mounted sight.
Design and Development
The design of the Mirage 2000 was influenced by several factors, including the need for a high-performance fighter jet that could replace the Mirage III and Mirage F1. The aircraft was designed to be highly maneuverable, with a delta wing configuration and a fly-by-wire flight control system. The Mirage 2000 also features a unique design element, the " bubble canopy," which provides excellent visibility for the pilot.
The Mirage 2000 was developed in several variants, including the Mirage 2000C, Mirage 2000B, and Mirage 2000D. The Mirage 2000C is a single-seat variant, while the Mirage 2000B is a two-seat variant used for training and conversion. The Mirage 2000D is a multirole variant, equipped with advanced avionics systems and a range of air-to-ground munitions.
Operational History
The Mirage 2000 has been used in several conflicts, including the Gulf War and the Kosovo War. The aircraft has also been used by several countries for peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. The Mirage 2000 has a reputation for being highly reliable and maintainable, with a low accident rate.
The Mirage 2000 has also been used for several notable missions, including the enforcement of the no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s. The aircraft has also been used for several reconnaissance missions, including the use of advanced sensors and cameras.
Operators
The Mirage 2000 has been operated by several countries, including:
- France: The French Air and Space Force operates around 150 Mirage 2000s, including the Mirage 2000C, Mirage 2000B, and Mirage 2000D variants.
- India: The Indian Air Force operates around 50 Mirage 2000s, including the Mirage 2000H and Mirage 2000TH variants.
- United Arab Emirates: The United Arab Emirates Air Force operates around 20 Mirage 2000s, including the Mirage 2000-9 and Mirage 2000RAD variants.
- Greece: The Hellenic Air Force operates around 20 Mirage 2000s, including the Mirage 2000EG and Mirage 2000BG variants.
- Taiwan: The Republic of China Air Force operates around 20 Mirage 2000s, including the Mirage 2000-5 and Mirage 2000-5DI variants.
Upgrades and Modernization
The Mirage 2000 has undergone several upgrades and modernization programs over the years. The most notable upgrade is the Mirage 2000-5, which features advanced avionics systems, including a new radar and electronic warfare systems. The Mirage 2000-5 also features improved aerodynamics and a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.
The Mirage 2000 has also undergone several other upgrades, including the addition of advanced sensors and cameras. The aircraft has also been equipped with several new missiles, including the MICA and the Exocet.
Specifications
The Mirage 2000 has the following specifications:
- Length: 15.33 meters (50.3 feet)
- Wingspan: 9.13 meters (29.9 feet)
- Height: 5.20 meters (17.1 feet)
- Empty weight: 7,500 kilograms (16,500 pounds)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 17,000 kilograms (37,500 pounds)
- Engine: SNECMA M53-P2 turbofan engine
- Maximum speed: Over Mach 2.2 (around 1,470 mph)
- Range: Over 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles)
- Service ceiling: 18,000 meters (59,000 feet)
Armament
The Mirage 2000 is equipped with a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, including:
- 2 x 30mm DEFA 554 revolver cannons
- 4 x MICA missiles
- 4 x Exocet missiles
- 2 x AS-30L missiles
- 1 x AM-39 Exocet missile
Gallery of Dassault Breguet Mirage 2000 Multirole Fighter Jet
Dassault Breguet Mirage 2000 Multirole Fighter Jet Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the top speed of the Dassault Breguet Mirage 2000?
+The top speed of the Dassault Breguet Mirage 2000 is over Mach 2.2 (around 1,470 mph).
What is the range of the Dassault Breguet Mirage 2000?
+The range of the Dassault Breguet Mirage 2000 is over 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles).
What is the service ceiling of the Dassault Breguet Mirage 2000?
+The service ceiling of the Dassault Breguet Mirage 2000 is 18,000 meters (59,000 feet).
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the Dassault Breguet Mirage 2000 multirole fighter jet. With its impressive performance, advanced avionics, and versatility, the Mirage 2000 has proven itself to be a formidable opponent in the skies.