Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>Mirage 2000>HA1605

General Background

Designed as a light air-superiority fighter the Dassault Mirage 2000 was able to use the delta-wing shape again. Its wing is shaped is similar to the Mirage III but with slats and small canards. It is fly-by-wire so it can react to control changes much faster than a human. The 2000 was chosen as the main fighter in the French Air Force inventory. It was also sold to several other countries despite having to compete with the F-16 and 18.

The Aircraft

By basing the new aircraft heavily on the Mirage III Dassault was able to have a flyable version in only 27 months. There were four single-seat prototype aircraft built including the initial Mirage 2000-01 that was first flown by test pilot Jean Coreau on March 10, 1978. That same summer at the Farnborough Air Show the Mirage 2000 put on a very impressive display and demonstrated the new computer control system that overcame the usual pitfalls of a delta wing. The prototype is located at Paris Le Bourget Airport.

Specifications :

Wing Span:	29.9 ft
Length:	47 ft
Combat weight:	21,000 lbs.
Maximum thrust of the SNECMA M53-P2:	98 kN
Two versions:	single and twin-seaterr
Internal weapons (single-seater):	2 X 30 mm guns
Store stations:	9
Maximum take off weight:	38,500 lbs.
Fixed (removable) probe for in-flight refueling:	Buddy-Buddy capability
Maximum Mach number:	Mach 2.2+
Approach speed:	140 Kts
Maximum climbing speed:	60,000 ft/min
Time to climb to 36,000 ft/Mach1.8:	5 min
Operational ceiling	55,000 ft
Loiter time at 150 N.M. from the base at Mach 0.8/25,000 ft*:	2hr 40 min
Range / combat at M 0.8/15,000 ft**:	830 N.M.
Turn Around Time (Refueling and 6 Air to Air reloading):	15 min * 3 external tanks + 6 MICA.
	** 6 Mica, external tanks dropped prior to combat.
Availability in war time (Kosovo):	100%
These specs are from the Dassault Aviation site