| C-101 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Patrulla Aguila aerobatics team of Spanish Air Force flying C-101´s | |
| Role | Jet trainer and light attack aircraft |
| First flight | 29 June 1977 |
| Introduced | March 17, 1980 |
| Status | Operational |
| Primary users | Spanish Air Force Chilean Air Force Honduran Air Force Jordanian Air Force |
| Number built | 143 |
The CASA C-101 Aviojet is a low-wing single engine jet-powered advanced trainer and light attack aircraft currently in use by several air forces. In Spanish Air Force service, it is also flown by the Patrulla Aguila aerobatics team.
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Design and development
The aircraft was designed in response to a Spanish Air Force requirement in 1975 for a jet trainer to replace its aging fleet of Hispano HA-200s and Ha.220s. Like many European jet trainers, it was also to have a limited attack capability. CASA sought technical assistance from Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) and Northrop, the latter designing the wings.[1] A design along largely conventional lines was the result, the only surprising feature being a large internal weapons bay beneath the rear cockpit, allowing for a wider variety of armament to be carried than the underwing pylons alone would allow. Alternatively, this bay can be used to carry reconnaissance equipment. The aircraft is designed in a modular fashion to ease manufacturing and maintenance, and enjoys a great range since its initial requirement called for autodeployment to the Canary Islands from the Spanish mainland.
Although the first flight took place on June 29, 1977, test flights did not begin until April 17, 1978. Performance was found to be better than anticipated by the designers. An initial Spanish Air Force order for 92 machines was placed, a dedicated trainer version designated C-101EB-01 by CASA and E.25 Mirlo ("Blackbird") by the air force. The first aircraft entered service on March 17, 1980.
This was followed in production by a combination attack/trainer with an uprated engine designated C-101BB-02 bought by Honduras, which bought four, and Chile, which bought four aircraft and parts for another eight to be assembled locally by ENAER. All Chilean BB-02s are designated T-36 Halcón.
In 1983, CASA flew a dedicated attack version, the C-101CC-02, which was again ordered by Chile. This time, only the prototype was built in Spain, with the remaining 22 machines built by ENAER. This variant features yet another engine upgrade and increased fuel capacity and is designated A-36 Halcón ("Falcon").
Sixteen similar aircraft, the C-101CC-04 were sold to Jordan.
The final version of the C-101, the C-101DD was demonstrated by CASA in 1985, featuring vastly improved avionics and the capability to carry the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missile, but failed to attract any orders.
In the 1990's the armament system was modernized.
Operators
- Spanish Air Force (88 C-101EB)
- Chilean Air Force (35 -12 C-101BB and 23 C-101CC-)
- Honduran Air Force (4 C-101BB) These aircraft scored several kills against drug smuggling aircraft
- Jordanian Air Force (16 C-101CC)
Specifications (CASA C-101EB)
Data from {name of first source}
General characteristics
- Crew: Two (student and instructor)
- Length: 12.25 m (40 ft 2 in)
- Wingspan: 10.60 m (34 ft 9 in)
- Height: 4.25 m (13 ft 11 in)
- Wing area: 20.0 m² (215 ft²)
- Empty weight: 3,800 kg (8,380 lb)
- Loaded weight: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 5,600 kg (12,300 lb)
- Powerplant: 1× Garrett TFE731-2-2J turbofan engine, 15.8 kN (3,550 lbf)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 770 km/h (417 knots, 480 mph)
- Range: 4000 km (2160 nm, 2485 mi)
- Service ceiling: 12,500 m (41,000 ft)
- Rate of climb: 1,490 m/min (4,900 ft/min)
- Wing loading: 250 kg/m² (52 lb/ft²)
- Thrust/weight: 1:3.2 (3.16 N/kg)
- Maximum G: +7.5 -3.9
Armament
- 1 × 30 mm DEFA cannon or 2 × 12.7 mm (.50 cal) M3 machine guns
- 6 × underwing pylons, up to 2,220 kg (4,890 lb) disposable stores
See also
Comparable aircraft
- Aermacchi MB-339
- Aero L-39
- BAE Hawk
- Dassault-Dornier Alpha Jet
- FMA IA 63 Pampa
- IAR 99
- Soko G-4 Super Galeb
Related lists
References
- ^ Frawley, Gerard (2002). The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002-2003. Fyshwick, ACT, Australia: Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd. pp. 58. ISBN 1-875671-55-2.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: CASA C-101 Aviojet |
- EADS CASA Manufacturer specification
- Spanish Air Force specifications (Spanish)
- Aviojet, Zaragoza 31/05/2008
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