Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>Mirage 2000>HA1606

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

In May 1983 United Arab Emirates placed an order of 36 Mirage 2000 which comprised of twenty-two "EAD" single-seater, eight "RAD" reconnaissance aircrafts and six "DAD" double-seater.

The UAE Mirages are based in Maqatra al Dhafra and took part in defense missions in the Operation Storm in 1991.

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