Indian Air Force name: Vajra (Divine Thunder)
TYPE: Multirole fighter.
PROGRAMME: Selected as main French Air Force combat aircraft 18 December 1975; first of four single-seat prototypes flew 10 March 1978, followed by two-seat version on 11 October 1980: initially developed as interceptor with SNECMA M53 power plant and Thomson-CSF (now Thales) RDM multimode pulse Doppler radar; M53-5 in early production aircraft succeeded by M53-P2; fitted with RDI radar from 38th French Air Force 2000C onwards: first flight of production 2000C 20 November 1982; first flight of production two-seat 2000B, 7 October 1983; first unit, EC 1/2 'Cigognes', formed at Dijon 2 July 1984. Subsequently developed for strike/attack as 2000N/D.
Second-generation Mirage 2000-5 first flown as prototype 24 October 1990; initial production aircraft flown in October 1995 and type qualification granted (for SFI French production standard) by DGA procurement agency on 13 June 1997: initial export delivery in May 1997, followed by first to French Air Force in December 1997. By end of 2001. Mirage 2000s of eight air forces had accumulated 900,000 flying hours.
Third-generation Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 launched in April 1999; first flew December 2000; deliveries began April 2003.
Potential engine upgrade revealed in early 2000; M53 PX3 under study to provide additional 8 to 10 per cent thrust. PX3 offered to Brazil for Mirage 2000BR in 2002.
CURRENT VERSIONS: 2000AT: Advanced Trainer; announced November 2001. Based on 2000-5 Mk 2, including 'glass cockpit', but with operational equipment, such as radar and EW, removed. JTIDS-type (Link 16) datalink to provide realistic sensor inputs for training, obviating need for real air combat targets. Cost 20 to 25 per cent less than operational Mirage 2000; savings in training costs to be achieved by extending turboprop basic stage, then transferring student directly to 2000AT, thus eliminating intermediate jet trainer.
2000B: (Biplace: two-seat). Trainer counterpart of 2000C: Nos. 501 to 514 (Series) S3 with RDM radar and M53-5 power plant; Nos. 515 to 520, S4 with RDI Jl-1 radar and M53-5, but Nos. 516 and 517 retrofitted with RDM; No. 521 S4-2 with RDI J2-4 and M53-5; No. 522 also S4-2, but M53-P2; Nos. 523 to 530 S5 with RDI J3-13 and M53-P2. Final delivery in December 1994. See also Mirage 2000DA below. One or two Mirage 2000Bs distributed to each 2000C operating squadron, but most operated by OCU, EC 2/5 at Orange, which assumed task from EC 2/2 at Dijon on 1 July 1998. S3 aircraft have been upgraded with RDI radar.
One aircraft, No. 504, converted to 2000BOB (Banc Optronique Biplace: two-seat electro-optics testbed); flown 28 June 1989 after modification by CEV at Bretigny-sur-Orge; trials of Rubis FUR, VEH-3020 holographic HUD, night vision goggles, helmet-mounted display and other electro-optical systems. Trials mainly in connection with the Dassault Rafale programme, but flew with Shehab/Nahar designator/FLIR system for Mirage 2000-9 programme. Fitted with OBOGS.
2000BR Version of 2000-5 Mk 2 proposed for Brazil, 2001. Development and promotion agreement signed by Dassault, Embraer, Snecma and Thales 27 March 2002. Total 48 required, of which 32 to be assembled locally by Embraer. Brazilian government cancelled requirement in January 2003.
2000C (Chasse: fighter). Standard interceptor; Nos. 1 to 37 built as series S1, S2 and S3 with RDM radar and M53-5 power plants; since upgraded to S3 radar standard. Loosely called Mirage 2000RDM; Mirage 2000B and C collectively known as Mirage 2000DA (Defense Aerienne). Later aircraft (loosely 2000RDI) have RDI radar and M53-P2 power plants: Nos. 38 to 48 Series S4, delivered from July 1987 and later upgraded to S4-1; Nos. 49 to 63 S4-1; Nos. 64 to 74 S4-2; Nos. 75 to 124 Series S5, delivered between late 1990 and June 1995. Equipment standards of Mirage 2000B/Cs are S3, incapable of launching Matra BAe 530D (530F only); S4 RDI Jl-1 radar; S4-1 retrofit of all S4s with improved J1-2; S4-2 further radar upgrade to J2-4; S4-2A retrofit of all S4-1 and S4-2 aircraft (Nos. 38 to 74, 515 and 518 to 522) with improved J2-5 radar; S5 definitive standard with J3-13 radar and, from No. 93 onwards, Spirale chaff/flare dispenser; and S5-2C retrofit introduced 1995 (aircraft of EC 1/12) providing better anti-jamming protection for RDI radar. Conversion completed of 37 2000B/Cs to Mirage 2000-5F (which see). Withdrawal of S3 began in January 1998 for upgrading with RDI radar and final aircraft returned to service (at Orange) in March 1999; EC 2/2 gained late production (RDI) aircraft, with which it became operational in the air defence role on 1 August 1998.
Detailed description applies to 2000C except where indicated.
2000D: Two-seat conventional attack version of 2000N, lacking ASMP missile interface and nose pitot but with HOTAS controls, additional display screens for both crew members, Antilope 5-3D terrain-following/terrainreference radar, GPS and improved (ICMS Mk 2) ECM; functions of pilot and navigator more clearly demarcated. First flight (D01, ex-NOI) 19 February 1991; second prototype, D02 (ex-N02), flown 24 February 1992 ; first 2000D (No. 601) delivered CEAM Mont-de-Marsan for trials 9 April 1993; first squadron, EC 1/3 'Navarre', achieved limited IOC (six aircraft only) 29 July 1993 at CEAM. Combat debut was 5 September 1995, launching AS 30L ASMs in Bosnia. Last of 86 delivered February 2002.
Initial six aircraft built to 'interim baseline' configuration known as R1N1L, with ability to launch laser-guided weapons and Magic missiles only. Further few, designated R1N1, had slightly expanded weapon options. Later R1 aircraft have full range of current French Air Force armament (BAP 100, BAT 120, Belouga, 68 mm rockets, AS 30L, GBU-12 (Mk 82), BGL 1000, Magic 2 and PDLCT designator). PDLCT-S (Synergie), first employed over Yugoslavia in March 1999, is modified version with improved imagery contrast. All interim 2000DS were modified to full Rl standard by June 1995. R2 standard, operational July 2001 (as R2.1), introduced improved navigation system. Eclair fully integrated self-defence suite and Atlis II laser designator pods (from Jaguar force) for use with Paveway II and III bombs; APACHE capability was to be added in 2003. First two R2 conversions completed early 2000 at Nancy; further 18 followed, last in 2002. All aircraft to receive Thales RSA NG improved electronic warfare system. Planned R3 version, with SCALP SOM and a reconnaissance pod, was abandoned in June 1996, but had been reinstated by 1999, envisaging carriage of SCALP-G SOM, JTIDS and MIDS datalinks for full NATO interoperability and service entry in 2005-06. Full NATO interoperability is planned.
2000E: Multirole fighter for export; M53-P2 power plant throughout. Details in Customers subsection. Baseline version for India, Egypt and Peru, differences from 2000C including RDM radar with CW illumination for Super 530D AAM; two main computers, with expanded memory; ULISS 52 INS; improved ECM (integrated system with VCM-65 display or, alternatively, Remora and Caiman pods); VE-130 HUD; VMC-180 head-down; and expanded weapon options. Abu Dhabi and Greek 2000Es have extra computing power, further armament options and improved self-defence (SAMET system for Abu Dhabi; ICMS Mk 1 for Greece).
2000N: Two-seat low-altitude penetration version to deliver ASMP nuclear standoff missile; two prototypes; first flight 3 February 1983; one preseries aircraft (No. 301) built at Istres and first flown 3 March 1986; first 24 production aircraft (Nos. 302-325) were 2000N-K1 with ASMP capability only; from July 1988 remaining aircraft, designated 2000N-K2, have full conventional and ASMP capability; production ended 1993; all K1s (initially of squadrons 3/4 and part of 2/4) retrofitted to K2 for conventional attack, programme completed by late 1998. Equipment includes Antilope 5 terrain-following radar, two SAGEM inertial platforms, two improved AHV-12 radio altimeters, colour head-down CRT, two Magic self-defence missiles, and ICMS (integrated countermeasures system) comprising Cameleon jamming system, Serval RWR and Spirale automatic chaff/flare dispenser system. Further improvement (K2-4C) in 2002 integrated self-defence systems with nav/attack system.
Follow-on upgrade, 2000N K3, expected to be launched in early 2003 for incorporation in 50 aircraft of EC 1/4, 2/4 and 3/4, gaining IOC in 2007. Thales Reco-NG reconnaissance pod; new self-protection avionics and upgraded ASMP-Ameliore (which authorised late 2000 for 2011 service entry).
2000N' (N Prime): Initial designation of 2000D.
2000R: Single-seat day/night reconnaissance export version of 2000E but with normal radar nose; various sensor pods possible (see Avionics paragraph).
2000-3: Private venture upgrade, begun 1986, with Rafale-type multifunction (five-CRT) cockpit displays known as APSI (advanced pilot system interface); prototype BY1/F-ZJTB (ex-No. B01) flew 10 March 1988. Later received RDY radar.
2000-4: Private venture integration of Matra BAe MICA AAM. First gnided flight against target drone, 9 January 1992.
2000-5: Multirole upgrade incorporating -3 and -4 improvements, plus Thales RDY radar and new central processing unit, Thales VEM 130F HUD and ICMS Mk 2 countermeasures; laser-guided bombs and ASMs in air-to-ground role; MICA AAM. First Mirage flight of RDY radar in BY1 (later numbered BY2) May 1988; first flight of full 2000-5 (two-seat) 24 October 1990 (same aircraft; initially no serial number; later reverted to B01); first single-seater, 01 (conversion of trials aircraft CY1) flown 27 April 1991.
Export orders trom Taiwan and Qatar; air-to-air firing trials with MICA completed July 1996; air-to-ground trials completed May 1997; operational use (export; Taiwan) from June 1997.
FFr4,600 million (US$830 million) conversion programme announced November 1992 for upgrading 37 French Air Force 2000Cs (34 S4-2As, Nos. 38 to 49, 51 to 59, 61 to 63 and 65 to 74 and three S5s Nos. 77 to 79) mainly from EC 2/5 and 3/5 at Orange to 2000-5F for continued service; contract awarded 25 November 1993; only one reworked aircraft funded in 1994 defence budget; 10 more in 1995 funding; and 23 in 1996. Delivery schedule (not achieved) was one in 1997; 11 in 1998; 22 in 1999; and three in 2000; one lost on 16 March 1999. Rework (at Argenteuil, with reassembly at Bordeaux) required six months per aircraft and involved complete dismantling and return of fuselages to Argenteuil. RDI radars from these upgraded aircraft retrofitted in eariy production (RDM) Mirage 2000Cs. Prototypes were conversions of Nos. 51 and 77 (latter an S5); both modified at Istres; initial aircraft reflown 26 February 1996; second followed two months later.
First 'production' conversion. No 38 handed over 30 December 1997 at Istres test centre before delivery in April 1998 to CEAM, Mont-de-Marsan, to begin conversion of pilots of EC 1/2 from Dijon. IOC at Dijon (12 aircraft) 31 March 1999; FOC 4 February 2000; re-equipment of EC 2/2 began late 1999; deliveries complete by 2001.
Identification features are additional (LAM) 'bullet' antenna on fin leading-edge, absence of nose pitot and four horizontal antenna bands on radome. Normal external configuration is two MICA and two Magic AAMs, plus two 2,000 litre (528 US gallon; 440 Imp gallon) and one 1,300 litre (343 US gallon; 286 Imp gallon) external tanks. Optional configuration (Standard Kilo) is four MICAs and two Magics. MICA delivered (first 25 rounds) in radar mode from August 1999 followed by IR version in 2003. Early 2000-5F deliveries were to SF1 standard; SF1C upgrade due to follow, improving radar range by 15 per cent and adding non-co-operative target mode which analyses returns from target's engines. Follow-on upgrades projected with MIDS terminal for Link 16 datalink capability for IR version of MICA and provision for helmet-mounted sight.
2000-5 Mk 2: Announced April 1999; purchased initially by Greece. Features in common with 2000-9 include modular avionics, larger LCDs, secure communications, tactical datalink, additional decoy dispenser, laser gyro INS, upgraded ECM, expanded aircraft-missile datalink, Damocles laser-designation pod (known as Shehab on 2000-9), Nahar navigational FLIR in Damocles pylon, upgraded version of RDY radar (RDY2, with multitarget air-to-sea search and hack, high-resolution SAR mapping mode and search and track of mobile land targets), increased MTOW of 17,500 kg (38,580 lb), new multichannel digital recording system, new rear cockpit colour display repeater and, possibly, helmet-mounted sight. Can carry six MICA AAMs (active radar or IR) in addition to air-to-surface weapons.
2000-8: Mirage 2000EAD/RAD/DAD supplied to Abu Dhabi/UAE from 1989. Standard AD8.
2000-9: Version of 2000-5 for United Arab Emirates incorporating long-range air-to-ground capability with weapons including Black Shaheen SOM and Hakim. Configuration includes M53-P2 engines, RDY-2 radar with synthetic aperture and beam-sharpening modes, Thales Totem 3000 laser INS, Elettronica IMEWS (integrated modular electronic warfare system) and digital terrain system. First 2000-9s undertaking flight testing and proving (three aircraft) at Istres from early 2001; first flight (DAD10; two-seat version) 14 December 2000; sole single-seat 2000-9RAD (RAD19) flew 25 January 2001. Further features as for 2000-5 Mk 2. Deliveries due in 2004.
CUSTOMERS: France required seven prototypes and 372 production aircraft; reduced in late 1991 to 318 by abandonment of final 24 2000Cs and 30 2000Ds and transfer of some single-seat aircraft to trainer contract; no Mirages funded in 1992 or 1993, but one 2000B and 14 2000Cs cancelled, then re-ordered in 1994 defence budget as 2000Ds. French orders subsequently amended to 30 2000Bs, 124 2000Cs, 75 2000Ns and 86 2000Ds (total 315); last in 2001. Mirage 2000C equipped three squadrons of EC 2 at Dijon (1984-86), three of EC 5 at Orange (1988-90) and two of EC 12 at Cambrai.
Mirage 2000N deliveries began at Luxeuil 30 March 1988; EC 1/4 'Dauphine' formed 1 July 1988, now with full dual-role K2 series aircraft, followed by two more squadrons. Pending 2000D, EC 2/3 'Champagne' operational at Nancy 1 September 1991 with 2000N in conventional role. EC 1/3 'Navarre' fully operational with 2000D from 31 March 1994; EC 3/3 'Ardennes' began reequipment, July 1994; EC 2/3 began converting to 2000D (ex-2000N) in mid-1996, completing conversion in 1999. Mirage 2000N depot servicing required every 900 hours or 36 months, whichever sooner.
Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) ordered 18 aircraft on 16 May 1983 and took up 18 options in 1985 for a total of 22 2000EADs, eight 2000RADs and six 2000DADs; these to Standard AD8; deliveries delayed from 1986 to 1989 by provision for US weapons such as Sidewinder; deliveries to Maqatra/Al Dhafra completed November 1990 for Nos. 1 and 2 Shaheen (Warrior) Squadrons. Abu Dhabi 2000RADs carry COR2 multicamera pod, but alternatives include Raphael-type SLAR 2000 or Harold pods; second 18 have Elettronica ELT/158 threat warning receivers and ELT/558 self-protection jammers; all with Spirale chaff/flare system. Self-defence suite code-named SAMET. Deliveries 7 November 1989 to November 1990. Weapons include BAE Systems PGM Hakim ASM.
Follow-on batch authorised in late 1996; reported 16 December 1997 as 30 new 2000-9s and upgrade to this standard of 33 earlier aircraft; contract signed 18 November 1998; new element later alleged to be 32 aircraft, while upgrades reduced by attrition to 30; total value estimated as US$3.4 billion for aircraft, or US$5.5 billion, including weapons and support. Weapons include Black Shaheen version of Storm Shadow/SCALP SOM, IR and active radar MICA AAMs; INEWS, incorporating Spirale and Eclair ECM systems; Shehab target designator pod (export version of Damocles/PDLCT-S) and Nahar navigation FLIR mounted in starboard shoulder pylon.
Initial deliveries, from mid-2002 at one per month, are upgrades of existing fleet to Standard AD91 with MICA AAM capability. New aircraft, delivered from April 2003, are fully capable Standard AD92s, with additional air-to-ground radar modes and weapons.
Egypt ordered 16 2000EMs and four BMs in December 1981; deliveries 30 June 1986 to January 1988; based at Beni Suef with 82 Squadron in interceptor role.
Greece ordered 36 2000EGs and four 2000BGs on 20 July 1985; handed over from 21 March 1988 and delivered from 27 April 1988 for 331 'Aegeas" and 332 'Geraki' Mire Pandos Kairou within 114 Pterix Mahis at Tanagra; deliveries suspended October 1989 at 28th aircraft; resumed 1992 and completed 18 November 1992. RDM3 radar; Spirale chaff/flare system installed, as part of ICMS self-defence suite; full ICMS system operational from August 1995. Some upgraded to 2000EG-SG3 standard with launch capability for AM 39 Exocet anti-ship missile. Further 15 Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2s confirmed 30 April 1999 and formally ordered on 21 August 2000, together with upgrade to this standard of 10 earlier aircraft by HAI. Deliveries from 2004, with equipment including Thales Damocles laser designation pods and ICMS Mk 3. New weapons include MICA AAM (Standard EG 51) and SCALP EG ASM (EG 52). Option held on further three new aircraft and five upgrades.
India first ordered 36 2000Hs and four THs in October 1982; 26 Hs and four THs temporarily powered by M53-5; final 10 by M53-P2 from outset; first flight of 2000H (KF-101) 21 September 1984; first flight of 2000TH (KT-201) early 1985; No. 7 IAF Squadron 'Battle Axe' formed at Gwalior AB 29 June 1985, coincident with first arrivals in India. Named Vajra (Divine Thunder); second Indian order for six Hs and three THs signed March 1986 and delivered April 1987 to October 1988 to complete No. 1 'Tigers' Squadron. Third order placed 19 September 2000 for four 2000Hs and six 2000THs to be delivered in 2003/04. Despite grey-and-blue air defence camouflage, unconfirmed report claimed Indian Mirages optimised for attack, with Antilope 5 radar and twin INS. Role (at least) confirmed by 1996 selection (subject to operational trials) of the Rafael Litening laser-designator pod for IAF Mirage 2000s and Jaguars. By 1993 IAF aircraft appearing in experimental brown-and-green low-level colours, with Spirale chaff dispensers. By 1998, 38 remaining 2000Hs had been upgraded by HAL at Bangalore with local flare dispensers and were preparing for receipt of LGBs. In 2002, India planning acquisition of 126 Mirage 2000-5s to equip seven squadrons in nuclear strike role; final 90 would be assembled locally by HAL.
Peru ordered 24 2000PS and two 2000DPs in December 1982, but reduced this to 10 2000Ps and two 2000DPs; first 2000DP handed over 7 June 1985; deliveries to Peru from December 1986; Escuadron de Caza-Bombardeo 412 of Grupo Aereo de Caza 4 at La Joya inaugurated 14 August 1987.
Qatar ordered 12 Mirage 2000-5S under contract 'Falcon' on 31 July 1994, together with MICA and Magic 2 AAMs. Versions are 2000-5EDA (nine; single-seat) and 2000-5DDA (three; two-seat). Equipment includes GPS, ICMS Mk 2 and provision for Spirale. First flight late 1995; first three handed over at Bordeaux on 8 September 1997: four delivered to Qatar 18 December 1997; four more on 1 April 1998.
Taiwan ordered 60 Mirage 2000-5s with M53-P2 power plants on 18 November 1992. First export sale for -5; first flight late 1995; first handed over on 9 May 1996 for training in France; initial five arrived in Taiwan as sea freight on 5 May 1997; equips 41, 42 and 48 Squadrons of 2nd Tactical Fighter Wing at Hsinchu; IOC of initial squadron, November 1997. Final eight delivered late October 1998, at which time second squadron declared operational. Versions are 2000-5Ei (48 aircraft; single-seat) and 2000-5Di (12 aircraft; two-seat). Requirement revealed in 1997 for an additional 60. Armament includes MICA and Magic AAMs.
Additionally, Jordan ordered 10 2000EJs and two 2000DJs on 22 April 1988; all were cancelled in August 1991.
Total 601 firm orders (excluding seven prototypes and six company-owned trials and demonstrator aircraft) by 1 January 2001 (315 French; 286 exports); by late 2001, more than 550 had been delivered, including 229 exports. France had received all 124 Cs, 30 Bs, and 75 Ns by 31 December 1995, only 2000DS being delivered after that date (all 86 by February 2002). Provisional agreement signed with Pakistan in January 1992 for 44 Mirage 2000Es; under further discussion in 1994-95, quantity having been revised to 36, including nine two-seat aircraft, all to 2000-5 standard. No further progress made.
Demonstration and evaluation sorties by a Mirage 2000-5 two-seat version given to Czech, Hungarian and Polish air forces in August 1996. Possible Polish final assembly by PZL Mielec is covered by an MoU announced in June 1997. MoU for assembly by Embraer was agreed before cancellation of Brazilian requirement.
COSTS: Programme unit cost: Taiwan FFr 333 million (1997).
DESIGN FEATURES: Multirole combat aircraft; low-set, thin delta wing for high internal volume and low wave drag (as in Mirage III/5), but with delta's disadvantages in manoeuvrability and landing/take-off requirements offset by relaxed stability and leading-edge slats. Area-ruled fuselage.
Wing has cambered section, 58° leading-edge sweep and moderately blended root employing Karman fairings. Cleared for 9 g and 270°/s roll at sub- and supersonic speed carrying six air-to-air missiles.
FLYING CONTROLS: Full fly-by-wire control with Thales autopilot; two-section elevons on wing move up 16° and down 25°; inner leading-edge slat sections droop up to 17° 30' and outer sections up to 30°; fixed strakes on intake ducts create vortices at high angles of attack that help to correct yaw excursions; small airbrakes above and below wings.
STRUCTURE: Multispar metal wing; elevons have carbon fibre skins with AG5 light alloy honeycomb cores, carbon fibre/light alloy honeycomb panel covers avionics bay; most of fin and all rudder skinned with boron/epoxy/carbon; rudder has light alloy honeycomb core.
LANDING GEAR: Retractable tricycle type by Messier-Bugatti, with twin nosewheels; single wheel on each main unit. Hydraulic retraction, nosewheels rearward, main units inward. Oleo-pneumatic shock-absorbers. Electrohydraulic nosewheel steering (±45°). Manual disconnect permits nosewheel unit to castor through 360o for ground towing. Light alloy wheels and tubeless tyres, size 360x135-6 or 360xl35R6, pressure 9.5 bar (138 lb/sq in) on nosewheels; size 750x230R15, pressure 15.00 bar (217 lb/sq in) on mainwheels. Messier-Bugatti hydraulically actuated polycrystalline graphite disc brakes on mainwheels, with anti-skid units. Compartment in lower rear fuselage for brake parachute, arrester hook or additional chaff/flare dispenser.
POWER PLANT: One SNECMA M53-P2 turbofan, rated at 64.3 kN (14,462 lb st) dry and 95.1 kN (21,385 lb st) with afterburning. Alternative M53-P20, rated at 98.1 kN (22,046 lb st), is no longer offered. Movable half-cone centrebody in each air intake.
Internal wing fuel tank capacity 1,325 litres (350 US gallons; 291 Imp gallons); fuselage tank capacity 2,675 litres (707 US gallons; 588 Imp gallons) in single-seat aircraft, 2,595 litres (686 US gallons; 571 Imp gallons) in two-seat aircraft. Total internal fuel capacity 4,000 litres (1,057 US gallons; 880 Imp gallons) in 2000C and E, 3,920 litres (1,036 US gallons; 862 Imp gallons) in 2000B, N, D and S. Provision for one jettisonable 1,300 litre (343 US gallon; 286 Imp gallon) RPL-522 96 kg (212 lb) fuel tank under centre of fuselage, and a 1,700 litre (449 US gallon; 374 Imp gallon) RPL-501/502 210 kg (463 lb) or 2,000 litre (528 US gallon; 440 Imp gallon) drop tank under each wing. Total internal/external fuel capacity 8,526 litres (2,252 US gallons; 1,876 Imp gallons) in 2000C and E, 8,450 litres (2,233 US gallons; 1,859 Imp gallons) in 2000B.
Detachable flight refuelling probe forward of cockpit on starboard side, including export aircraft. Dassault type 541/542 tanks of 2,000 litres (528 US gallons; 440 Imp gallons) are available for the 2000-5, 2000-9, 2000N, D and S wing attachments (and optional on 2000B/C), empty weight 240 kg (529 lb) each, and may be complemented by an RPL-522 on centreline.
ACCOMMODATION: One or two occupants (see Current Versions) on SEMMB licence-built Martin-Baker Mk 10Q zero/zero ejection seat(s), in air conditioned and pressurised cockpit. Pilot-initiated automatic ejection in two-seat aircraft; 500 milliseconds delay between departures. Canopy/ies hinged at rear to open upward and, on Mirage 2000D, covered in gold film to reduce radar signature.
SYSTEMS: ABG-Semca air conditioning and pressurisation system. Two independent hydraulic systems, pressure 280 bar (4,000 lb/sq in) each, to actuate flying control servo units, landing gear and brakes. Hydraulic flow rate 110 litres (29.1 US gallons; 24.2 Imp gallons)/min. Electrical system includes two Auxilec 20110 air-cooled 20kVA 400 Hz constant frequency alternators (25 kVA in Mirage 2000D and 2000-5), two Bronzavia DC transformers, a SAFT 40 Ah battery and ATEI static inverter. Intertechnique oxygen system.
AVIONICS: Comms: Thales ERA-7000 V/UHF com transceiver, ERA-7200 UHF (with optional Have Quick II) or SCP 5000 secure voice com; Thales NRAI-7A/NRAI-11 IFF transponder/interrogator (SC10/IDEE 1 on 2000-5) for Taiwan; SC10/TSA2535 on 2000-9; TSC2031/TSA2531 on 2000-5 Mk 2).
Radar: Thales RDM multimode radar or RDI pulse Doppler radar, each with operating range of 54 n miles (100 km; 62 miles). (Mirage 2000N/D have Thales Antilope terrain-following radar for automatic flight down to 61 m (200 ft) at speeds not exceeding 600 kt (1,112 km/h; 691 mph); Antilope 5TC in 2000N includes altitude-contrast updating of navigation system; Antilope 5-3C in 2000D has full terrain-reference navigation facility.) Thales RDY multimode, multitarget radar in 2000-5 has the ability to detect 24 targets while tracking eight.
Flight: SOCRAT 8900 solid-state VOR/ILS and IO-300-A marker beacon receiver, Thales radio altimeter (AHV-6 in 2000B and C, AHV-9 in 2000-5/5 Mk 2/-9 export aircraft, two AHV-12 in 2000N. Thales NC12 or Deltac Tacan. SAGEM Uliss 52 inertial platform (52D in 2000C and B; 52E for export; and two 52P in 2000N/D; plus integrated GPS in 2000D and 2000-5). Thales Totem 3000 RLG in 2000-9 and 2000-5 Mk 2, combined with GPS and modular data processing. Thales Type 2084 central digital computer and Digibus digital databus (2084-XR in 2000D; Xi in 2000-5. Thales AP 605 autopilot (606 in 2000N, 607 in 2000D, 608 in 2000-5, 609 in 2O00-5 Mk 2 and 2000-9). Thales TLS 2020 MMR (multimode receiver) in 2000-5 Mk 2 and 2000-9, combining ILS, microwave landing and differential GPS). Undisclosed operator ordered BASE (BAE Systems) Terprom GPWS in 1996 for retrofit by Orbital Sciences Corporation. Digital terrain system (DTS) on 2000-9.
Instrumentation: Thales TMV 980 data display system (VE 130 head-up and VMC 180 head-down) (two ICC 55 head-down in 2000N/D). Mirage 2000-5 has Thales integrated multidisplay system featuring combined HUD/head-level display with Thales recording camera. Provision optional in 2000-5 and -9 for Thales Topsight E helmet-mounted sight/display system.
Mission: Mirage 2000-5 has LAM (liaison avionmissile) 'bullet' antenna on fin leading-edge for mid-course guidance of MICA AAMs. Sensors of strike/attack and export versions include 570 kg (1,257 lb) Thales Raphael SLAR 2000 pod, 400 kg (882 lb) Thales COR2 multicamera pod or 680 kg (1,499 lb) Dassault AA-3-38 Harold long-range oblique photographic (Lorop) pod; 110 kg (243 lb) Thales/Intertechnique Rubis FLIR pod; Thales Atlis laser designator and marked target seeker (in pod on forward starboard underfuselage station); 340 kg (750 lb) Thales PDLCT day/night (TV/thermal imaging) laser designator pod on Mirage 2000D (or CLDP/Atlis II on export aircraft)(2000D squadrons also being issued with Atlis II designation pods - being refurbished Atlis systems from Jaguar force), while PDLCT-S available from mid-1999; one 550 kg (1,213 lb) Thales TMV 004 (CT51J) Caiman offensive or intelligence ECM pod and one 400 kg (882 lb) Thales Astac elint (interferometer) pod. Export PDLCT-S known as Damocles (and Shehab in UAE). Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 and 2000-9 have Thales Thomrad 5000/6000 secure communications and datalink.
Self-defence: Systems in 2000C and 2000N include Thales Serval radar warning receiver (antennas at each wingtip and on trailing-edge of fin, near tip, plus VCM-65 cockpit display); Thales Cameleon (2000N), Cameleon C2 (2000D) or Sabre (2000C) jammer at base of fin (detector on fin leading-edge); and MBDA Spirale, comprising chaff dispensers in Karman fairings at wing trailing-edge/fuselage intersection and flares in lower rear fuselage. French Air Force DDM (Detecteur Depart Missile) missile plume detector requirement satisfied by 1994 purchase of SAGEM SAMIR system for 1995 fitment in rear of Magic launch rails (2000D/N first, but also to 2000Cs patrolling Bosnia). Spirale fitted to 2000N-K2; retrofitted to 2000N-K1 and installed on 2000Cs from No. 93; earlier 2000CS have Eclair system (Alkan LL5062 chaff and flare launcher) in place of braking parachute, lacking automatic operation. Spirale on some export 2000Es.
Upgrade planned of 2000E with ICMS Mk I (integrated countermeasures system; as in 2000EG) comprising RWR and SHR, Thales high-band jammer (leading-edge of fin and bullet fairing at base of rudder) and Spirale; automated ICMS Mk 2 of Mirage 2000-5 adds receiver/processor in nose to detect missile command links; extra pair of antennas near top of fin and additional DF antennas scabbed to existing wingtip pods (fin and secondary wingtip antennas also on Greek Mirage 2000s); ABD2000 export version of Sabre in some Mirage 2000Es. Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 has ICMS Mk 3. ICMS Mk 3/INEWS eventually to comprise fully integrated suite of RWR, jammer, Spirale (chaff/flare), additional Eclair (chaff/flare), ESM, tactical situation awareness and targeting. External equipment can include two 182 kg (401 lb) Thales DB 3141/3163 Remora self-defence ECM pods.
EQUIPMENT: Optional 250 kg (551 lb) Intertechnique 231-300 buddy-type in-flight refuelling pod.
ARMAMENT: Two 30 mm DEFA 554 guns in 2000C, 2000E and single-seat 2000-5 (not fitted in B, D or N), with 125 rds/gun. Nine attachments for external stores, five under fuselage and two under each wing. On 2000-5, fuselage centreline stressed for 1,400 kg (3,086 lb) loads; other four fuselage points for 450 kg (992 lb) each; inner wing pylons for 1,830 kg (4,034 lb) each; and outboard wing points for 230 kg (507 lb) each.
Typical interception weapons comprise two 275 kg (606 lb) Super 530D or (if RDM radar not modified with target illuminator) 250 kg (551 lb) 530F missiles (inboard) and two 90 kg (198 lb) 550 Magic or Magic 2 missiles (outboard) under wings. Alternatively, each of four underwing hardpoints can carry a Magic. MICA (active radar or IR versions) AAM (110 kg; 243 lb) on Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 and 2000-9. Primary weapon for 2000N is 900 kg (1,984 lb) ASMP tactical nuclear missile mounted on LM-770 centreline pylon.
In air-to-surface role, the Mirage 2000 can carry up to 6,200 kg (13,669 lb) of external stores, including MBDA 250 kg retarded bombs or 32.5 kg (72 lb) TDA BAP 100 anti-runway bombs; 16 MBDA Durandal 219 kg (483 lb) penetration bombs; one or two 990 kg (2,183 lb) MBDA BGL 1000 laser-guided bombs; five or six 305 kg (672 lb) MBDA Belouga cluster bombs or 400 kg (882 lb) TDA BM 400 modular bombs; up to three Rafaut F2 practice bomb launchers; US Mk 20, Mk 82, GBU-24 and GBU-12 bombs; two 520 kg (1,146 lb) AS 30L, Armat anti-radar, or 655 kg (1,444 lb) AM 39 Exocet anti-ship, air-to-surface missiles; four 185 kg (408 lb) MBDA LR F4 rocket launchers, each with eighteen 68 mm rockets; two packs of 100 mm rockets; or a 765 kg (1,687 lb) Dassault CC 630 gun pod, containing two 30 mm guns and total 600 rounds of ammunition.
Mirage 2000D to receive 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) APACHE-AP standoff (216 n mile; 400 km; 249 mile) weapons dispenser. APACHE-SCALP (Systeme de Croisiere Autonome a Longue Portie) selected December 1994 to satisfy APTGD (Arme de Precision Tiree a Grande Distance) requirement for 216 to 324 n mile (400 to 600 km; 249 to 374 mile) range stealthy cruise missile; service entry in 2003. For air defence weapon training, a Cubic Corporation AIS (airborne instrumentation subsystem) pod, externally resembling a Magic missile, can replace Magic on launch rail, enabling pilot to simulate a firing without carrying actual missile.