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European Military Aircraft

Alpha Jet

The Dassault-Breguet-Dornier Alpha Jet is a twin seat subsonic fighter bomber that dueto its conception and versatile characteristics is particularly suitable for supporting airoffensive operations, surface forces operations as well as for the advanced training onbomber fighters and operational conversion training, with the capability of using differentweapon configurations. Its equipment allows it to obtain great efficiency when planningand executing missions. The Head Up Display (HUD) saves the pilot from looking downinto the cockpit to read the instruments, by superimposing data on a clear plate mountedat the pilot's eye level. The navigation and fire control computers are rather precise andpermit a great flexibility on attack missions. The use of "AFA" computer makes itsimpler, quicker and more efficient the planning of a mission.The Alpha Jet 2 is a development of the training aircraft optimized for ground attack. Ithas an integrated weapon system (laser range finder, inertial navigation unit, Head-UpDisplay) allowing to fulfill either weapon system training missions or ground attackmissions with a great accuracy. The Alpha Jet ATS (Advanced Training System) , fittedin particular with state-of-the-art controls and displays (glass cockpit), will allow to trainthe pilot for the use of navigation/attack systems of the latest and future fighters aircraft.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin France, Germany

Builder Dassault-Breguet-Dornier

Role Light-attack, advanced trainer

Variants

Trainer version used by France is Alpha Jet E;attack version is used by GermanyMS1 close support capable version assembled inEgypt;MS2 further improved version;NGEA new avionics;uprated engine,Magic AAms;Lancier glass cockpit;

Similar Aircraft Hawk, AMX, Mirage F1, AV-8B Harrier II

Wing Span 30 ft (9.14 m)

Length 40 ft, 3 in (12.3 m)

Height 13 ft 09 in ( 04.19 m )

Weight Empty: 7,374 lb ( 3,515 kg )Max T/O: 17,637 lb ( 8,000 kg )

Engine Two SNECMA/Turbomeca Larzac 04-C6 turbofans

Thrust 5,952 lb ( 26.48 kN ) total

Maximum speed 1,160 Km/h / 0.8 Mach

Cruising speed

In Flight refuelingcapability

No

Internal Fuel in kg: 1520 kg

Payload: 2200kg

Sensors: RWR

Drop tank 310 L drop tank with 248kg of fuel for 108nm of range450L drop tank with 359kg of fuel for 157nm of range

Range 1330nm / 2,600 Km (external tanks)

Service Ceiling 13700 meters / 50.000 feet

Takeoff distance 400 m

Landing distance 520 m

Armament

Gun pods, bombs, rockets, missilesBl755Matra F1 podBelougaAGM-65 maverickAIM-9L

Crew Two pilots in tendem

Cost

User CountriesMore than 500 aircraft already ordered by 10 countriesBelgium, Cameroon, Egypt, France, Germany, IvoryCoast, Morocco, Nigeria, Portugal, Qatar, Togo.

AMXThe AMX, a joint program undertaken by Alenia, Aermacchi and Embraer, is a surfaceattack aircraft for battlefield interdiction, close air support and reconnaissance missions.The AMX is capable of operating at high subsonic speed and low altitude, by day ornight, and if necessary, from bases with poorly equipped or damaged runways. It featureslow IR signature, reduced radar equivalent cross section and low vulnerability ofstructure and systems guarantee a high probability of mission sucess. The integratedECM, air-to-air missiles and nose-mounted guns provide self-defense capabilities.

The AMX-T is a twin seater, high performance transonic turbofan jet, specificallydeveloped for Advanced and Fighter Lead-In Training. It maintains the operationalcharacteristics of the AMX - Ground Attack Fighter - already in operation with theBrazilian (FAB) and Italian (AMI) Air Forces. It is a high subsonic trainer with a lowlevel dash speed in excess of 500 kt in any armed configuration. The AMX-T wasselected by the Venezuelan Air Force (FAV) to replace the old and venerable T-2ABuckeyes in the advanced training phase.

The wings of the AMX are mounted high, swept-back, and tapered with square tips.AAMs are usually mounted on the wings. The engine is one turofan inside the body.There are two air intakes forward of the wing roots. There is a single exhaust. Thefuselage has a pointed nose and bubble canopy. The body widens at the air intakes andtapers to the rear. The tail flats are mid-mounted on the fuselage, swept back and taperedwith blunt tips. The tail is swept back and has a tapered fin with a blunt tip.

SpecificationsCountries of Origin Italy

Brazil

Builder Alenia, Aermacchi and Embraer

Similar AircraftAlpha JetMirage F1AV-8B Harrier

Crew One

Role Light bomberFighter

Span 29 ft (8.84 m)

Length 44 ft, 6 in (13.58 m)

Height 14.92 ft

Wing area 226.0 ft2

Aspect ratio 3.75

Wing sweep (at 25%MAC) 27.5º

Engine Rolls Royce Spey MK 807 turbofan

Take-off thrust 11023 lb

Ceiling 13000 meters

Cruise range 1150nm [480 nm Combat radius]

Internal Fuel 3076kg

Drop Tanks 500 L drop tank with 399kg of fuel for 75nm range1000 L drop tank with 799kg of fuel for 149nm range

In-Flight Refueling Yes

Operating emptyweight 14638 lb

Max take-off weight 28660 lb

Max external load 8380 lb

Sensors FIAR Pointer range-only radar, RWR, BalisticBombsight

Armament

Cannon: M61A1 20mm VulcanAIM-9L Sidewinder,Kormoran,ELT-555 jamming pod,Belouga,M117 750kg bomb

User Countries BrazilItaly

BuccaneerThe Buccaneer is a two-seater that was originally produced for carrier-based duty with alow-level strike and attack capability. Following the Suez operation in 1956 the Fleet AirArm was on the threshold of another new era with more powerful strike and all-weatherfighters coming along, the Sea Vixen, the Scimitar and the Buccaneer. 1978 saw the endof conventional fixed wing flying with the withdrawal of HMS ARK ROYAL. A newgeneration began with the commissioning in 1980 of the first of three light aircraftcarriers, HMS INVINCIBLE. These carriers are fitted with another British invention, theski jump, which enables vertical take off Sea Harriers to carry a much greater load whentaking off with forward thrust. The Buccaneer continued in service with the UK RAF as aland-based aircraft with maritime missions.

SpecificationsCountry United Kingdom (UK)

Builder

Similar Aircraft AV-8 Harrier, F-4 Phantom, Jaguar

Crew Two

Length 63 ft, 5 in (19.34 m)

Span 44 ft (13.5 m)

Height

Weight

Type Attack, Maritime duties, reconnaissance

Ceiling 12200 meters

Cruise range 1700 nm

In-Flight Refueling Yes

Internal Fuel 5446 kg

Payload 7257kg ext/ 1811kg int

Sensors Blue parrot radar, RWR, FLIR, Balistic bombsight

Drop Tanks Slipper tank with 908kg of fuel for 142nm rangeInt Bay Tank with 1598kg of fuel for 499nm range

Armament Sea Egle, AS.37 Martel, ALQ-101, AIM-9L, BL755,Green Parrot nuclear Bomb, GBU-10, Pave Spike Pod

User Countries South Africa, UK

Typhoon EF-2000 EurofighterEurofighter is a single-seat, twin-engine, agile combat aircraft which will be used in theair-to-air, air-to-ground and tactical reconnaissance roles. The design of EurofighterTyphoon is optimised for air dominance performance with high instantaneous andsustained turn rates, and specific excess power. Special emphasis has been placed on lowwing loading, high thrust to weight ratio, excellent all round vision and carefree handling.The use of Stealth technology is incorporated throughout the aircraft’s basic design.

In September 1998 the Eurofighter was also designated the Typhoon, though thisnomenclature is intended only for use in export markets outside Europe. Eurofighterremains the offical name in Europe, and Typhoon will not automatically be the EF2000sname with the four partner air forces when it enters service in 2002/3.

Eurofighter's air dominance supremacy and versatility as a multi-role combat aircraft ismarked by its highly potent and comprehensive air-to-surface attack capability:

Air Interdiction - capable of delivering a large payload over long distances, byday or night. Multiple, flexible sensors coupled with passive modes of delivery,and the retention of a full air-to-air fit ensure a formidable weapon system

Close Air Support - ability to remain on task for long periods. Its sophisticatedsensor suite allows close co-ordination with ground commanders, and theidentification of individual targets

Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) - the combination of pinpointnavigational accuracy, highly sophisticated onboard sensors and dedicated 'fireand forget' weapons, ensure effective targeting of enemy air defences

Maritime Attack - dedicated radar modes and datalink enable EurofighterTyphoon to operate autonomously, or as part of an offensive force

Eurofighter’s high performance is matched by excellent all round vision and bysophisticated attack, identification and defence systems which include the ECR 90 longrange radar and Infra Red Search and Track (IRST) system, advanced medium and shortrange air-to-air missiles and a comprehensive electronic warfare suite to enhance weaponsystem effectiveness and survivability. Eurofighter Typhoon is intentionallyaerodynamically unstable to provide extremely high levels of agility, reduced drag andenhanced lift. The unstable design cannot be flown by conventional means and the pilotcontrols the aircraft via a computerised ‘fly by wire’ system.The Eurojet EJ200 military turbofan was designed specifically to match EurofighterTyphoon’s mission requirements. The overall design ensures a small lightweight enginewith the thrust and strength to match the typically on demand reheat temperaturesgenerated during combat. The EJ200 engine combines high thrust with low fuelconsumption. To reduce ownership cost over Eurofighter Typhoon’s in-service life of 25years or 6,000 flying hours, and to ensure maximum availability, the important areas ofReliability, Maintainability and Testability have been given equal priority to performanceand flight safety.

Since Eurofighter first flew in Germany on 27 March 1994 all seven development aircrafthave flown. Aircraft in the flight test programme have completed over 790 sorties (658hours). Full carefree handling and a speed of Mach 2.0 have been achieved as have air toair refuelling and weapons firings of Sidewinder and AMRAAM. Pilots have describedthe aircraft as 'exhilarating' to fly.

Eurofighter production will make use of several innovations in production engineering.These include the use of a modern integrated design, manufacturing and managementsystems and the introduction of automated processes for the production of a number ofaircraft components."

Production contract for the first batch of 148 aircraft were placed by the Eurofightermanagement agency NETMA (NATO Eurofighter 2000 and Tornado ManagementAgency) on behalf of the partner nations. Fixed prices were agreed prior to thecommitment of each contract. The contracts were signed by NETMA, Eurofighter GmbHand Eurojet GmbH.British Eurofighter aircraft will be assembled at British Aerospace sites in Lancashirefrom components manufactured by companies in the four partner nations. Rolls Roycewill manufacture the engines, mainly in Bristol and Derby. In the other nations therespective partner companies will have their own assembly lines in Munich, Turin andMadrid. Some 200 UK companies, including GEC Marconi, Dowty, Lucas, MartinBaker, Normalair Garrett, Pilkington Thorn Optics, Smiths Industries, ComputingDevices and Ultra Electronics, are involved in the development of a range of equipmentsfor Eurofighter, including the radar and defensive aids subsystem. In the UK, over 6000jobs depend on the Eurofighter development phase and this is expected to rise to some14000 at the peak of production.The UK intends to procure 232 aircraft to replace the Tornado F3 and the Jaguar.Deliveries to the Royal Air Force are scheduled to begin in June 2002 and run until theyear 2014. The current estimated total procurement cost of the programme to the UK is£15.9Bn.

SpecificationsWing Span 10.95m

Length 14.96m

Height 5.28m

Wing Area 50m²

Foreplane Area 2.4m²

Empty Weight 9750 kg (approx)

Internal Fuel Load 4000 kg (approx)

External Store Load 6500 kg (approx)

Max T/O Weight 21000 kg

Power2 EJ200 Turbofan Engines20,000 lbf (90 kN) each with Afterburner13,500 lbf (60 kN) each without Afterburner

Maximum Speed 2125 km/hr

Time to 10670m 2.5 minutes

RunwayRequirement 700m

T/O run 300mair combat mission

Combat Radius

ground attack, lo-lo-lo : 601 kmground attack, hi-lo-hi : 1389 kmair defence with 3hr CAP : 185 kmair defence with 10-min loiter : 1389 km

G Limits +9/-3 w/ int fuel and two AIM-120

Weapons & Stores

Internally mounted 27mm Mauser gunTotal of 13 external stores stations: 5 (incl one wet)under fuselage and 4 (incl one wet) under each wingMix of Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles(BVRAAM) and Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles(SRAAM) carried externallyFour BVRAAM under fuselage in semi-conformalcarriage configurationLaser guided bombsAdvanced anti-armour weaponsConventionally armed stand-off missiles

Future Offensive Air System (FOAS)The 1998 Strategic Defense Review [SDR], in recognising that the UK faces a verydifferent security environment from that of the Cold War, emphasised that risks stillremain to UK security. International instability is likely to become more prevalent. Thecombat power of dangerous regimes assumes more significance as democratic countriesreduce their armaments and there is an increasing risk from the proliferation of nuclear,biological and chemical technologies.If UK forces are to be effective in this uncertain future, they must be structured andequipped to conduct force projection and expeditionary warfare. The SDR recognisedthat UK forces will normally be involved in multi-national operations based on NATO,UN, WEU or ad hoc coalitions. As different coalition partners will have varyingcapabilities, and US involvement cannot be assumed, the UK will require balanced,coherent forces, inherently flexible and deployable, and capable of operating effectivelyalongside forces from other countries. This balanced capability will also be required tofulfil the requirements of those exceptional circumstances when the UK will operateindependently.Part of the SDR process was the study of future offensive air power requirements,balancing the need for FOAS with that for future aircraft carriers and carrier-borneaircraft. Long-range air attack was found to remain important both as an integral part ofwar-fighting and as a coercive instrument to support political objectives.The system must be flexible, and capable of all-weather, day/night operation at all levels.It must also be survivable in a high-threat environment. The trend towards more andmore out-of-area operations make it essential that the system is easily supported, withoutthe need for significant deployment of support equipment and personnel into theatre.The FOAS requirement might not necessarily be satisfied in full by a single concept.Studies to define the most cost-effective solution are continuing. Possible solutionsinclude a "force mix" approach of manned aircraft, UAVs and CALCMs although theexact nature, numbers and costs of these systems has not yet been decided.Major milestones in the future are:

completion of the concept feasibility studies and launch of the Assessment phasefor technology risk reduction and further system definition - 2001;

solution selection - in about 10 years; entry to service - in about 20 years.

The FOAS programme aims to provide the UK with a long-range offensive air capabilityto replace that currently provided by Tornado GR4. The FOAS solution should provideoperational flexibility and utility across the range of military tasks outlined in the 1998Strategic Defence Review (SDR). FOAS is predicted to enter service in about 20 years, atwhich point the Tornado GR4 airframes will have been in service for nearly 40 years andflown more than twice as many hours as their original design life.

Following a number of minor study programmes for generic future combat aircraft datingback to the late 1980s, the current FOAS Feasibility Studies were launched in October1997. Since then four major activity streams have been undertaken:

Requirements development - following the SDR work continues to develop theconcepts for future offensive operations;

Solution studies - DERA and Industry teams have been examining the feasibilityand cost effectiveness of a wide range of solutions within the various categoriesidentified so far - manned combat aircraft (new and derivative designs and off-the-shelf solutions), Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) and Conventionally-armedAir Launched Cruise Missiles (CALCMs);

Technology Demonstration Programme (TDP) - a joint approach to theacquisition of technologies for future combat aircraft with the French Governmentand UK and French industry has resulted in a set of joint and separate technologyprogramme proposals with a wide range of UK and French suppliers;

Business Systems - reflecting MOD's Smart Procurement Initiative, the project isbeginning to implement novel practices and technologies in the areas of systemsengineering, electronic commerce, data sharing and synthetic environments.

FOAS is one of the pilot Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) within MOD's SmartProcurement Initiative. This IPT includes representatives from all areas of MOD involvedin the project as well as DERA and Industry - by mid 1999 there should be half a dozenfull-time DERA and Industry team members and more part-time support.Within the Concept Studies there is a loosely-formed FOAS Alliance representing BritishAerospace Military Aircraft and Aerostructures, Marconi Electronic Systems, Rolls-Royce and Smiths Industries. These companies have teamed strategically to ensure aconsistent approach to the studies and, at working level, have formed IPTs to perform thestudy work. The largest of these IPT structures is at British Aerospace's Warton site,where more than 100 engineers are studying a wide range of both UAV and mannedaircraft concepts along with MOD staff. Additionally there are other contractor teams ledby Logica, Aerosystems International and Matra-BAe Dynamics who are primarilystudying UAV and CALCM concepts. All of the teams, in conjunction with MOD andDERA staff, are looking into the balance and capabilities of these individual conceptswhen they are brought together into a mixed force.Within the proposed Technology Demonstration Programme there will be a series ofcontractor groupings, with a different make-up for each TDP. The members of thesegroups range from the large airframe suppliers, through engine and avionicsmanufacturers to specialist materials and components suppliers with proportionalrepresentation from UK and French industry.

Hawk - British AerospaceThe British Aerospace Hawk is a light-attack and trainer similar to the Alpha Jet,M.B.326, AMX, F-5 Freedom Fighter. Through a continuing update and modernizationprogram, the 20-year old Hawk is still known as one of the world’s best advanced trainersand light-attack aircraft.With a crew of two, if features low-mounted, swept-back wings that are tapered withcurved tips. One turbofan engine is located inside the body, with semicircular air intakesalongside the body forward of the wing roots and a single exhaust. The top line of thefuselage curves up from the pointed nose to incorporate the long clear cockpit canopythen slopes down to the jetpipe, giving a humped appearance, with slightly-swept verticaland horizontal tail surfaces.

The maximum level speed of the Hawk is over 1000 km/h and the aircraft can attainsupersonic speed (M1.2) in a dive. The Royal Air Force bought 175 Hawk Mk T1 aircraftin the late 70's. RAF Hawks are used in advanced jet and weapons training. US Navy andUSMC train pilots with a T-45 Goshawk derivative of the basic BAe Hawk. Other usercountries include Brunei, Finland, Indonesia, Kenya, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, SaudiArabia, South Korea, and United Arab Emirates.

In the current RAF training programme, the Hawk T1 is the first jet aircraft that a studentpilot will fly. An advanced, and very successful trainer, Hawk is used to teach operationaltactics, air-to-air and air-to-ground firing, air combat and low-level operating procedures.To supplement the Tornado F3 force, a number of Hawk T1A advanced trainers have anadditional task as point defence fighters. In this role, the aircraft carry two Sidewinderair-to-air missiles and a 30mm Aden cannon. The RAF's Aerobatic Team, the RedArrows, operate the Hawk T1A, and in time of war or crisis would also carry out thepoint defence fighter role.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin UK

Builder British Aerospace

Role Light-attack, trainer

Similar Aircraft Alpha Jet, M.B.326, AMX, F-5 Freedom Fighter

Wing Span 31 ft (9.42 m)

Length 39 ft (11.94 m)

Height

Weight

Engine One Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca Adour Mk 151 turbofanof 5,200lb st.

Maximum speed 622mph (1,000km/h) at sea level

Cruising speed

Range

Service Ceiling

Armament

Hawk T1One 30mm Aden cannon pack andup to 5,600lb (2,540kg) of underwing stores (rockets,bombs and missiles)T1A - in addition has inboard pylons forSidewinder AIM-9 air-to-air missiles.

Crew Two

Cost

User CountriesBrunei, Finland, Indonesia, Kenya, Kuwait, Malaysia,Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, United ArabEmirates, UK, USA (T-45 Goshawk).

Saab J35 DrakenThe Saab 35 Draken [Dragon] is a second generation supersonic interceptor with adistinctive double delta wing. The decision to develop the Saab 35 Draken supersonicfighter, which introduced what was perhaps the most daring chapter so far in the historyof the Swedish aircraft industry, had been taken as far back as 1949. After much researchincluding flight-testing of a 70 percent scale aircraft, the first prototype of the innovativedouble-delta Draken flew in late 1955 and Sweden´s first Mach 2 fighter was a reality,entering production in 1957.The J35A Draken entered service in 1959 and was followed by five different versions forthe Swedish Air Force, including the all-weather J35F with its then advanced radar, infra-red search and track system, and both radar and IR guided missiles. In all, 612 Drakenswere built between 1955 and 1972. Of these, 51 were exported to Denmark, Finlandassembled 12 under license and later bought a number of ex-Swedish aircraft, and Austriaordered 24 modified Drakens.

The single-seat combat aircraft has, a single engine and is equipped with two 30mmautomatic cannons and Sidewinder air-to-air guided weapons. The fuselage is round withsmall canopy, extending beyond the trailing edge of the tail fin, which is small and ishighly swept along both leading and trailing edge. Small oval air intakes are located oneither side of the fuselage. There are several versions of this aircraft and the type canoperate from small airfields.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin Sweden

Builder Saab

Role Interceptor

Similar Aircraft Hunter

Wing Span 30 ft 10 in (9.42 m)

Length 50 ft 04 in (15.35 m)

Height 12 ft 09 in (03.89 m)

Weight 15,000 kg

Engine Volvo Flygmotor RM 6Cmax. 7900 kp thrust with afterburner

Maximum speed Mach 2.0 @ 11,000 m

Cruising speed Mach 0.9

Range 1,754 nm ( 3,250 km )

Service Ceiling 18,300 m

ArmamentBombs, cannon, rockets, missiles2x 30mm automatic cannonsSidewinder air-to-air guided weapons

Crew Single seat (pilot)

Cost

User CountriesSweden (540 built between 1957 and 1971)Denmark and Finland (65 built)Austria (24 built).

VIGGEN AJ-37 (SAAB)In December 1961 the Swedish Government approved development of Aircraft System37, the Viggen. The basic platform was the AJ 37 attack aircraft, to be followed by S 37reconnaissance versions and the JA 37 fighter. The new aircraft had a novel andadvanced aerodynamic configuration to meet the short take-off/landing and otherperformance requirements: a fixed foreplane with flaps was mounted ahead of andslightly above the delta main wing. On 8 February 1967 the first prototype of the Saab 37Viggen family made its maiden flight. In April 1968 the Government authorized Viggenproduction and the first aircraft was delivered in July 1971. A total of 329 aircraft wereeventually built in attack, trainer, two reconnaissance versions and the more powerfulfighter variant that included new avionics, new air-to-air missiles and Europe´s firstpulse-Doppler radar.

The last of 329 Viggens, a JA 37 fighter version, was delivered from Saab in Linköpingto the Swedish Air Force in 1990. Since then, Viggen has undergone several upgrades,the latest being Mod. D for the fighter version including communication and weaponsystems similar to those in Gripen.

The aircraft's main wings are low-mounted, delta-shaped, extending from the bodymidsection to the exhaust. Small, clipped delta wings are forward of the main wings andhigh-mounted on the body. There is one turbofan engine in the body. There aresemicircular air intakes just forward and below the secondary wings. There is a large,single exhaust. The fuselage is short and wide with a pointed, solid nose. There is abubble canopy and a small belly fin. There are no tail flats. There is a large, unequallytapered fin with a small, clipped tip.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin Sweden.

Similar Aircraft KfirMirage III/5.

Crew OneTrainer--Two

Role multirolefighter

Armament

cannongun podsmissilesrockets

bombs

Length 53 ft, 6 in (16.4 m)

Span 34 ft, 9 in (10.7 m)

User Country Sweden

JAS 39 GripenThe JAS 39 Gripen is the result of a joint development by Saab Military Aircraft,Ericsson Microwave Systems, Volvo Aero Corporation and Celsius Aerotech. It is afourth generation, multi-role combat aircraft. The Gripen fighter combines newknowledge-based, software-controlled avionics systems; modern materials; advancedaerodynamic design; a well-proven engine and fully-integrated system to produce ahighly-capable, true multi-role combat aircraft. The Gripen is the first Swedish aircraftthat can be used for interception, ground-attack and reconnaissance (hence the Swedishabbreviation JAS -- Fighter (J), Attack (A) and Reconnaissance (S) in Swedish) and isnow successively replacing the Draken and the Viggen.

In 1978 the Swedish Government decided that the Swedish Air Force needed a newmultirole aircraft for the turn of the century. At the same time as the Swedish aerospaceindustry was defining a new project, the Air Force made an evaluation of existing foreignaircraft such as the American F-16 and F-18. After an evaluation process, Parliamentdecided in June 1982 to go ahead with the Swedish project and the Defence MaterielAdministration signed a contract for development of the JAS 39 Gripen, and the finalflight tests were completed in December of 1996.

A total of 204 aircraft in three batches have been ordered for the Swedish Air Force. Thefirst batch of 30 aircraft has been completed. Deliveries from the second batch areongoing, and comprises 96 one-seater and 14 two-seater aircraft. About 60 Gripens are inservice with the Swedish Air Force. In June 1997, a third batch of 64 Gripens wasapproved by the Swedish Government and ordered by the Defence MaterielAdministration (FMV). This will take the total for the Swedish Air Force to 204 aircraft,including 28 two-seaters. Production of batch thre is scheduled for 2002-2007.

Gripen offers high agility, advanced target acquisition systems - including a powerfulmulti-role radar, modern weapons, low environmental signatures and a comprehensiveelectronic warfare (EW) suite. The JAS39 Gripen system is designed to counter allcurrent and future threats. The aircraft has been developed for the Swedish Air Force bythe Industry Group JAS (SAAB, Ericsson, Volvo Aero and FFV Aerotech) in close co-operation with the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV). In partnership withSweden’s Saab, British Aerospace is engaged in a number of marketing campaigns forthe highly capable Gripen fourth generation combat aircraft. Engineering activityassociated with improving the operability of the aircraft in the export market is nowunderway.

In 1995 Saab and British Aerospace (BAe) signed an agreement for the joint marketing ofthe Gripen. Hereby, Saab gained access to the global sales organization of BritishAerospace, as well as to its governmental support in international marketing. BritishAerospace will adapt the export version of the Gripen to NATO standards, and alsoproduce certain subsystems for the aircraft. The agreement, which followed on more thana decade of cooperation between the two companies, became the basis for a consolidation

between Saab and British Aerospace. It also paves the way for SaabCs deepenedintegration with the European aerospace industry. Saab intends to be an active playeralong with British Aerospace, Aerospatiale (France), DASA (Germany) and CASA(Spain) in the creation of an integrated European defense and aerospace industry -Eurospace.

In November 1998, South Africa announced that it will probably buy 28 Gripens. Thevalue of the order is 12 billion SEK (1.5 billion USD) and the contract was expected to besigned in May or June of 1999. During the coming 10-15 years, Saab hopes to export atleast 400 aircraft, on a total market for fighter aircraft estimated at 2,000 aircraft. TheGripen is currently being offered to Chile, the Philippines, the Czech Republic, Hungary,Austria and Brazil. Another candidate, Poland, recently announced that it will chose theBoeing F 18 Hornet.

An important factor when offering the Gripen for export, is the aircraft missile system.Currently, the Gripens used by the Swedish Air Force are armed with AIM-120AMRAAM, AIM-9 Sidewinder, the Saab Dynamics RBS 15 for ship targets, and theMaverick ground attack missile. Saab Dynamics cooperates with the major Europeanmissile manufacturers in the development of new air-to-air missiles for the Eurofighter,the Rafale and the Gripen. The two main projects currently underway are the Meteor andthe IRIS-T. The Meteor is a radar-guided, medium range (10-120 km.) air-to-air missile,which will compete with future versions of the Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM. TheMeteor program features Matra BAe Dynamics, Saab Dynamics, Alenia Difesa, Marconiand German LFK. The IRIS-T is an IR-guided, short-range air-to-air missile, primarilyfunded by Germany for the Eurofighter. The project group includes BodenseewerkGeratechnik and Saab Dynamics.

SpecificationsWing span 8,0 m

Length overall 12,0 m

Weight Approx. 6.500 kg

Max take off weight Approx. 12500 kg

Armament

Gun, Missiles, Bombs, Rockets and Stand off dispenserinternally-mounted 27mm gunAdvanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles(AMRAAM)Sidewinder or new generation Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (SRAAM).Sea-Skimming anti-ship missiles.Advanced dispenser weapon systems (DWS).Air-to-Ground weapons (Maverick, Rocket pods).Active/passive Electronic Warfare (EW) systems.

Internal and external reconnaissance systems.Three external fuel tanks.

Powerplant Volvo Aero RM 12 (General Electric F404J)

Thrust 80,0 kN (18.000 lbs)

Max Speed Supersonic at all altitude

Maximum Speed Mach 1 15 at low altitude, Mach 2.0 at high altitude.

Climb Less than 2 minutes from brake release to 10km(33,000ft), approx. 3 minutes to 14km (46,000ft),

Level Acceleration Approx. 30 seconds from Mach 0.5 to Mach 1.1 at lowaltitude.

Turn Performance Sustained - approx. 20 4eglsec. Instantaneous - approx.30 deg/sec.

Max. Load Factor 9g maximum sustained Nz

JaguarProduced to meet a joint Anglo-French requirement in 1965 for a dual-roleadvanced/operational trainer and tactical support aircraft, the Jaguar has beentransformed into a potent fighter-bomber. The RAF originally intended to use the aircraftpurely as an advanced trainer, but this was later changed to the offensive support role oncost grounds.Starting in the early 1960's, the French Air Force began looking for aircraft to replace itsLockheed T 33 and Fouga Magister trainers as well as its Mystère IV tactical fighters. InApril 1964, the Aeronautics Technical Bureau invited French aeronautics companies torespond to a preliminary design in a programme for a twin-engined aircraft to equipECAT (Ecole de combat and d’appui tactique, or School of Combat and TacticalSupport). The ECAT programme resulted in the companies Dassault, with the Cavalier,and Breguet, with the Br 121, entering into competition. On 30th June 1964, theengineering offices of Breguet, headed by Georges Ricard, submitted to the competentauthorities the project Br 121, a version of the Br 1001 Taon, with twin Rolls Royce RB172-45 engines. The project Cavalier was finally abandoned following the choice of theBreguet aircraft.It quickly became apparent that the RAF also needed an aircraft that corresponded ratherclosely to the characteristics of the Br 121. On 17th May 1965, the two countriesconcluded a protocol agreement for the study and joint manufacture of a low-altitudecombat and training aircraft. Responsibility fell to Breguet Aviation and the BritishAircraft Corporation, under the management of the Franco-British joint-companySEPECAT (Société européenne de production de l’avion d’école de combat and d’appuitactique, or European Company for the Production of Aircraft for the School of Combatand Tactical Support). Breguet Aviation was acquired by the company Dassault in 1967.The first prototype, Jaguar A, flew from Istres (Bouches-du-Rhône, France), on 08September 1968.Difficulties in cooperation, due to the lack of a true main contractor, and changes in thedefinition delayed the Jaguar entering service until 1972. Originally a program for atrainer aircraft, it ended up as a ground attack aircraft with little in common, either interms of size or cost, with the model initially foreseen. The French and British versionsalso were not identical, since each country had imposed, for its own models, nationally-sourced equipment.In the end, a total of 573 aircraft were ordered. France and Britain purchased 403 towhich were added 54, exported to three countries (Oman, Ecuador and Nigeria), and 116to India of which 70 were produced under license in that country.

The first RAF aircraft took to the air in October 1969, and each air force placed orders for200 aircraft - the RAF opting for 165 single-seat and 35 two-seat aircraft. Deliveries toNo 226 OCU at Lossiemouth began in 1973, and at its peak the Jaguar equipped 8 front-line and 1 training squadron; Nos 14, 17, 20 and 31 Sqn at Bruggen (strike/attack),II(AC) Sqn at Laarbruch (reconnaissance) as well as the three Coltishall based squadrons(6, 41 and 54) and Lossiemouth based 16(Reserve) Sqn.

A variety of weapons including cluster, freefall, retard and laser guided bombs, as well asrockets can be carried on the four wing and one fuselage stations. Two 30mm cannon aremounted internally. To mark targets for laser-guided weapons, the aircraft carries thethermal imaging and laser designation (TIALD) pod. For self-defence, overwingSidewinder infra-red missiles are carried and the aircraft is fitted with a comprehensivesuite of electronic countermeasures. Perhaps the Jaguar's most impressive feature is itsnavigation and attack system. With mission data fed into the computer, all the necessaryinformation for a pinpoint attack is relayed to the head-up display. From the display, thepilot knows exactly where the target is located and precisely when to release his weaponsfor maximum effect.The fleet is currently undergoing an upgrade program, and this will see aircraft fitted withnew cockpit displays, helmet-mounted sights, the ability to carry the new Advanced ShortRange Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) and other system improvements to further extendthe life of the aircraft well into the next century.

The Jaguar has a long sleek fuselage with a large swept tail fin and rudder. The fuselagefeatures a long, pointed, chiseled nose, and the body widens at the air intakes rectangularto the exhausts. Relatively short-span swept wings are shoulder-mounted on the fuselage.The internal jet engines, mounted to the rear of the cockpit, have rectangular air intakeseither side of the fuselage behind the cockpit, with their top surfaces forming anextension of the wing. The engine exhausts show prominently under the forward portionof the tail. The rear jetpipes are located forward and below the tailplane which hasmarked anhedral. The raised bubble canopy is set above the sharply-pointed nose. Thetwin mainwheels of the undercarriage retract into the fuselage.

India acquired the Jaguar strike fighter to meet the IAF's Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft(DPSA) requirement to replace the Canberra and Hunter aircraft. After many years ofevaluation and negotiation, the Anglo-French fighter was contracted for, an interim batchof ex-RAF Jaguars being accepted to re-equip No. 14 Squadron. IAF pilots andtechnicians received conversion training with the RAF and British Aerospace inLossiemouth, Coltishall and Warton before ferrying the first Jaguars to India in July1979. These were followed by a batch of U.K. built Jaguars to re-equip No. 5 Squadroneven as simultaneously, HAL prepared for production of the aircraft, its powerplants,avionics and accessories in India. By the mid-1980s, the Jaguar was in service with Nos.5, 14, 16 and 27 Squadrons while a flight of No.6 Squadron was equipped with theMaritime Jaguar carrying the new generation Sea Eagle anti-ship sea-skimming missile.The Jaguar strike fighter was equipped also with Magic air-to-air missiles on uniqueoverwing pylons, featured advanced nay-attack systems and able to carry formidablewarload till the far ends of the sub-continent.

SpecificationsBuilder team : Anglo-French co-operation Dassault / BAe

Typical mission Close Air Support (CAS), Battlefield Air Interdiction(BAI)

First flight : March 1969

In-service in theFrench Air Force :

May 1969

Similar Aircraft

F-4 Phantom IIMitsubishi F-1MiG-27 FloggerAMX

Powerplant Two Turbomeca/Rolls-Royce Adour 104 turbofans of7,305lb st.

Span 28ft 6 in (8.69m)

Length 55ft 2.5in (16.83m)

Height : 4.80 m

Weight : empty /maximum at takeoff :

7.5 t / 15 t

Fuel capacity : 4,200 l internal / 7,800 maximal / In-flight refuelling

Power plant /Thrust :

2 Rolls-Royce / Turboméca Adour MK 102 jet engines/ 2x3,3 t with afterburner

Max Speed Mach 1.35 990mph (1,593km/h) at 36,000ft (11,000m).

Operational ceiling : 40,000 ft

Accommodation GR1B pilot onlyT2: pilot and pupil in tandem.

Armament

Two 30mm Aden / DEFA 553 gunsup to 10,000lb (4,500kg) stores includingMatra Magic R550 air-to-air missile ;AS 30 laser air-to-surface missile,laser guided bombsMartel rocketslaser-guided bombs.

Special equipment : Electronic counter measures, photo recce capacity withOmera 40 camera, and gyroscopic guidance

NATOinteroperability :

In-flight refuelling by NATO aircraft, armament andammunitions in accordance with NATO standards

Number of unitsproduced :

More than 450

User CountriesEcuadorFranceIndia

NigeriaOmanUK

French Air Forceinventory :

40 aircraft in 2 squadrons

MIRAGE F1 (DASSAULT-BREGUET)Following on the Mirage F-2, which was a revival of the classic arrow-wing design withstabilizers, the Mirage F-1 is a defense and air superiority single-seater plane. Thisrevival was made possible by technological advances which permit manufacture of ultra-thin but robust wings, enabling at supersonic speeds flight performance equivalent to thatof delta wings. The integrity of the fuselage structure allows the aircraft to carry amaximum amount of fuel. The Mirage F-1 prototype made its maiden flight with RenéBigand at the controls, 23rd December 1966, at Melun-Villaroche (the Seine-et-Marneregion of France). Commissioned by the French Air Force in 1973, more than 700 MirageF-1's have been sold to some 11 countries. The Dassault Mirage F-1C was the standardFrench fighter before Mirage 2000 entered service in the air force in 1984.

The wings are high-mounted, swept-back, and tapered. Missiles are usually mounted atthe wing tips. There is one turbojet engine in the body. There are semicircular air intakesalongside the body forward of the wing roots. There is a single exhaust. The fuselage islong, slender, pointed nose and a blunt tail. There are two small belly fins under the tailsection and a bubble canopy. The tail is swept-back and tapered fin with a blunt tip. Theflats are mid-mounted on the fuselage, swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin France

Builder team : Dassault Aviation, SNECMA, Thomson-CSF

RoleMirage F1 CT - Close Air Support (CAS) / attack /fighterMirage F1 CR - Tactical reconnaissance / fighter

First flight : November 19811992 for the new weapons system (F1 CT version)

In-service in FrenchAir Force :

1983

Similar Aircraft

Super EtendardMitsubishi F-1AV-8B Harrier IIFantan A

Crew onetrainer--two

Length 49 ft (14.94 m) 15.33 m

Span 27 ft, 7 in (8.4 m)

Height : 4.50 m

Weight 8.1 t empty15.2 t maximum at takeoff

Power plant /Thrust :

SNECMA Atar 9K50 jet engine / 4.7 t and 6.8 t withafterburner

Ceiling 52,000 ft [20,000 meters ?]

Maximum speed : Mach 2.2

Cruise range 1160 nm

In-Flight Refueling Y

Internal Fuel 3435 kg

Fuel capacity : 4,100 l internal / 6,400 l maximal / In-flight refuelling

Payload 6300 kg

Sensors Cyrano IVM radar (-200 has IWMR), RWR

Drop Tanks

1160 L drop tank with 927kg of fuel for 157nm ofrange2300 l drop tank with 1837kg of fuel for 310nm ofrange

Armament 2 30mm DEFA 553 cannon2 Matra Magic R550free fall and parachute drag bombs

Special equipment : Radar Thomson-CSF Cyrano IV-MR (air-to-air, air-to-ground), inertial navigation system, panoramic cameraOmera 40, vertical camera Omera 33, IR thermographiccaptor Super Cyclope, lateral radar Raphael,electromagnetic emissions detector Astac, photographicpod RP35P, Desire digital video recce pod, electroniccounter measures

NATOinteroperability :

In-flight refuelling by NATO aircraft, armament andammunitions in accordance with NATO standards

User Country FranceGreeceIranIraqJordanKuwaitLibyaMoroccoQatarSouth Africa

Spain

Number of unitsproduced :

740 (all types of Mirage F1 included)

French Air Forceinventory :

40 aircraft in 2 squadrons

Reconnaissance sensors of the Mirage F1 CR

Raphael TH Airborneelectronic imageryradar with radiotransmission

600-kg pod forradar imagery(SLAR : SideLooking AirborneRadar) up to 100-km inside enemylines

Astac ASTAC is anELINT/ESMsystem designedfor detection,identification andlocalisation ofradars of all types.It is suitable formedium and highaltitude stand-offreconnaissancemissions, or at lowaltitude on thebattlefield and inpenetration, whereit can collect datafor avoidance ordestruction of anti-air defenses. TheASTAC tacticalsignalsanalyserpod is alight supersonicpod that is easy toinstall under any

combat aircraft. Itis currently inoperation onFrench Air Force'sMirage F1CRs andthe Japanese AirForce's RF-4Eaircraft.

Desire Electro-opticalreconnaissancedemonstrator

Pendular pod fordigital videoreconnaissance(Thomson-CSF),including 610-mmhigh-definitionstabilised optics.The pod is linkedwith the groundstation SARA andwith themultisensorsinterpretation aidsystem (SAIM)

Super cyclope Thermographicsensor (infraredwavelength),whose informationcan be sent in realtime or at a latertime to a groundstation.

Pod RP35P Includes 75, 150,200 and 600-mmfocal lengthphotographiccamera

Omera 33 Camera takingshots vertically atintermediatealtitude (150, 300

and 600-mm focallength)

Omera 40 Panoramic camerataking 180°downwards shots

Mirage IIIMirage 5Mirage 50Both the Mirage III and Mirage 5 have been built in very large numbers and are inservice in many countries. The two airframes are basically the same, except the Mirage 5has a longer nose. The aircraft has low-mounted delta wings with pointed tips. There isone turbojet engine inside fuselage, with semicircular air intakes forward of the wingroots below the canopy and a large, single exhaust. The fuselage is long, slender, andtubular with a pointed nose and a bubble cockpit. The tail is large, swept-back, and has atapered tail fin with a square tip. There are no tail flats.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin France

Builder DASSAULT-BREGUET

Similar Aircraft Kfir C-2ViggenMiG-21 FishbedA-4 SkyhawkFantan A

Crew Onetrainer--two

Designation Mirage IIIE Mirage 5 Mirage 50

Role Intercept Ground-attackfighterreconnaissance

Attack

Length 49 ft, 3 in (15.02 m) 51 ft (15.55 m)

Span 27 ft (8.24 m)

Ceiling 17000 meters 17000 meters 18000 meters

Cruise range 900 nm 1040 nm 1150 nm

In-Flight Refueling No No No

Internal Fuel 2350 kg 2720 kg 2720 kg

Payload 4000 kg 4500 kg 4000 kg

Sensors Cytano II radar, Aida II and Laser Agave or

RWR RF or Agave radar(dependes oncustomers)

Cyrano IVMradar (dependson customer),RWR

Drop Tanks 625 L drop tankwith 499kg of fuelfor 96nm of range1300 L drop tankwith 1038kg of fuelfor 199 nm of range1700 L drop tankwith 1358 kg offuel for 260 nm ofrange

1200 L drop tankwith 959 kg of fuelfor 183 nm of range

1700 L droptank with1358kg of fuelfor 287 nmrange

Armament

Cannon: 2 30mmDEFA 552R.530 R.550Magic, AS.37Martel,EU3 450Kgbombs,AN52 nuclearbombs

Cannon:2 30mmDEFA 5531 AS.30 or AS.37and EU3 450 kgbombs (936 nm)1 AS.30 or AS.37and 2 1200L droptanks (1265 nm)2 Matra 155rocket pods, 2 EU3450kg bombs, 2R.550 Magic2 1200 L droptanks, 2 R.550Magic (1265 nm)8 EU3 450kgbombs (936 nm)

Cannon; 230mm DEFA552A1 AS.30 orAS.37 and 2EU3 450kgbombs (936nm)1 AS.30 orAS.37 and 21200 L droptanks (1265nm)2 Matra 155rocket pods, 2EU3 450gbombs, 2 R.550Magic2 1200LDrop tanks, 2R.550 magic(1265 nm)8 EU3 450kg bombs (936)

User Countries ArgentinaBrazilColombiaEgyptFrance

Chile (Mirage 5and 50)

Venezuela(Mirage 50)

GabonLebanonLibyaPakistanPeruSouth AfricaSwitzerlandZaire

Mirage III

Mirage 5

MIRAGE 2000 (DASSAULT-BREGUET)The Mirage 2000 is very similar to the Mirage III/5 and 50, though it is not a variant ofthe Mirage III/5 or 50 but an entirely new aircraft with advanced interceptor controls. Inits secondary ground-attack role, the Mirage 2000 carries laser guided missiles rocketsand bombs. There is a two-seat version of this aircraft, the 2000N (Penetration) which hasnuclear standoff capability.

The wings are low-mounted delta with clipped tips. There is one turbofan enginemounted in the fuselage. There are semicircular air intakes alongside the fuselageforward of the wings. There is a large, single exhaust which protrudes past the tail. Thefuselage is tube-shaped with a pointed nose and a bubble canopy. There are no tail flats.The fin is swept-back and tapered with a clipped tip.

The Mirage 2000-5 is a multi-role single-seater or two seater fighter. It differs from itspredecessors mainly in its avionics; its new multiple target air-to-ground and air-to-airfiring procedures linked to the use of RDY radar and its new visualization and controlsystem. As a multi-role combat aircraft with versatile air-to-air mission capabilities, theMirage 2000-5 integrates the state-of-the-art of the know-how based on the experiencegained from the previous Mirage 2000 versions (Mirage 2000 DA, Mirage 2000 E,Mirage 2000 D) and is designed for the most-advanced armaments.

The Mirage 2000 D, derived from the Mirage 2000N operated by the French Air Force, isa two-seater air-to-ground attack aircraft. The Mirage 2000D tactical penetration two-seater fighter carries air-to-ground high precision weapons which can be fired at a safedistance, by day or by night. Its navigation and attack system enable it to fly in anyweather conditions, hugging the terrain at a very low altitude. Beyond the nuclear-weapons capabilities adopted for the Mirage 2000 N, the Mirage 2000 D armamentincludes laser-guided weapons, low-drag bombs, and the aircraft can also carry theAPACHE cruise missile. The Mirage 2000 D geometrical characteristics and the mainperformance data are the same as those of the Mirage 2000-5.

SpecificationsCountries of Origin France

Builder team : Dassault Aviation, SNECMA, Thomson-CSF

First flight : March, 1978 [Mirage 2000C]February, 1991 [Mirage 2000D]

In-service in the FrenchAir Force :

Summer 1983 [Mirage 2000C]April, 1993 [Mirage 2000D]

Similar Aircraft Mirage III/5Kfir

Viggen

CrewOneMirage 2000N & 2000D -- two [ 1 pilot + 1navigation and weapon officer]

RoleInterceptor [Mirage 2000C]All weather night and day missions such asBattlefield Air Interdiction (BAI) [Mirage 2000D]

Major operationalcapabilities :

[Mirage 2000D]Automated terrain following at very high speed andvery low altitudeAll-weather night and day bombing capabilityHigh precision all weather day/night bombing withThomson-CSF PDL-CT

Length 50 ft, 3 in (14.36 m)

Span 29 ft, 5 in (9.13 m)

Height 5.30 meters

Empty Weight 7,600 kg [Mirage 2000C]

Maximum Weight 16,500 kg

Maximal armamentweight :

5,900 kg [Mirage 2000C]6,200 kg (9 store stations) [Mirage 2000D]

Power plant / Thrust : SNECMA M 53 P2 jet engine / 9.7 t with afterburner

Maximum Speed Mach 1,2 [low altitude]Mach 2,2 [high altitude]

Rate of Climb 17,000 m/min

Ceiling Above 50,000 ft / 16,500 m

Combat Radius

800 nm (1,475 km) w/4 250-kg bombs1,000 nm (1,850 km) w/2 1,700-liter drop tanks1,800 nm (3,335 km) max fuel w/2 1,700-liter + 1 1,300-liter drop tanks

In-Flight Refueling Yes

Fuel capacity : [Mirage 2000C]3,950 l internal / 8,000 l maximal / in-flightrefuelling

[Mirage 2000D]3,1 t internal / 6,2 t maximal / In-flight refuelling

Sensors RDI radar (interceptor), RWR, Advanced bombsight

Drop Tanks

1700 L drop tank 1358 kg of fuel for 188 nm ofrange1300 L drop tank 1038 kg of fuel for 144 nm ofrange

Armament

Cannon : 2 GIAT DEFA 554 de 30 mmAir-air : missiles MICA, Magic 2, Super530F,Super 530D Sky Flash.Air-ground bombs : BGL 1000, BM400, BAP 100Air-ground missiles : Durandal, Belouga, Armat,Apache, Scalp, AS30L, AM39, ASMPTYPICAL LOADS2 AM.39 Exocet, 1 1300 L drop Tank (855 nm)1 1300 L drop tank, 2 ARMAT, 2 R.550 Magic (885nm)1 1300 L drop tank, 2R.500 Magic, 2 R.530D (885nm)4 Belouga, 2 1700 L drop tank, 2 R.550 Magic (1094nm)18 EU2 250 kg bombs (756 nm)

Special equipment : [Mirage 2000C]Thomson-CSF RDI radar (pulse doppler), lookdown-shoot down capacity, integrated electroniccounter-measures, fly-by-wire, automatic pilot,inertial guidance system

[Mirage 2000D]Fly-by-wire system, 2 inertial navigation systems,Thomson-CSF Antilope 5 terrain following radar,Icare digital map, integrated GPS, integratedcountermeasures, laser designation pod with thermalcamera (PDL-CT)

NATOinteroperability :

Protected radiocommunications, identification friendor foe, in-flight refuelling by NATO aircraft,armament and ammunitions in accordance withNATO standards

Number of unitsproduced :

526 (all types of Mirage 2000 included)

French Air Forceinventory :

80 aircraft in 4 squadrons [Mirage 2000C]60 aircraft in 3 squadrons [Mirage 2000C]

User Countries(all types of Mirage 2000

EgyptFrance

included) GreeceIndiaPeruQatarTaiwanUnited Arab Emirates

RafaleThe Rafale program is composed of three versions of multi-purpose twin-engine combataircraft -- the single-seater air version Rafale C, two-seater air version Rafale B andsingle-seater navy version Rafale M. These three versions are fitted with the same engine,the same navigation and attack system, the aircraft management system and the flightcontrol system. They are all able to perform all types of missions from ground attack toair superiority.The first production aircraft Rafale B1 flew for the first time 04 December 1998 and wasdelivered to the French Air Force. Firm orders by the French Government are now up to atotal of 61 aircraft to be delivered from 1998 to 2005. The total programme for France,Air Force and Navy, is set at 294 aircraft.Directly derived from the slightly smaller RAFALE A demonstrator, the three versions ofthe RAFALE retain all those qualities which have today been proven in flight : 750 kt, 9g/-3.6 g, 32° maximum angle of attack, 115 kt approach speed, take off and landing inless than 400 meters. These qualities and performances stem from the "delta-canard"aerodynamic concept combining a delta wing and an active foreplane judiciously locatedin relation to the wing so as to optimize aerodynamic efficiency and stability controlwithout impeding the pilot's visibility. Moreover, shapes and materials have beencontinuously selected to minimized the aircraft observability to both electro-magnetic andinfra-red sensors.The Rafale C is a multirole fighter with a fully integrated weapons and navigationsystems, making use of the latest technology and is capable of outstanding performanceon multiple target air-to-air missions and air-to-surface missions deep behind enemylines.

The two-seater Rafale B retains most of the elements of the single-seater version, and itsweapon and navigation system is exactly the same; the Rafale B can perform anyoperational mission with a lon pilot or with a crew consisting of two pilots or of one pilotand a weapons system operator.

The Rafale M, a single-seater designed for seaborne use, carries the same weapon andnavigation system. Its airframe has been designed for aircraft-carriers but retains most ofthe elements of the other versions.

SpecificationsCountry France

Type Intercept

Crew Single or twin seater

Engine 2 x 16550 lb.

BME 20950 lb.

Max ramp weight 49560 lb.

Ceiling na

Take-off landing < 1300 ft

Cruise range 1000 nm

In-Flight Refueling Yes

Internal Fuel 4250 kg

External stores 13215 lb. to 17620 lb.

Air version 14 hard points

Navy version 13 hard points

Sensors RDX LD/SD radar, FLIR, LRMTS, RWR, Advancedbombsight

Drop Tanks 2000 L Drop tank with 1598 kg for 188nm of range

Armament Cannon: 1 30mm DEFA 554Mica, R.550 Magic 2, BGL 400

SUPER ETENDARDThe Super Etendard is a carrier-based single-seat strike fighter first introduced intoservice in 1978. It is an updated version of the Etendard IVM. Based on experiencegained during the Korean war (1950-53), French authorities drew up specifications for alight interceptor. This definition was rapidly assimilated into a program for a light tacticalbomber that could also fulfil an air superiority mission. At the same time, NATOpublished its requirements for the LWTSF (Light Weight Tactical Strike Fighter). Inresponse, the Dassault company presented its Mirage and Etendard aircraft.To meet the needs of both national and NATO programs, Dassault carried over theaerodynamic design of its Super-Mystère, applying it to smaller aircraft equipped withpower plants that could reach transonic speeds without afterburners. This led to thedesign of the Mystère XXII (Etendard II), Mystère XXIV (Etendard IV) and MystèreXXVI (Etendard VI), developments which were remarkable for improving lift so thattake-off and landing became possible at reduced speeds.The Etendard IV M was the first naval aircraft developed by Dassault. The Etendard IVM made its maiden flight 21st May 1958 at Melun-Villaroche (the Seine-et-Marne regionof France). The wings of the aircraft are mid-mounted, swept-back, and tapered withblunt tips there are sawtooth in the leading edges. There is one turbojet engine inside thebody. There are semicircular air intakes below the canopy and a single exhaust. Thefuselage has a long, pointed nose. The body bulges at the air intakes and tapers to therear. There is a bubble canopy well forward on the nose. The dorsal spine extends fromthe cockpit to midbody. The tail is large, swept-back, and tapered tail fin with curved tip.The flats are low- to mid-mounted on the tail fin, swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips.Between 1961 and 1965, the French Navy took delivery of 69 Etendard IV M's and 21Etendard IV P's. The Etendard IV M continued in service in the French Navy until July1991. These aircraft logged a total of 180,000 flying hours and made 25,300 carrierlandings. Even today, there are still several Etendard IV P's and IV PM's in service.

The naval single-seater combat aircraft, Dassault Super-Etendard, is a modernizedversion of the Etendard IV M. Main modifications include updating of the weaponssystem through the installation (a first for a French production aircraft) of a modernnavigation and combat management system. The aircraft prototype made its maiden flight28 October 1974 at Istres (the Bouches-du-Rhône region of France).

The French Navy commissioned the plane for the first time in 1977 and 71 aircraft arenow in service on the aircraft carriers Foch and Clemenceau. This plane, armed withExocet missiles and flown by Argentinian pilots (14 aircraft), proved its combateffectiveness during the Malvinas [Falklands] war with Britain in 1982.The Super-Etendard will be replaced by the naval version of the multi-role combataircraft Rafale at the beginning of the 21st century.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin France

Builder DASSAULT-BREGUET

First flight May 1958 Etendard IVOctober 1990 (Upgraded Super Etendard)

In-service in theFrench Navy

1964 Etendard IVJune 1993 (Upgraded Super Etendard)

Similar Aircraft

Fantan AMitsubishi F-1Mirage F1Yak-38 Forger

Crew One

Role strikefighter

Span 31 ft, 6 in / 9.60 meters

Length 47 ft / 14.31 meters

Height 3.85 meters

Range 750-1080 nautical miles

Endurance 1h45 to 2h15 with réservoir supplémentaire

SpeedMach 1,3 (@ 11 000 m)Mach 0,97 (@ low altitude)

Ceiling 45,000 feet / 13700 meters

Weight 11.90 tonnes (6.25 à vide).

In-Flight Refueling Yes

Internal Fuel 2612 kg

Payload 2100 kg w/full int fuel

Power plant / Thrust SNECMA 8 K50 jet engine / 5 t

Armament two 30-mm gunsAir-to-ground middle range missile (ASMP)Exocet air-to-surface Aerospatiale missileMatra Magic 2 air-to-air missileAS30 air-to-surface laser-guided missilerocketsfree fall and parachute drag bombs

laser-guided bombs

Systems radar Anémonenacelle Atlisdétecteur Sherlocbrouilleur BarracudaDrax radar detectorBarracuda and Phimat jamming podsleurres Alkan 5081rear flare dispenser

Special equipment 6 Oméra 31 cameras (100, 150, 200 and 600 mm)

Drop Tanks

600 L drop tank with 479kg of fuel for 99nm ofrange625 L drop tank with 499kg of fuel for 103nm ofrange1100 L drop tank with 879kg of fuel for 182nm ofrange

Engine 1 SNECMA 8K50 @ 5 tonnes thrust

Sensors Agave radar, RWR, ballistic bombsight

User Country ArgentinaFrance

Number of unitsproduced 85 (all types of Super Etendard included)

French Navyinventory

52 Super Etendard in two squadrons5 Etendard IV P

TORNADO (BAe)Designed and built as a collaborative project in the UK, Germany and Italy, the Tornadois in service with all three air forces and the German Navy. Tornado is also in service inSaudi Arabia and Oman. It is a twin-seat, twin-engined, variable geometry aircraft and issupersonic at all altitudes. The design authority for the Tornado is Panavia, the tri-national consortium which comprises British Aerospace, DASA of Germany and theItalian firm Alenia.

The wings of the the aircraft are high-mounted, variable, swept-back, and tapered withangular, blunt tips. There are two turbofan engines inside the body. The air intakes arediagonal and box-like alongside the fuselage forward of the wing roots. There are twinexhausts. The fuselage is solid and has a needle nose. The body thickens midsection andtapers to the tail section. There is a bubble cockpit. The tail is tall, swept-back, and has atapered fin with a curved tip and a step in the leading edge. The flats are large, mid-mounted on the body, swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips.

The Tornado GR1 strike/attack aircraft is capable of carrying a wide range ofconventional stores, including the JP233 anti-airfield weapon, the ALARM anti-radarmissile, and laser-guided bombs. The reconnaissance version, designated the GR1A,retains the full operational capability of the GR1. The GR1B, equipped with Sea Eagleair-to-surface missiles, undertakes the anti-surface shipping role. For self-defence, theTornado carries Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and is fitted with twin internal 27mmcannons.

The GR1 originated from a UK Staff Requirement in 1969, calling for a medium-range,low-level, counter-air strike aircraft, with the further capabilities of interdiction andreconnaissance. The Tornado first saw action during the Gulf conflict of 1991, whenseveral were lost as a result of daring ultra-low-level missions to close Iraqi airfields. Theproliferation of anti-aircraft defences in Iraq, Bosnia and elsewhere that the UK might becalled on to operate has meant that the standard GR1 is in danger of not being able tofulfil the covert deep penetration operations that it was designed for. Furthermore theadvance of air-delivered weapons has meant that strike aircraft need to become ever moresophisticated, especially given the fears of ‘collateral damage’ or accidentally hittingcivilian targets.

The Tornado F3 air defence fighter has an 80% commonality with the Tornado GR1strike/attack aircraft. The Tornado F3 is optimised for long-range interception, for whichit carries four Skyflash radar-guided missiles and four AIM 9-L Sidewinder infra-redhoming air-to-air missiles, plus an internally-mounted 27mm Mauser cannon. TornadoF3s are being equipped with the new Joint Tactical Information Distribution System.Operating in conjunction with E-3D Sentry airborne early warning aircraft and otherallied fighters, the system gives an unprecedented picture of the air battle, includinginformation obtained by other sensors in other fighters or AEW aircraft. The crew can

thus select its own target and move to within 'kill' distance without using the fighter'sown search radar with its position-revealing signature until the very last moment.The Tornado GR1A is a world leader in the field of all-weather, day and night tacticalreconnaissance. The GR1A has no cannons mounted in the forward fuselage. Replacingthese are a Sideways Looking Infra-Red system and a Linescan infra-red surveillancesystem.

Originally intended for use in Central Europe, interdicting Warsaw Pact armouredcolumns and operating in the counter-air role against enemy airfields, the GR1 is nowfacing a more challenging future, with improved air defences to face and more difficulttargets to engage. The GR1 Mid-Life Update (MLU) is intended to enhance thecapabilities of many of the GR1 fleet, allowing a wider range of missions in all weathersand permitting the use of the advanced, so-called ‘smart’ munitions now available. Thenew version will be known as the Tornado GR4.

A mid-life update program was completed by the end of 1998 which, as well asenhancing survivability and operational effectiveness, to give the aircraft the capability tocarry advanced weapons such as the anti-armor weapon 'Brimstone' and the stand-offattack missile 'Storm Shadow'. The updated aircraft is designated Tornado GR4. The lastof the updates is scheduled for early 2003. The MLU will allow the RAF’s Tornados toserve well into the next century until they are eventually replaced by the Future OffensiveAir System (FOAS). The airframe’s life is to be extended as a result of more advancedtechnology and this will avoid the necessity of expensive refits or the acquisition of newaircraft.

Both offensive and defensive capabilities will be enhanced on the GR4, including a newForward-Looking Infra Red (FLIR) system and Night Vision Goggles (NVG), laserdesignation facilities to allow the precision bombing that characterised the recent Gulfconflicts, plus a Defensive Aids sub-system to protect the aircraft from Surface to AirMissiles and radar-directed anti-aircraft guns. New avionics improve navigation andflight performance, including the installation of a Global Positioning System. In additionto the existing range of weaponry, such as laser-guided bombs and anti-radar missiles, theGR4 will be able to operate new and development equipment such as the Storm Shadowstand-off attack missile.

The GR4s will all be capable of using the Sea Eagle anti-shipping missile, whereas onlythe relatively small numbers of Tornado GR1Bs are presently fitted for maritime strike.The actual payload, speed, altitude and other performance characteristics of the GR4 willremain much the same as for the GR1. What will change, however, is the overallcapability of the aircraft. The ability - literally - to see in the dark when using FLIR andNVG will permit GR4s to fly at terrain-following height, in close formation, withoutnavigation lights or radar emissions. In effect the GR4 is a more stealthy aircraft,enhancing its chances of covert deep penetration and surviving the mission. It is now anall-weather strike aircraft, an important factor in Europe.

The overall cost of the Tornado MLU is currently estimated to be £850 million. The firstdelivery was achieved on time on 31 October 1997 and the aircraft formally enteredservice on 30 September 1998. As of February 1999, 26 GR4s had been delivered to theRAF, from a total number of 142 planned updates. Thirty-two of this number will betraining variants, capable of the range of missions that the standard GR4s carry out, butfitted with dual flight controls. Some 26 GR4s will be designated GR4A, being dedicatedreconnaissance aircraft equipped with sophisticated equipment built into the airframe.Since only the RAF currently intends operating GR4, the actual MLU work is undertakenwithin the UK. The RAF at St Athan in Wales carries out preliminary work and then themain conversion is undertaken at BAe Warton in Lancashire.

SpecificationsCountry Germany, Italy, United Kingdom

Manufacturer Panavia Aircraft GmbH, Am Söldnermoos 17, 85399Hallbergmoos, GermanyPhone: 0049/811/801238, Fax: 0049/811/801386

Crew Pilot, WSO

Armament Two internal 27-mm Mauser cannon with 180 rounds per gunplus more than 9000 kg of external stores on sevenhardpoints, including SidewinderTexas Instruments HARMHughes AGM-65 MaverickBritish Aerospace ALARMLaser guided bombs like PavewayBombs up to 450 kgMW-1 munitions dispenserMatra ApacheNuclear freefall bombs

Power plant 2 x Turbo-Union RB199-34R turbofansThrust: 38,7 kN (8700 lbs) dry and 66 kN (14480 lbs) withafterburner

Dimensions Length: 16,72 mHeight: 5,95 mSpan: 13,91 m fully forward, 8,60 m fully sweptWing area: 26,6 sqm

Weights Empty weight: approx. 13890 kgMax. external load: over 9000 kgMax. fuel: 4660 kg (5100 kg in RAF and Saudi AF aircraft)Max. take-off weigth: approx. 28000 kg

Performance Max. speed : 1,452mph (2,336km/h) at 36,000ft (11,000m)Max. speed : Mach 2.2 at altitude

Max. speed with external stores: Mach 0.92 (1110 km/h)Rate of climb: Time to 30000 ft (9150 m) less than 2 minTake-off field length: 900 m or lessLanding run: 370 mFerry range: approx. 3900 kmRadius of action: 1390 km (750 NM) with heavy load, hi-lo-lo-hig-limit (g-Limit): + 7,5

Customers The IDS (interdictor-strike) version of Tornado is in service withthe Royal Air Force, Luftwaffe, German Navy, Italian Air Forceand Royal Saudi Air Force.

A400M Future Large Aircraft - FLAAvion de Transport Futur - ATFThe A400M is a military transport aircraft designed to meet the requirements of eightEuropean Air Forces (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and theUnited Kingdom) to replace their fleets of C-130 Hercules and C-160 Transall. Theseaircraft are currently in service and will become obsolete in the next century. With theA400M, the goal is to standardize Europe's fleet of tactical transports. The relativelylarger production run allows greater production rates which will then reduce the pricesper aircraft for airframe, engines and spare parts. Moreover, this will provide for animproved interoperability level and the option of consolidating major maintenanceoperations in a joint industrial consortium. The harmonized military requirements of eightcountries have been published in the "European Staff Requirement" (ESR). The totalnumber of aircraft required by these countries amounts to approx. 300.

CASA, Aerospatiale, Airbus, Alenia, British Aerospace, DASA, Flabel, Ogma and TAIare taking part in A400M (anteriormente FLA, Future Large Aircraft) programme underthe management of Airbus Military. The new company's responsibility is to manage thedevelopment program of the Airbus A400M military transport, formerly known as theFLA (Future Large Aircraft). The new designation denotes that the aircraft is the first of anew series of military transports, complementary to the existing range of civil airlinersproduced by Airbus Industrie.

The A400M has a classic high wing configuration, fuselage with ramp and large reardoor, high flotation retractable landing gear and "T" tail. Its four turboprops provide itwith a cruise speed of 0.72 mach at altitudes of up to 40,000 feet. Its cabin is 22.65 mlong, including the ramp, 4 m wide at floor level and 3.85 m high, making it suitable forthe transport of bulky cargo like helicopters, heavy vehicles, missile batteries and lightvehicles placed side by side.The A400M will offer longer range, higher payload and capacity, faster cruise speed, andimproved levels of tactical performance compared to the aircraft it will replace. Throughthe use of proven advanced technology developed by Airbus Industrie and its partnercompanies, the A400M will also bring commercial levels of reliability and cost-effectiveness to military airlift operations.In June 1999 the M138 engine won in Airbus Industrie's downselect on engines to powerits emerging A400M military transport. The M138 is jointly developed and manufacturedby Snecma (France), MTU München (Germany), FiatAvio (Italy) and ITP (Spain). TheM138's core is identical to that of Snecma's M88, which powers the French Rafalecombat aircraft. The M138 also incorporates technologies matured under the AdvancedDucted Propfan (ADP) demonstrator project.Delivery of the first series aircraft could be made in the year 2005. An importantargument in favor of the A400M is the changed geopolitical situation on account ofwhich crisis-oriented and quick-reaction air transport increasingly gains in importance.As a result, the demand for transport aircraft for humanitarian and military applications,

as for instance for UNO and NATO missions, continues to grow. Another reason lies inthe fact that transporters such as the Transall C-160 and the Hercules C-130 which todayare in operation throughout Europe will gradually have to be replaced with new aircraft.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) issued by the British Government in July 1998made a very strong case for the need for a dramatically improved air transport capabilityto support the proposed Joint Rapid Reaction Forces. However, as of early 1999 theFrench Air Force was considering a range of options for a new military transport aircraft,including the Airbus Future Large Aircraft, the Russian An-70 and a mix of C-17s and C-130Js. Lockheed Martin has proposed the C-130J-30 to Belgium, France, Spain and theUK in competition with the proposed European Airbus A400M. The European homemarket for FLA represents some 300 aircraft. Outside Europe a sizeable market can beidentified for a military transport aircraft in the FLA category.

SpecificationsDimensions

Length 42.00 m 137´ 9"

Wing Span 41.40 m 135´ 10"

Cabin Length 22.65 m 74´ 4"

Cabin Height 3.85 m 12´ 8"

Cabin Width 4.00 m 13´ 1"

Weights

Maximum Take-off Weight 110.850 kg 244,378 lb

Maximum Landing Weight N/A

Maximum Payload 25,000 kg 55,115 lb

Maximum Fuel N/A

Number of Fully Equipped Troops 105

Number of 88"x108" Pallets 9

Performances

Maximum Speed 422 ktas<

Maximum Cruising Speed Mach 0.68

Take-off Distance (S/L, ISA, MTOW at 50ft) < 1,067 m < 3,500´

Landing Distance (S/L, ISA, MTOW at 50 ft) < 1,067 m < 3,500´

Maximum Range 7,593 km 4,100 nm

Range with Full Load 4,000 km 2,100 nm

Power Plant

Number and Model 4 (BR700-TP)

Power per unit 9500 SHP / 10,000 CV

C-160 TRANSALL (AEROSPATIALE,MBB)The Transall C-160 first flew in 1963. Production was completed in 1972, but in 1977 theprogram was reinstated to produce a “new generation” C-160 for France. The last ofthese new generation aircraft entered service in 1987. The wings are high-mounted andequally tapered outboard of the engines with blunt tips. Two turboprop engines aremounted under and extend beyond the wings’ leading edges. The fuselage is long, thick,and tapered to the rear with a round, solid nose, stepped cockpit and upswept tail section.The tail flats are mid-mounted on a thinned body, equally tapered with blunt tips. The finis tall and tapered with a blunt tip and a fairing in the leading edge.

C-160 Gabriel

The C-160 Gabriel configures an ELINT subsystem provided by Thomson-CSF Radars& Contre-Mesures for detection, analysis and location of radar sources with a COMINTsubsystem provided by Thomson-CSF Communications for detection, interception,classification, listening-in, analysis and location of radio transmitters. Thomson-CSFRadars & Contre-Mesures has developed complete SIGINT electronic intelligencesystems for integration on board aircraft such as DC-8, Boeing 707, C-160, Transall andC-130.

Typical mission Electronic andphotointelligence

Builder team : Aerospatiale /Thomson-CSF

First flight : April 1981

In-service inFrench AirForce :

19891 intelligencefleet with 2 C-160 Gabriel(Metz)

Maximumspeed :

515 kph at16,000 ft

Crew : 14 including 9operators

C-160 Gabriel

Specialequipment :

Electromagneticintelligencegathering

device

Main usercountries :

Noauthorisationfor exportation

NATOinteroperability :

Yes

SpecificationsCountry of Origin France, Germany

Builder team : Transall : French-German co-operation Aerospatiale -DASA MBB

New Transall : Aerospatiale / Atelier Industriel del’Aéronautique de Clermont-Ferrand

First flight : February, 1962 (first batch) / April, 1981 (secondbatch)

In-service in FrenchAir Force :

August, 1967 for the C 130 F (first batch) / April, 1982for the C 130 NG (second batch)/ May, 1994 for the C160 R (retrofited avionics for both batches)

Role Transport, cargo (93 equipped troops, tactical vehicles),airdrop, EW, surveillance, airborne command

Similar Aircraft G.222, C-123 Provider, Aviocar C-212, C-130Hercules, An-12 Cub

Wing Span 131 ft, 3 in (40 m)

Length 106 ft, 3 in (32.4 m)

Height 11.67 m

Net weight /Maximum weight attakeoff :

29 t / 51 t

Fuel capacity : 19,500 l at takeoff / 26,000 l after in-flight refuelling

Power plant /Thrust :

Turbo-prop Rolls-Royce Tyne 22 / 2 x 5,665 HP

Maximum speed 515 kph at 16,000 ft

Cruising speed

Range

Service Ceiling 26,000 ft

Armament Usually none

Special equipment : Computer-operated navigation with inertial navigationsystem and GPS, communication system with centralcommand

Crew : 2 pilots, 1 navigator, 1 engineer, 1 cabin operator

Major operationalcapabilities :

Night tactical flights at low altitude with night visiongoggles

Transport of passengers and freight to short and ill-prepared fields

NATOinteroperability :

Protected radiocommunications, identification friend orfoe

Cost

User Countries France, Germany, South Africa, Turkey

Number of unitsproduced :

122 (including 66 retrofited for France)

French Air Forceinventory :

66 (including 42 in 4 tactical transport squadrons)

AVIOCAR C-212 (CASA)The CASA C-212 AVIOCAR 100 is a two turbo propeller engine aircraft, for lighttransportation, with a metal structure, high wing, with a fixed tricycle landing gear andpropellers with a variable and reversible pitch. The AVIOCAR may use short runways, atboth take off and landing: Short Take-off and Landing (STOL). The C-212 is CASA'sanswer to the needs of different Air Forces in the field of light military transport and canoperate in areas lacking in infrastructure and on unpaved runways. The C-212 wasdesigned with high-wing configuration and fixed landing gear, and is fitted with turbo-prop engines, STOL characteristics and incorporates simple and reliable systems.

The wings are high-mounted and unequally tapered from midwing to the square tips. Twoturboprop engines are mounted in pods under the wings’ leading edges. The thick, cigar-shaped fuselage has a flat bottom and upswept rear section, with a stepped cockpit. Thefuselage comprises two areas: the cockpit and the cargo compartment. The cargocompartment can carry 18 passengers and their luggage, or 16 parachutists fully equiped,or 2.000 Kg of diversified cargo, including road vehicles. For medical evacuations, 12stretches and two seats can be mounted. The tail fin is equally tapered with a square tipand straight fairing in the leading edge. The flats are mid-mounted on the body andtapered with square tips. Its cabin, open along the whole of the length of the plane, iscomplemented by the rear ramp which enables different logistic transport tasks to becarried out. The rear ramp can be opened, while on the ground, to load and unload, or inflight, for the launching of cargo, survival equipment or parachutists.

The CASA C-212 AVIOCAR 300 is a high wing, twin engine, totally metallic and with anon retractable tricycle landing gear. It is equipped to fly under VMC conditions (visualflight) or IMC conditions (flight by instruments). It has similar characteristics to those ofthe CASA C-212-100 AVIOCAR, being, however, longer and more powerful. When inoperations of maritime surveillance, and due to it's on board equipment, these aircraft areequipped to detect any illegal activities and, simultaneously, any signs of ocean pollution.In addition to those activities, they can still carry out the direct electronic measurement ofthe water surface temperature for economical and scientific purposes as well as aerialphotography missions.

The new C-212-400 is fitted with a the latest version of the Allied Signal TPE-331-12JRengine which improves the aircraft's hot and high performance levels. Its cargo capacity -2,950 kg. or 25 paratroopers or 12 stretchers and 4 medics, combat aircraft engines,helicopter blades, etc. - mean that the plane can be fully integrated into the logisticaltransport system of any air force. New avionics incorporate electronic flight instrumentssystem (EFIS) on four screens along with presentation of engine parametres and, in orderto improve maintenance, the control of the most important of these systems via theInformation and Engine Data System (IEDS) which controls and also displays the oldwarning panel. The C-212 is a platform for developing and integrating a wide variety ofversions such as the Maritime Patroller (Patrullero), Electronic Warfare (ESM/ECM andELINT/COMINT), Navigation School, Photogrammetry, etc.

The C-212 PATRULLERO was designed to meet the diverse mission needs of ArmedForces worldwide. For operation from remote areas equipped with short and unpavedairfields, the PATRULLERO incorporates simple yet highly reliable systems, a high-wing, fixed landing gear, and a rear cargo door and ramp. The success of this design issustained by the 54 maritime version aircraft operated by 14 customers in 10 countries.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin Spain

Builder

Role STOL, light-utility transport (18 equipped troops, lighttactical vehicles), airdrop

Similar Aircraft C-160 Transall, C-123 Provider, G.222

Wing Span 62 ft, 4 in (19.12 m) / 20,3 m (212-300)

Length 49 ft, 9 in (15.18 m) / 16,1 m (212-300)

Height 6,29 m

Weight4.200 Kg base weight6.500 Kg Max. takeoff weight8.100 Kg Max. takeoff weight (212-300)

Engine

Two turbo propeller engines supplying 715 HP each, atsea level2 GARRETT turbo propeller engines, supplying apower of 925 HP each, at sea level (212-300)

Maximum speed 370 Km/h

Cruising speed 275 Km/h

Endurance 05 Hr 40 min

Service Ceiling 9,900 m

Distance of takeoff 400 m / 895 m (212-300)

Landing distance 300 m / 865 m (212-300)

Armament Usually none

Crew Two

Cost

User CountriesAngola, Chad, Equatorial New Guinea, Ghana, Mexico,Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Saudi Arabia,Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Venezuela

CN-235The CN-235 is a high-wing, pressurised, twin turbo-prop plane with STOL performancethat can carry a maximum payload of 6,000 kg. Its maximum cruising speed is 240 Ktasand it has a range of 2,250 nautical miles with a payload of 3,550 kg. The CN-235 hasbeen conceived for tactical military transport and is capable of operating from unpavedrunways and has excellent low level flying characteristics for tactical penetration. Itslarge cargo hold and hydraulically operated rear ramp allow easy access for vehicletransport, standard 88´´ x 108´´ pallets, making it the ideal complement to the HerculesC-130. It can carry most combat aircraft engines and may also be subjected to a quickchange configuration. The CN-235 can be used to transport up to 48 paratroopers whomay jump out either of the two side doors or the rear ramp. The CN-235 is able to carryout high and low altitude (HAD, LAPES) in-flight drops distribution of up to four tons ofsupplies to forward troops. On medical evacuation missions, the plane can transport up to21 stretchers, with four medics.Although the CN-235 was initially the result of cooperation between CASA and ITPN ofIndonesia, CASA has developed its own series and versions, with increases in weights,ground performance improvements, etc. CASA's aircraft is therefore the product ofcontinuous development, not just in the military sphere, but also in civil areas and this isillustrated by the fact of having been approved by the FAA, FAR-25, JAR-25 and theAustralian CAA among others. The CN-235 is the ideal platform for the development andintegration of a wide variety of versions like the Maritime Patrol Version (PERSUADER)Electronic Warfare (ESM/ECM and ELINT/COMINT), Early Warning, NavigationSchool, Photogrammetry, etc. The CN-235 is a leader in its class, with more than 220aircraft sold to 29 operators and about 500,000 flight hours

SpecificationsCountry of Origin

Builder

Role

Dimensions

Length 21.40 m 70´ 2"

Wing Span 25.81 m 84´ 8"

Cabin Length 9.65 m 31´ 8"

Cabin Height 1.90 m 6´ 3"

Cabin Width 2.70 m 8´ 11"

Weights

Maximum Take-off Weight 16,500 kg 36,376 lb

Maximum Landing Weight 16,500 kg 36,376 lb

Maximum Payload 6,000 kg 13,227 lb

Maximum Fuel 5,220 l 1,378 US Gall

Number of Fully Equipped Troops 57

Number of 88" x 108" Pallets 4

Performances

Maximum Cruising Speed 246 ktas

Take-off Distance (S/L, ISA, MTOW at 50 ft) 745 m 2,475´

Landing Distance (S/L, ISA, MTOW at 50 ft) 603 m 1,979´

Maximum Range 5,000 km 2,700 nm

Range with Full Load 1,300 km 700 nm

Power Plant

Number/Model 2 General Electric CT7-9C3

Power per unit 1,750 CV

C-295The CASA C-295 retains the basic characteristics of the CN-235 while providing for50% more payload (9,700 Kg) over the same range and is able to transport up to 78troops, five 88´´ x 108´´ standard pallets or up to 27 stretchers for medical evacuation.The basic modifications are the addition of six new frames so that the total length of thecabin is increased by 3 m., now reaching 12.69 m. and the wing fuel capacity has beenincreased and the wing structure has also been strengthened to bear the new weights.From a performance point of view, the CASA C-295 has a cruising speed of 260 KTAS,a cruising altitude of 25,000 and a range of 730 nautical miles with a maximum payloadof 9,700 kg. The landing gear are modified to sustain additional weight so that the take-off and landing maximums are equalised in order to allow immediate landing after anaborted take-off. In addition, the twin-wheeled nose gear provides operationalimprovements on unpaved runways. CASA markets an entire family of transport aircraftthat goes from the C-212 with 3 tons, through the CN-235 at 6 tons, up to the C-295 with9.7 tons.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin

Builder

Dimensions

Length 24.45 m 80´ 3"

Wing Span 25.81 m 84´ 8"

Cabin Length 12.69 m 41´ 7"

Cabin Height 1.90 m 6´ 3"

Cabin Width 2.70 m 8´ 11"

Weights

Maximum Take-offWeight 23,200 kg 51,146 lb

Maximum LandingWeight 23,200 kg 51,146 lb

Maximum Payload 9,700 kg 21,385 lb

Maximum Fuel 7,650 l 2,019 US Gal

Number of FullyEquipped Troops 78

Number of 88´ x 5

108´ Pallets

Performances

Maximum CruisingSpeed 260 ktas

Take-off distance(S/L, ISA, MTOW at50 ft)

962 m 3,156´

Landing Distance(S/L, ISA, MTOW at50 ft)

774 m 2,541´

Maximum Range 5,278 km 2,850 nm

Range with fullLoad 1,333 km 720 nm

Multi Role Transport (MRT)Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)The Airbus A310 MRT for the German Air Force is a joint project of DaimlerChryslerAerospace Airbus GmbH and Lufthansa Technik. The MRT - Multi Role Transport - canfulfil a wide range of different transport tasks with just one aircraft type. The concept isbased on conversions of Airbus A310-300 commercial aircraft, which are already inworldwide operation. Standardized kits - including all systems for transport tasks - areused for the conversion in accordance with customer requirements.The Multi-Role Transport (MRT) version will be realized by the conversion of Airbuspassenger aircraft by means of DaimlerChrysler Aerospace Airbus conversion kits. Inthree versions, the aircraft can fulfil the tasks passenger/personnel transport, combinedcargo and passenger/personnel transport, or conduct ambulance flights for ill, hurt orwounded persons (MEDEVAC). All versions offer the advantages of modern, economicand proven medium-to-long-range widebody aircraft and are capable of performingtransport tasks at favorable operating costs. At the same time, the fleet of transportaircraft is harmonized by having only one single aircraft type - including VIP versions.With this cargo combi version, a wide range of transport tasks can be covered:transporting personnel and cargo as well as conducting ambulance flights. The first orderof this kind will be an A310 Multi-Role Transport (MRT) performed for the German AirForce in 1998. The integration of a tanker kit for air-to-air refueling by means of AirbusIndustrie conversion kits will also be possible at a later date.The Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) concept provides for the use of the twin-jetA310 as a multi-purpose military transport and tanker. It is planned to enhance the MRTinto a Multi Role Tanker Transport for the German Air Force through the installation of atanker kit.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin

Builder

Role

Similar Aircraft

Length 144 ft 43.90 m

Wingspan 153 ft 46.66 m

Height 51 ft 15.80 m

Fuselage diameter 18 ft 5.64 m²

MTOW: Maximumtakeoff weight

346100 lb 157 t

Operating weight, 174150 lb 79 t

empty

Fuel capacityincl. one additionaltank 120800 lb 54.8 t

Max. cruise speed(MMo) 0.84 Mach

Max. cruise altitude 41000 ft 12500 m

Range with 214passengers 4450 nm 8250 km

Range of combiversion

-57 pass./ 30 t cargo 3400 nm 6300 km

-57 pass./ 10 t cargo 5100 nm 9450 km

Max. range 5700 nm 10560 km

Power Plant GE-CF6-80C2A2

Armament none

Crew

Cost

User Countries

Airborne Stand-Off Radar (ASTOR)Airborne Stand-Off Radar (ASTOR) is a ground surveillance system designed to provideinformation about the deployment and movement of enemy forces. It will use state-of-the-art radar technology to obtain high resolution imagery of static features and,operating in an alternate mode, it is capable of identifying and tracking moving vehicles.Imagery gathered will be transmitted in near-real-time to a network of distributed GroundStations deployed with the front-line forces. Facilities within the Ground Stations willpermit the display and analysis of imagery, thus ensuring that the tactical commandersare aware of the latest developments on the ground.Under the mid-1980s Staff Requirement (Land/Air) 925, an existing commercial businessjet aircraft was to be modified to carry the radar and air-to-ground data links. The aircraftis to be based on a modern, class-leading, large business jet. It will be able to operateabove 40,000 ft and have an endurance in excess of nine hours. The aircraft identified assuitable candidates for ASTOR were the Bombardier Global Express and the GulfstreamV.In June 1999 the UK Ministry of Defence selected Raytheon Systems Ltd, the UKsubsidiary of Raytheon Corporation, to build ASTOR. The deal, worth £800 million ($1.3billion), is one of the most intensely competed and thoroughly analyzed multi-missionprograms in business aviation history. Two UK-based teams, led by Lockheed MartinTactical Systems UK and Raytheon Systems Ltd, were in competion following receipt ofthe 1995 MoD project definition contracts. They were joined by a bid from NorthropGrumman for a deiravtive of the E-8 JSTARS mission systems package on a GulfstreamV.Major components of Raytheon's ASTOR program include the use of five Global Expressbusiness jets produced by Bombardier/Shorts. The aircraft are equipped with an advancedversion of the ASARS-2 radar technology, used on U-2 reconnaissance aircraft. TheGlobal Express offers numerous advantages over competing aircraft in its category andsets new standards in business aviation. These include the longest non-stop range incorporate aviation and a top cruise speed that reaches nearly the speed of sound, as wellas the largest cabin of any corporate aircraft. It also features the highest United Kingdomcontent by far – 36 per cent of the aircraft is manufactured in the United Kingdom.Bombardier Aerospace Shorts unit designs and manufactures 25 per cent of the GlobalExpress airframe in Belfast Motorola, the world's leader in advanced tactical groundstations, will provide ground systems. Motorola plans to build two types of groundstations for the ASTOR project: Operational Level Ground Stations (OLGSs) for large,centralized headquarters facilities and Tactical Ground Stations (TGSs) for highlymobile, tactical platforms.

The dual mode Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)/Moving Target Indicator (MTI) is themain sensor in the ASTOR system, enabling radar data to be available in near real timefor processing and exploitation both on the platform and the ground. This providesmonitoring of land-based targets to assess military capability and behaviour patterns.Targets can be classified at long range for interdiction, with wide area MTI surveillanceused to determine the position of a variety of vehicles travelling over a wide range of

radial velocities. The ASTOR Dual Mode Radar (DMR) is a developed version of theASARS 2 radar, Enhanced ASARS, which is currently in use with the U-2R.

ASTOR is not an airborne battle management or command and control system, such asJSTARs, although operators can analyze the imagery on board the aircraft, in the groundstations and at other military sites as ASTOR passes the information in near real-time.The system will provide a 24-hour, all weather, battlefield surveillance capability. Theradar range is such that the aircraft will be able to operate successfully at a safe 'Stand-off' distance behind the forward-edge-of-battle, greatly reducing the risk of loss to enemyaction. ASTOR will be able to interface with the proposed military communicationsarchitecture and to be interoperable with other NATO forces. It will be a new capabilityfor the UK Armed Forces, and the most advanced system of its kind anywhere in theworld when it enters service. It will be a vital force multiplier in the modern conflict,where speed of battle is such that up-to-date information is crucial if troops are to bedeployed effectively.

The ASTOR system is expected to comprise five aircraft and eight Ground Stations,together with comprehensive training and maintenance facilities at the main operatingbase. The equipment procurement costs will be approximately £800 million. The in-service date [ISD] will be 2004/5, assuming contract award late 1999. Bids for theASTOR contract have been received from Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman andRaytheon. The bids are currently under review and an announcement is expected in April.All the proposed system solutions make extensive use of commercially availableequipment to minimise risk and cost. Irrespective of the choice of eventual contractor,there will be a substantial UK industrial participation in the execution of the contract.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin UK

Builder Raytheon Systems Ltd [Hughes]

Role battlefield surveillance

Similar Aircraft Gulfstream IV SRA

Wing Span 94 ft

Wing Area 1,022 ft

Sweep 35 deg

Wing Aspect Ratio 8.55

Fuselage MaximumDiameter

8.83 ft

Length 99.42 ft

Height 24.83 ft

Weight

Maximum Ramp Weight 93,750 lbsMaximum Gross Takeoff Weight 93,500 lbsMaximum Landing Weight 78,600 lbsMaximum Zero Fuel Weight 56,000 lbs

Engine 2 BMW Rolls-Royce BR710 @ 14,750 lbst

Maximum speed Mach 0.89

Cruising speed Mach 0.80

Range 6,500 nm

Service Ceiling 51,000 ft

Armament none

Crew

Cost

User Countries UK

Br 1150 AtlantiqueMaritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA 2000)The Dassault-Breguet Atlantique is the long-range reconnaissance aircraft of the FrenchNavy. This long-range naval patrol aircraft is a European collaboration, built under thesupervision of Dassault Aviation. The Atlantique is the standard sea reconnaissanceaircraft and sub hunter in many NATO countries. It is fitted with antiship-missiles, ASW-weapons, sonar buoys and a magnetic anomaly detector [MAD].

Atlantic 1The Atlantic is an aircraft with a take-off weight of 43.5 metric tons, powered by twoTyne turboprop 5,500 hp engines. Its 12-man crew conducts missions that can last up to18 hours over flight distances of approximately 8,000 km, covered at a maximum speedof 650 km/h.On 14th December 1956, the members of the NATO Council stipulated that, as asuccessor to the American aircraft Lockheed P 2V-7 Neptune, they needed a long-rangemaritime reconnaissance and antisubmarine warplane. On 30th January 1959, the NATOArmaments Committee unanimously selected, out of the 21 projects presented, theBreguet Br 1150 Atlantic program. This aircraft is remarkable for being the onlymaritime patrol aeroplane in the world specially designed for its mission and not just aderivative of a commercial civil aircraft.Manufacturing work was divided between the four participating countries:

Breguet and Sud-Aviation in France; Fokker in the Netherlands; Dornier and Siebel in West Germany; SABCA, Fairey et Fabrique Nationale (FN) Herstal in Belgium.

The Tyne turboprop engines were supplied by the partner companies Rolls-Royce,Snecma Hispano, FN and MTU, while electronics came from the United States. Theassembly line and flight preparation of aircraft were located in Toulouse (Haute-Garonne,France) at Breguet.The official purchase order for the first lot was communicated on 06 June 1963: 20aircraft for France, ultimately increased to 40 aircraft, and 20 for West Germany. Thefinal aeroplane out of the 60 was delivered at the end of 1968 at the moment that theNetherlands decided to procure nine. The French Navy immediately sold them four,while the five others would come from a second production series launched in January1972. On 25 October 1968, Italy decided in turn to purchase the aircraft and became anassociate in the European consortium through Aeritalia and Alfa-Romeo. Production wasrelaunched for 18 aircraft, plus 4 intended to replace those sold by France to theNetherlands. In 1976, the French Navy sold three of its aircraft to Pakistan.

Atlantic 2The Atlantic 2 long range maritime patrol aircraft, specifically designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW), is derived from the NATOAtlantic Mk 1 (ATL 1). This new variant of the Atlantique family aimed at allinternational, and especially European, programs for the acquisition or replacement ofnaval patrol airfleets. It features advanced sensors (Radar, ESM, Acoustic, FLIR andMAD), supported by a distributed data processing system architecture (redundantmutiplex data bus, digital computer, multipurpose displays). A total of 28 ATL 2s havebeen ordered for the French Navy; 23 of these were in service as of 1999.

Atlantic 3Updated manufacture of new aircraft integrates the latest technology both in platformdesign and in weapons systems: the ATLANTIC 3.

Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA 2000)The Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft BR 1150 Atlantic is in service with the Germanand Italian armed forces since several years. According to plans of the German andItalian ministries of defense, this type of aircraft is to be replaced by a modern aircraft bythe year 2007. Dasa's Military Aircraft Business Unit, which has been proposed as theGerman systems leader, is on talks with Alenia Aerospazio, the proposed Italian systemsleader. The MoU is to harmonize concepts of both companies for a possible missionequipment. Additionally both companies will share their experiences in definition,integration, and maintenance of the MPA 2000 aircraft.Besides a re-design of the aircraft, a major role plays the the realization of a modernmission equipment. Core element is to be the so-called Tactical Command System (TCS).TCS bases on most modern computer technology. It eases the work of the on-boardspecialists by automatization of the sensor control and surveillance and increases themission efficiency of the whole reconnaissance system and its flexibility in the face ofchanging situation by a modern, ergonomic man-machine-interface. TCS is supported bya stationary ground system, the Maritime Air Operations Center, as well as itstransportable version, the Transportable Air Operations Center. Both systems are part ofthe planning, surveying and evaluating process of a mission as well as the interpretationof retrieved information in order to form a situation synopsis.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin

In-service in theFrench Navy :

1989

Builder Dassault-Breguet

Role naval patrol

Similar Aircraft

Major operational Working out of the surface and underwater tactical

capabilities : situation

Support to the strategic ocean force

Support to a maritime force in operation

Security of the operation zones

Wing Span 119' / 36,3 m

Length 104'

Height 37'

Weight : empty /maximum at takeoff :

25 t / 46.5 t

Fuel capacity : 16 t

Engine 2 TYNE MK 21 Turboprop engines5,500 hp each / ( 6106 hp each) 12212 hp

Maximum speed 355 kts (650 km/h)

Cruising speed 315 Kn (580 km/h)

Range8 hours on station at 600 NM with standard armament18 hours - maximum flight time4200-4859 NM - maximum range

Service Ceiling 33,000 ft [39,300 ft ?]

Crew : 2 pilots, 1 aircraft commander, 2 observers, 1 navigator,1 radio operator, 1 electronic warfare operator, 1computer scientist, 1 tactical co-ordinator, 3 anti-submarine detection operators

Special equipments : Digital bus ‘digibus’, Iguane radar, Crouzet DHAX3magnetic anomaly detector, forward-looking infraredsystem, Tango thermal camera, acoustic detection andanalysis system, Arar 13radar detector and analyser,photographic equipment, GPS receiver, 2 inertialnavigation systems

Armament

72 acoustic buoys and9 U-Jagd-Torp. or8 MU 90 or Mk 46 torpedoes or4 Lenkwaffen AS12 or2 Aerospatiale air-to-surface AM39 Exocet missiles

NATOinteroperability :

Protected radiocommunication, identification friend orfoe, ‘link 11’ data transmission

Crew 12

Cost

User Countries

French Navyinventory :

28 aircraft in 2 squadrons

Canberra PR9 / PR7 / T4The first jet bomber to serve with theRoyal Air Force, the English ElectricCanberra was designed with nodefensive armament, relying instead onhigh speed, an operational ceiling of48,000 feet, and great manoeuvrabilityto avoid opposing fighter aircraft. Thefact that the Canberra is still in servicetoday is testimony to the quality of theoriginal design. Currently the RAF operates three versions of the aircraft, the T4 is a dualcontrol trainer, and dedicated reconnaissance missions are undertaken by the venerableCanberra PR7 and PR9, specialist aircraft that contribute significantly to meeting theRAF's reconnaissance task.

The Canberra's photo-reconnaissance role was, ultimately, to prove its most importantand long-standing duty. The first RAF reconnaissance version, the PR3, first took to theskies on 19 March 1950. The main difference between other Canberra versions was a 14-inch extension to the forward fuselage to accommodate an additional fuel tank, a camerabay and a flare bay. Deliveries to the first squadron, No. 540 at RAF Benson began inDecember 1952. Shortly after this, the squadron moved to RAF Wyton and was joined bythe two other Bomber Command reconnaissance squadrons, Nos. 58 and 82, which wereequipped with Mosquitos and Lancasters respectively. In the space of the next two years,all three squadro4ns had initially re-equipped with PR3s, but an improved version, thePR7, was soon to replace these aircraft.

2 TAF in Germany also saw the arrival of PR3s and PR7s during 1954 to replace itsVenoms and Meteors. Four squadrons based at Wildenrath, Laarbruch and Bruggen tookpart in many exercises, with the most success being enjoyed at low-level where the crewscould evade 'enemy' radar cover. However, during the course of 1956, two UK-basedsquadrons, Nos. 82 and 540, disbanded, leaving No.82 Sqn, along with Valiant-equippedNo. 543 Sqn, as Bomber Command's only reconnaissance assets. Both of these squadronsspent much of their time photo-mapping likely approach routes for the RAF's strategicdeterrent so that accurate fixes could be made prior to release of the Blue Steel stand-offmissile, and updating of the V-Force navigational charts. No. 13 Sqn based in Cyprusreceived its first PR7s in 1956, and shortly after joined other RAF squadrons involved inOperation Musketeer. During 1962, PR7s were reportedly used to photograph Russianshipping movements during the Cuban crisis.

In early 1960, the definitive Canberra reconnaissance version, the PR9, made its debutwith No. 58 Sqn. The PR9 featured uprated Avon engines and a larger wing span, whichit was hoped would allow the aircraft to fly at 60,000 feet (18,298m), but initial trialswith the PR9 proved that this was feasible. By early 1963, No. 58 Sqn had handed overits aircraft to No. 39 Sqn in Malta, and disbanded. The squadron remained based at Luqa

until September 1970 when it moved to RAF Wyton, and finally disposed of its ageingPR3s. The Germany-based squadrons flew their PR7s until they were replaced byPhantoms during 1969-71, and some airframes were refurbished and subsequently sold tooverseas air arms. Throughout the 1960s, those aircraft with No. 13 Sqn were involved inmany operational flights over the Middle East. Conflicts between Iraq and Kuwait (1962-64) and Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi (1970) saw the squadron photographing disputedareas and troop movements from various forward operating bases in the Mediterranean.

When the RAF withdrew from its remaining bases in the Gulf during 1971, No. 13 Sqnmoved to Malta and replaced No. 39 Sqn who disbanded. Now assigned to NATO, itprovided the only high altitude reconnaissance squadron on its southern flank until 1978when it moved to RAF Wyton before disbanding in 1981. The last remaining PR9sremained on the strength of No. 39 Sqn until it was disbanded in June 1982 and replacedby No. 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) also at Wyton under the control ofNo. 18 Group. However, rationalisation of the RAF in the early 1990s resulted in No. 1PRU assuming the numberplate of No. 39 Sqn (although officially its title is No. 39 (1PRU) Squadron) in 1992, and it is with this squadron that the Canberra PR9 continues toperform its duties today.

Powerplant: Two Rolls-Royce Avon 206 turbojets of 11,250lb st

Span: 67ft l0in (20.66m)

Length: 66ft 5in (20.36m)

Max Speed: 547mph (876km/h)

Accommodation: Crew of 2

Recognition: The PR9 has a long 'pencil' fuselage with a distinctive single-seat cockpitoffset to the port side. Deep-chord wings taper towards the tips. Engines mounted in thewings and projecting forward. Angular fin and rudder, with the dihedralled tailplane seton top of the fuselage cone.

Deployment39 (1 PRU) Squadron, RAF Marham - 5 Canberra PR9, 2 x PR7 and 2 x T4

DC8 SarigueThomson-CSF work in communication electronic warfare includes realization of themajor listening-in and electromagnetic intelligence collection systems for the Frenchforces, realization of interception and counter-measures tactical systems for numerousinternational customers on all continents. The company has contributed - in cooperationwith Thomson-CSF Detexis - to the realization of French airborne intelligence programs,such as Sarigue and Transall Gabriel. France monitors radio communications ofneighboring countries using the Gabriel and Sarigue intelligence planes.

The DRM (Direction du renseignement militaire) collection network consists of a smallelectro-magnetic interception unit aboard a Hélios spy satellite, and listening stationsaboard Sarigue and Gabriel aircraft as well as aboard the Berry, a naval vessel.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin France

Similar Aircraft Phalcon

Builder team : McDonnell Douglas / Thomson-CSF

First flight : 1976

In-service in theFrench Air Force :

1977

Wingspan / Length /Height :

43.53 m / 45.95 m / 11.67 m

Weight : empty /maximum at takeoff :

67.6 t / 142.9 t

Fuel capacity : 87,500 l

Power plant /Thrust :

4 Pratt and Whitney JT3D - 3B jet engines / 4x8,15 t

Operational ceiling : 40,000 ft

maximal speed : Mach 0.8

Crew : Maximum 34 for 16 operators

Special equipments : Electromagnetic intelligence collecting device

Major operationalcapabilities :

Airborne electronic warfare intelligence system

Number of unitsproduced :

1

Main user nations : No authorisation for exportation

BN2T-4S Defender 4000 Multi-SensorSurveillance Aircraft (MSSA)The Pilatus Britten-Norman multi-sensor surveillance aircraft (MSSA) offers aWestinghouse APG-66R multi-mode radar in the nose of a Britten-Norman Defender4000 airframe. Pilatus and Westinghouse are marketing MSSA internationally. Lowacquisition and operating costs make the Defender a natural choice for maritimesurveillance, border patrol and electronic intelligence applications. The compact nature ofmodern electronics enables the Defender to accommodate highly capable mission suiteswhich previously required much larger aircraft. Westinghouse Electronic Systems Groupbased its jointly developed and Multi-Sensor Surveillance Aircraft (MSSA) on the BN2TDefender. In 1989 Baltimore-based Westinghouse selected the BN2T Defender as aplatform for the powerful Westinghouse multi-mode radar originally developed for the F-16. The BN2T Islander - a successor to the piston-engined Defender first introduced in1971 - was launched in 1981 to meet the demand for increased payload and performance.The turbine engines, flat rated to 320 shp, boost climb rate, increase ceiling and cruisespeed and give greater payload.The Defender 4000 was launched at the Farnborough International Air Show in 1994.Designed to meet the most demanding surveillance requirements Defender 4000maintains the traditional benefits of low operating costs and durability. Design evolutionincludes an extended fuselage giving increased cabin space, nose cone to accommodate a360" rotating antenna, larger wing and an enhanced visibility cockpit. The new aircraft'spayload is double that of the standard Islander/Defender, and it features a 30in longercabin. The 4ft extended span of the "wet wing" enables Defender 4000 to fly up to eighthours or 1000 miles between refuellings. The aircraft is designed for prolonged operationat low level in all weather. Despite higher performance conferred by an extra 200installed horsepower, the slow flying and turning capabilities of the basicIslander/Defender, important for direct observation, are not compromised. Defender 4000can loiter at around 80-100 kts and stalling speed is 50 kts.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin UK

Builder Pilatus Britten-Norman

Role surveillance

Similar Aircraft

Wing Span

Length

Height

Weight 7000 Ib (3175 kg) Maximum take-off weight

Engine Allison 250-B17F-1 flat rated to 400 shp (298 kW)

Maximum speed

Cruising speed 176 kt Max cruise speed at10,000 ft

Range 1006 nm (1863 km)

Service Ceiling 25,000 ft (7622 m)

Armament none

Crew 2

Cost

User Countries

Grob G520T EgrettSenior GuardianLAPAS (Airborne Stand-off PrimaryReconnaissance System)

The Egrett series of aircraft was originallydeveloped by Grob Flugzeugbau GmbH &Co KG (Germany) and E-Systems Inc.(USA) as a low-cost (in military terms)high altitude reconnaissance platform forthe German and US Air Forces. Egrett, ahigh-altitude long endurance mannedaircraft made out of composites, ispowered by a single turboprop engine, it

has a wingspan similar to that of a commercial Boeing 737. The program was known asSenior Guardian in the United States, and as LAPAS (Airborne Stand-off PrimaryReconnaissance System) in Germany. Although the mission of the Senior Guardianproject is publicly portrayed as focused environmental monitoring and treaty verification,a similar cover story was used during the early years of the U-2 program.

A total of five airplanes were built, the single-seater Proof-of-Concept aircraft, threeproduction single seaters and one two-seater trainer. After an evaluation period, the twoAir Forces decided that the aircraft did not fit their requirements. Since then, some of thesingle seaters have been successfully used as ad-hoc high-altitude research platforms (forexample by Aurora Corporation in the USA and by the Weltrauminstitut in Berlin).

The Egrett is capable of carrying about 750kg of payload to a maximum altitude of50,000ft (15km) and stay there for around 8 hours, depending on the mission profile.Normal cruising speed (indicated air speed, IAS) at altitude is 130-150kts (65-75m/s)with a true air speed (TAS) of about Mach 0.45. Its maximum range at altitude is about1500NM (2800km). The aircraft can operate from most sealed runways. No specialairport infrastructure is required. It is powered by a single Garrett turboprop engine and iscertified as a normal aircraft under Australian, German and US regulations for flightunder all-weather conditions (IFR/icing). The normal crew consists of a pilot occupyingthe front seat and a systems operator/scientist occupying the rear seat.As the Egrett was originally designed as a reconnaissance aircraft, its modular fuselagestructure offers ample and simple options for a large number of down- or sidewardslooking apertures in the fuselage. The whole lower section of the forward fuselage is non-structural and modifications to this part are rather simple. Upwards looking apertures donot exist currently, but will be retro-fitted once required.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin Germany

Builder Grob Flugzeugbau GmbH & Co KG (Germany)E-Systems Inc. (USA)

Role

Similar Aircraft

Wing Span

Length

Height

Weight

Engine 1 turbo-prop engine

Maximum speed

Cruising speed

Range 2,500km - 8hrs

Service Ceiling 6 - 15km

Payload 800kg

Crew

Cost

User Countries

SA 330 PumaAS 532 CougarThe Puma medium lift helicopter was in production until 1987 featuring many rolesincluding military and civilian. Used in the army as a troop carrier it could seat twelveoccupants. As a civilian based helicopter the Puma could seat twenty passengers. A totalof 696 Puma's had been sold by the end of manufacture although they are still producedin Romania. The Puma was built by the EUROCOPTER Group, owned 70% byAEROSPATIALE France and 30% by Daimler Aerospace (DASA) of Germany.

The Cougar name was adopted for all military variants, and in 1990, all Super Pumadesignations were changed from AS 332 to AS 532 to distinguish between civil andmilitary variants. The Cougar was designed to provide high performance, ease ofdeployment, low operating cost, comfort, plus high mission readiness. For military useand adapting to modern battlefield conditions, it features survivability, suitability fortactical flight thanks to exceptional manoeuvrability, low observability, low vulnerabilityto projectiles, crashworthiness. A multirole helicopter, the Cougar can be armed withmachine-guns and pod-mounted cannons, with rockets, or with antisubmarine orantisurface weapon systems to suit different mission requirements. Additional missionsinclude: VIP transport, electronic warfare, and anti-submarine warfare.

The large, four-blade main rotor is mounted above center of fuselage on a hump. Twoturboshaft engines are mounted on top of the fuselage midsection, giving the helicopter ahumpbacked appearance. The fuselage is long, rectangular, upswept, with a tapered rearsection, a rounded, stepped-up, glassed-in cockpit and retractable landing gear. Swept-back and tapered tail fin mounts a rotor on the right and a tapered, single flat on left topof the fin.

The Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turboshafts engines, of modular design and low specific fuelconsumption, endows the Cougar with impressive power (2 x 1877 shp). Coupled withexceptionally short response times, contributing to the machine's tactical flight capability.The rotors blades are made of composite materials throughout. By comparison withblades incorporating metallic components, this makes for unsurpassed serviceability, lowvulnerability, an unlimited useful life and imperviousness to marine corrosion. Otherinnovations include a simplified main rotor hub, a main gearbox of modular design and ahigh-energy-absorption landing-gear contributing to the machine's crashworthiness.The Cougar can also be equipped with jet diluters for protection against heat-seekingmissiles, with infrared and electromagnetic countermeasures, crashworthy seats for pilotand military personnel, armorplate for crew seats and vital parts of the machine, a 4.5metric-ton capacity sling and a winch capable of hoisting 245 kg.

VARIANTSThe Cougar name was adopted for all military variants, and in 1990, all Super Pumadesignations were changed from AS 332 to AS 532 to distinguish between civil and

military variants. The “5” denotes military, “A” is armed, “C” is armed-antitank, and “U”is utility. The second letter represents the level of “upgrading”.

SA 330 Puma: Developed in the late 1960s by Aerospatiale in France. Otherswere built in the UK, Indonesia, Romania.

AS 532 Cougar Mk I UC/AC is a military version with a short fuselage capable ofcarrying 21 commandos, which can be fitted with equipment for maximumefficiency in all theaters of operation: radar or missile detector, decoy-launcher.Moreover, its optional equipment make it truly multi-purpose: winch, projector,specific equipment for SAR missions, or, for instance, crashworthy seats, IRcamera, NVG compatible cockpit for special missions. The AC version is thearmed version and can be equipped with side-mounted machine-guns and axialpods fitted with either 20-mm guns or 68-mm rocket-launchers.

AS 332 Super Puma: Differs from the SA 330 Puma through an improved rotorsystem, upgraded engines, stretched fuselage, and a modified nose shape.

AS-532 Cougar Mk I UE is the basic version with long fuselage of the militaryCougar MK1 range. The aircraft can transport 25 commandos in addition to thecrew (1 chief of stick + 24 troop seats). For tactical transport and logisticalsupport missions the Cougar UE is offered "ready for use". Its standardconfiguration includes a minimum of radio (2 VHF/AM,TRANSPONDER,ICS...) and navigation (VOR, ADF, D.M.E., GPS...) equipment performing tasks,military operators normally require.

AS 532 Cougar Mk I UL/AL is the "long" version which can carry up to 25commandos or 6 injured passengers lying down and 10 other people. Like theother versions, it is capable of lifting 4.5 tons on a sling. The Horizon battlefieldground surveillance system can be installed on the AS 532 UL.

AS 532 Cougar Mk I SC is the naval version of the Cougar, and its main missionsare the following: anti-surface unit warface (ASUW) fitted with AM 39 missiles,anti-submarine warfare (ASW) with a variable-depth sonar and torpedoes, andsearch and rescue and sea patrols.

AS 532 Cougar Mk II U2 A2 helicopter has the biggest cabin volume in itscategory : 29 commandos or 12 stretchers with medical equipment, and is capableof carrying 5 tons on the sling. This 1992 version is the longest variant of theCougar line. It has an improved Spheriflex rotor system with only 4x tail rotorblades, and 2x 2,100-shp Turbomeca Makila 1A2 turboshaft engines that allow anincreased cargo carrying capability. It can transport 29 troops or 12 litters, or anexternal load of 5,000 kg. Primarily used for combat search and rescue, and as anarmed version. It may be armed additionally with a 20-mm cannon or pintle-mounted .50 caliber machine guns. Its basic design with screens in the cockpitand a 4-axis autopilot with built-in coupler makes it possible to reduce the crewworkload and increase its safety for tactical flight by the same degree.

AS 535 Cougar Mk II A2 RESCO : The main mission of the A2 RESCO is torecover aircrews downed in combat areasplant (RESCO is the French acronym forCombat Search and Rescue or CSAR). For very long range operations, the CSARCougar Mk 2 can operate at a higher alternate gross weight of 11,200 kg

compared to its normal maximum mission weight of 9,750 kg. With this enhancedcapability, the Cougar can rescue two crew members 400 nautical miles away.

AS 532UL Cougar Mk I UL/HorizonThe Horizon system (Helicoptre d'Observation Radar et d'Investigation sur Zone)consists of the AS 532UL Cougar and a ground station. The Cougar helicopter operatesbehind the front line at an altitude of up to 4000 meters to survey the battlefield with theThomson-CSF Target radar. This X-band radar with a swivelling antenna below the rearfuselage has a range resolution of approximately 40 meters and a target velocity accuracyof +/- seven km/h. In snapshot mode the radar can scan 20000 sq km in ten seconds.Horizon is able to survey the movements of up to 4000 wheeled or tracked vehicles atdistances of up to 200 km. The French Army procured a total of four helicopters and twoground stations, which were delivered in 1996 and 1997. This represented a majorreduction from the original 1980s plan in which 20 aircraft were to be procured uner theOrchidée program, which was canceled after the first flight of the fully equippedprototype in 1990. Following test missions during the Gulf War, the program wasreactivated on a reduced scale in 1993.

First flight : 1994 ( demonstratedduring the operationsin the Gulf in 1991)

In-service in theFrench Army :

Deliveries between1996 and 1998

Specialequipment :

Moving TargetIndicator radar(Thomson-CSF),scanning a 20,000 km²zone in 10 seconds

High jammingresistance

Majoroperationalcapabilities :

Detection andlocalisation ofvehicles, boats andhelicopters up to 200km

In real time, protectedtransmission of data tothe ground and on-board exploitation

Air deployable groundstation

NATOinteroperability :

Proposed system forthe future NATOGround Surveillanceprogram

Demonstratedinteroperability withthe US J-STARS

French Armyinventory :

4 helicopters and 2ground stations

Typical mission Radar recce of mobiles(detection of vehiculesmoving in Kosovo),intelligencetransmitted in real timeto the commandcenter.

SpecificationsVariants in “( )”

Country of Origin France/Germany

Builder EUROCOPTER [AEROSPATIALE &DASA]

Role Armed transport

Similar Aircraft Super Frelon, HH-3E Jolly Green Giant, SH-3 Sea King, CH-53 Sea Stallion, Mi-8 Hip,UH-60 Black Hawk

Date of Introduction 1981

Blades Main rotor: 4Tail rotor: 5, 4 (U2/A2)

Rotor Diameter Main Rotor : 14 m (Puma) 15.6-16.2 m(U2/A2)Tail Rotor : 3.1-3.2 m (U2/A2)

Length 18.7-19.5 m (U2/A2) (rotors turning)15.5 m (UC/AC), 16.3 m (UL/AL), 16.8 m(U2/A2) (fuselage)

Height 4.6 m

Width 3.6-3.8 m (U2/A2)

Cargo Compartment Floor Length: 6.5 m (AC/UC), 6.8 m(UL/AL), 7.9 m (U2/A2)Width: 1.8 mHeight: 1.5

Weight Maximum Gross: 9,000 kg (Mk I), 9,750 kg(Mk II)Normal Takeoff: 8,600 kg (Mk I), 9,300 kg(Mk II)Empty: 4,330 kg (UC/AC), 4,460 kg(UL/AL), 4,760 kg (U2/A2)

Standard Payload Internal load: 3,000 kgExternal on sling only: 4,500 kgTransports 20-29 troops or 6-12 litters(variant dependant), or cargo.

Engine 2x 1,877-shp Turbomeca Makila 1A1turboshaft

Maximum speed 275 km/h (Mk I), 325 km/h (Mk II)

Cruising speed 249-270 km/h

Range 769 km-416 n.m.800 km-432 n.m AS 532 UL/ALNormal Load: 620 km (UC/AC), 840 km(UL/AL), 800 km (U2/A2)With Aux Fuel: 1,017 km (UC/AC), 1, 245km (UL/AL), 1,176 km (U2/A2)

Fuel Internal: 1,497 liters (UC/AC), 2,000 liters(UL/AL), 2,020 liters (U2/A2)Internal Aux Tank: 475 liters ea. (4x Mk I,5xMk II)

Service Ceiling 4,100 m

Hover out of ground effect: 1,650 m (Mk I), 1,900m (Mk II)in ground effect: 2,800 m (Mk I), 2,540 m(Mk II)

Vertical Climb Rate 7 m/s

Armament 7.65-mm MG2 - 20-mm twin gun pods2 - 68-mm rocket pods (22 each)2 - 2.75-in rocket pods (19 each)600 liters External fuel tanksThe Mk I variants may employ 2x 7.65-mm

machine guns on pintle-mounts in the cabindoors when employed in a transport role. Thearmed versions have side-mounted 20-mmmachineguns and/or axial pods fitted with 68-mm rocket launchers.

Survivability/Countermeasures Main and tail rotor blades electrically deiced.A radar warning receiver is standard, while alaser warning receiver, missile launchdetector, missile approach detector, infraredjammer, decoy launcher, and flare/chaffdispensers are optionally available.

Special equipment Armour plates for the cargo, PLS (PersonalLocator System), GPS (Global PositioningSystem), chaff/flare dispensers, RWR (radarwarning receiver), MWS (Missile approachwarning system)

AVIONICS The aircraft is NVG compatible, and throughits instruments, avionics, full autopilot, andnav computer, is capable of operation in day,night, and instrument meteorologicalconditions.

Crew 2 (pilots)

Cost

User Countries At least 38 countries : Algeria, Argentina,Belgium, Brazil, Chad, Chile, China,Djibouti, Ecuador, France, Gabon, Germany,Iceland, Indonesia, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan,Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malawi,Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman,Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Portugal,Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain,Sudan, Switzerland, Togo, United ArabEmirates, UK, Zaire

Puma / Cougar Mk I UC/AC

Super Puma / Cougar

Nimrod MR2The Nimrod MR2, based at RAFKinloss in Scotland, is a maritimepatrol aircraft used primarily in theroles of maritime surface surveillance,anti-submarine warfare, and search andrescue. Carrying a crew of 13, theaircraft is fitted with radar, magneticand acoustic detection equipment. TheNimrod maritime patrol aircraft canalso assist in search and rescue (SAR)operations by searching for survivors, giving guidance to rescue craft at the scene, anddropping survival equipment if needed.

The MR2 fleet will be replaced by Nimrod 2000 in a refurbishment programme managedby British Aerospace. The Replacement Maritime Patrol Aircraft (RMPA) competitionwas won by BAe with their Nimrod 2000 proposal. The RAF has formerly declared thatthe aircraft will be known as Nimrod Maritime Reconnaissance & Attack (MRA) Mark 4.The contract for the delivery of 21 Nimrod MRA4 aircraft training systems and initialsupport was signed with BAe in December 1996. The refurbished aircraft, to be deliveredbetween 2001 and 2006, will have new wings, BMW/Rolls Royce fuel efficient engines,modern control systems, 'glass' cockpit instrumentation, and a comprehensive suite of thelatest sensor, computer and communications equipment.

As of March 1999 the estimated cost of procurement of Nimrod MRA4 was #2.4 billion(at September 1998 economic conditions), an increase of 0.5% since the contract wasplaced in December 1996. When the contract was placed, BAe undertook to meet an ISDof April 2003. Resource and technical difficulties with the early phases of the program atBAe mean that the company did not expect the aircraft to enter service with the RAFbefore early 2005. The precise slippage was the subject of negotiations between MoD andBAe."

Powerplant: Four Rolls-Royce RB168-20 Spey 250 turbofans of 12,140lb st.

Span: 114ft 10in (35.00m)

Length: 126ft 9in (38.63m)

Max Speed: 575mph (926km/h)

Accommodation: Crew of 12

Armament: Internal bay for up to nine torpedoes, bombs and depth charges; SidewinderAAMs can be carried on underwing pylons for self-defence.

Recognition: Resembles the DH Comet, from which it derived. Long 'double bubble'fuselage with the cockpit built into the steeply raked nose. The fuselage tailcone extendswell beyond the fin and rudder to house a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) unit. Thelow-set wings are slightly swept on the forward edge. The four turbofans are buried in theinboard section of the wings. Bullet-shaped wing fairings project from the leading edgestowards the wingtips. The Nimrod's fin, which has a large dorsal section extending wellforward, is surmounted by an elliptical-shaped fairing. An in-flight refuelling probeprojects from the fuselage above the cockpit.

RAF Units

120 Squadron, RAF Kinloss - 8 Nimrod MR2 201 Squadron, RAF Kinloss - 8 Nimrod MR2 206 Squadron, RAF Kinloss - 7 Nimrod MR2 42 (Reserve) Squadron, RAF Kinloss - 3 Nimrod MR2

Nimrod AEW3This airborne early warning aircraft was developed from the Nimrod MR2 which wasdeveloped from the Comet airliner. All three of which can be similarly recognized,although the AEW has the bulbous nose and tail boom that houses radar equipment.Manufacturing AEW aircraft is extremely challenging. Britain, for example, found it toochallenging, and canceled its Nimrod AEW program in favor of purchasing US systems.This indigenously developed aircraft was passed over in favor of acquisition of the E-3DAWACS by the Royal Air Force.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin UK

Builder

Role

Similar Aircraft Nimrod, P-3C Orion

Wing Span 114 ft, 8 in (35 m)

Length 126 ft, 7 in (38.6 m)

Height

Weight

Engine 4 Rolls-Royce Spey 25

Maximum speed 926 Km/h

Cruising speed 370 Km/h

Range

Service Ceiling

Armament

Crew Twelve

Cost

User Countries

Nimrod MRA4Replacement Maritime Patrol Aircraft(RMPA)The RAF needs a replacement for the Nimrod MR Mk 2 aircraft, its ground supportsystems and synthetic training equipment. Wartime roles comprise Anti-SubmarineWarfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW) and Search and Rescue (SAR). TheRequirement was endorsed and an initial data gathering phase authorised in November1992. Procurement responsibility was then passed to the Procurement Executive (nowDPA). A Request for Information (RFI) was issued to 17 potential prime contractors whohad registered an interest. Analysis of the responses allowed a competitive procurementstrategy to be pursued with a high probability of success. A competitive tendering phasewas initiated in January 1995. Four companies submitted proposals.

British Aerospace was selected as the prime contractor in July 1996 to supply a completepackage of 21 mission-equipped Nimrod 2000 aircraft, together with a training systemand initial logistic support. A fixed-price contract was awarded in December 1996, underwhich existing MR Mk 2 aircraft fuselage and empennage structure would be re-lifed andreassembled, with redesigned wings and current technology BR710 turbofan engines.Although some of the systems are retained, the majority of the air vehicle systems arereplaced, including the flight deck, which will accommodate a reduced cockpit crewcomplement of two, facilitated by automated flight systems using modified Airbus A340technology. The mission system, which is the heart of the weapon system, is entirelynew. The cabin interior is totally refitted to suit the new mission systems layout. Again,the mission crew numbers have reduced from ten to eight.

This is therefore a new aircraft, not a refurbished one. In early 1998 the aircraft wasrenamed from Nimrod 2000 to Nimrod Maritime Reconnaissance and Attack Mk4 -Nimrod MRA4. Technical and resourcing difficulties encountered during 1998 led to are-baselining of the program which delayed the introduction of the first aircraft intoservice. The delay enabled certain enhancements in capability to be included.

Under the Smart Procurement Initiative, the Nimrod MRA4 was identified as one of thepilot Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) in November 1998, led by Air Commodore BarryThornton. Although the project was established around an integrated team concept fromthe outset, both at Abbey Wood and in industry, the latest initiative enabled the NimrodIntegrated Project Team to re-focus and embrace other personnel who work full time onNimrod MRA4 from other areas which were previously outside the IPT.

SpecificationsWing Span 38.71m

Length 38.63m

Weight Empty 46,500kg

Max Operating Mach No 0.77

Service Ceiling 12,800m

Range more than 6,000 n miles

Endurance more than 15 hours

Procurement cost approximately £2 billion

First Flight end December 2001

First Aircraft delivered to the RAF - August 2004

In Service Date March 2005

Total 21 Aircraft

Prime Contractor British Aerospace

Major Sub-contractor Boeing Defence and Aerospace Group

S 100B ArgusSAAB 340 AEW&CThe Saab 340 is a Swedish twin-engined turboprop aircraft. An AEW version with aphased-array radar in a rectangular pod on top of the fuselage was developed in the early1990s. In 1994 the first Saab 340 AEW & C was delivered and radar integration workwas begun. In 1995 the Saab 340 AEW & C was re-designated S 100B (S = Spaning =Reconnaissance) and given the official name Argus. The Swedish air force ordered sixaircraft, four of will be fitted with radar, two fitted for, but not with, radars to be used astranports until a need for more airborne radars materialises. Some are used by Japan asSearch-and-Rescue aircraft.The Ericsson PS-890 Erieye radar uses an active array with 200 solid state modules. Therange of the S-band, 3 GHz, side looking radar is 300 km. The 1,985-lb (900-kg) dorsalantenna is housed in a 29-ft 6.3-in (9-m) long box radome mounted atop the fuselage.Utilizing adaptive side lobe suppression, the look angle on each side is about 160degrees. From its standard operational altitude of 6000 meters (19,685 feet, or FL200) theradar has a maximum range of 450 km (279 miles). Against a fighter-sized targeteffective range is approximately 330 km (205 miles). Seaborne targets can be detected at320 km (1998 miles), though this is a function of the aircraft's cruising height. Theelectronically scanned antenna can scan sectors of interest frequently while others aremonitored, and asingle sector can be scanned in different modes at the same time. Theaircraft does not carry controllers (although it's large enough to do so), but functions asan an airborne radar integrated with the total air defence network.The Saab 340 Cityliner, with its 33-seat capacity, is a passenger aircraft operated onsecondary air routes with moderate traffic volume. It offers a means of providingscheduled air services to regions where current demand would not warrant thedeployment of larger aircraft. Despite its small size, the Cityliner has all the facilities onewould expect of an aircraft today, including advanced avionics and a fully-equippedgalley.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin Sweden

Builder Saab-Scania Aktiebolag, Aerospace Division

Role airborne early warning

Similar Aircraft

Wing Span 21.44 m

Length 19.73 m

Height 6.97 m

Weight 13,155 kg Maximum takeoff weight 12,930 kgMaximum landing weight

Engine 2 General Electric GE CT7-9B 1870 shp

Maximum speed 530 km/h

Cruising speed 160 knots

Range 1,300 km Maximum range with full payload

Endurance 5-7 hours

Service Ceiling 7,620 m

Patrol altitude 6-7000 m

Runway 1,290 m Minimum takeoff distance1,035 m Minimum landing distance

Armament none

Crew two to five

Cost

User Countries Sweden, Japan

Tornado GR1AThe Tornado GR1A is a world leaderin the field of all-weather, day andnight tactical reconnaissance. TheGR1A has no cannons mounted in theforward fuselage. Replacing these are aSideways Looking Infra-Red systemand a Linescan infra-red surveillancesystem. This is the major point ofidentification between the GR1 andGR1A, because the systems require a small window in the side of the fuselage, just belowthe cockpit. The standard Tornado GR1 and the Jaguar can also fulfil tacticalreconnaissance tasks when equipped with a Vicon camera pod.

Powerplant: Two afterburning Turbo Union RB199-103 turbofans of 15,800lb st.

Span: 45ft 7.25in (13.90m) - wings fully spread; 28ft 2.5in (8.59m) - 68° sweep

Length: 54ft 9.5in (16.70m)

Max Speed: 1,452mph (2,336km/h) at 36,000ft (11,000m)

Accommodation: Pilot and navigator in tandem seating

Armament: Up to 18,000lb of ordnance.

Recognition: Short fat fuselage with a very large swept fin and rudder. Shoulder-mounted variable geometry wings of delta shape when fully swept. Bubble two-seattandem cockpit and a short nose cone. All moving tailplane on the sides of the twintailpipes.

RAF Units

2(AC) Squadron, RAF Marham - 13 Tornado GR1A 13 Squadron, RAF Marham - 13 Tornado GR1A

HIRUNDO A109 (AGUSTA)Several military versions of the Hirundo A109 have been developed for army, naval, andpatrol use. The four-blade main rotor is mounted on hump above the body midsection,while weapon-carrying platforms at bottom midsection. Two turboshaft engines aremounted on the top of the fuselage, with exhaust ports protruding upward and to the rear.The fuselage is rectangular with a flat belly and retractable landing gear and an upswept,tapered rear section.. The tapered, rounded nose section features a stepped cockpit. Theswept-back and tapered tail fin with angular tip. Swept-back and tapered belly fin withangular tip. Small rotor on left side attached to the tapered tail boom.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin Italy

Role Utility, ECM, ambulance, scout, attack, air defense,antitank

Builder

Rotor diameter 36 ft (11.02 m)

Length 42 ft, 10 in (13.06 m)

Height

Weight 2.850 Kg

Engine

Maximum speed 305 Km/h

Cruising speed 265 Km/h

Range 500 Km

Service Ceiling

Armament Machine guns, rockets, pods, HOT or TOW missiles

Crew One, two

Cost

User Countries Argentina, Greece, Italy, Mexico, UK, Venezuela

MANGUSTA A129The A129 Mangusta [Mongoose], armed with anti-tank and area-suppression weaponssystems, is intended primarily as an attack helicopter to be used against armored targets.The aircraft can operate during day, night, and all-weather conditions. The A129Mangusta claims to be a proven 'hot climate' operator, as demonstrated during itspeacekeeping operations. The A129 was succesfully employed in Somalia where itproved highly reliable and extremely flexible. The A129 MANGUSTA is manufacturedin Italy by the Agusta aircraft company. Agusta developed the A129 Mangusta anti-tankhelicopter, the first attack helicopter to be designed and produced wholly in Europe,which demonstrated Agusta's capacity to satisfy the most complex technicalrequirements. Italy is the only country with this helicopter in its inventory, with theItalian Army.

An escort/scout version of the Mangusta is under development for deployment withairmobile units. The ship would also be armed for air-to-air combat. The A129International, developed from A129 Mangusta, responds to the requirements of today'sarmed forces for a multi-role combat helicopter that combines high performance andsurvivability with low support costs. The new 15-passenger AB139 utility helicopter isdesigned around the transmission of the A129 Mangusta attack helicopter.

The four-blade main rotor is mounted on the top center of the cabin, while weapon-carrying wings are short, stubby, and mid-mounted on the fuselage. The fuselage isslender and tapered to the rear, with fixed landing gear. The tandem cockpit is glassed-inand flat-plated, and tapered from the cockpit to the blunted nose. The tail boom tapers tothe rear, with a high, swept-back fin with square tip. The flats are unequally tapered witha square tip, while the belly fin has the rear landing wheel attached. The tail rotor ismounted on the left side.

Two turboshaft engines with semicircular air intakes are mounted alongside the top of thefuselage. The Rolls-Royce Gem 1004, the powerplant in the Agusta A129 attackhelicopter, is derived from the Gem family of engines originally designed as militaryengines to meet British Ministry of Defence requirements. The Gem 1004 achieved typeapproval in 1986 and entered service with the Italian Army in 1989. It incorporatesfeatures to enhance the mission capability of attack helicopters in all phases: simpleengine controls with automatic engine management, fast start-up, high power for fasttransit, low specific fuel consumption for endurance, low signatures, fast engine responsefor agility, robust design and emergency rating for battlefield survivability, low fuelconsumption for secure return and low maintenance.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin Italy

Builder Agusta

Role Light-attack, antiarmor, scout

Similar Aircraft AH-64 Apache, Mi-28 Havoc, Ka-50 Hokum

Rotor diameter 39 ft (12 m)

Length 46 ft, 10 in (14.3 m)

Height

Weight

Engine 2 ROLLS ROYCE GEM @ 900 HP

Maximum speed 265 Km/h

Cruising speed

Endurance 2h 30'

Service Ceiling

Armament Gun pods; rockets; missiles; TOW-, Hellfire-, or HOT-capable

Crew Two

Cost

User Countries Italy

ALOUETTE II (AEROSPATIALE)Alouette 2 was the first turbine-powered helicopter in the world to go into production.First produced in 1957, the Alouette II has gone through a series of upgrades. All of theaircraft of this type are similar, including the SA-315B Lama which is equipped with theAlouette II airframe and the Alouette III engine. The three-blade main rotor is high-mounted to the rear of the cockpit. The single turboshaft engine with an upturned exhaustis high-mounted on the fuselage to the rear of the cockpit and main rotor shaft. Thefuselage is an oval, transparent, bubble cockpit with a tadpole-like appearance and fixed-skid landing gear. The tail boom is an open framework. The tail is small and rectangular,with square-tipped flats forward of a small, right side-mounted rotor.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin France

Builder

Role Observation, liaison, light-attack

Similar Aircraft Alouette III, Gazelle, Scout/Wasp, OH-13 Sioux

Rotor diameter 36 ft (11 m)

Length 33 ft, 8 in (10.28 m)

Height

Weight

Engine

Maximum speed

Cruising speed

Range

Service Ceiling

Armament Machine gun, rockets, missiles

Crew One

Cost

User CountriesAlgeria, Belgium, Djibouti, Ecuador, France, Germany,India (Cheetah), Indonesia, Pakistan (Lama), Portugal,Togo, Tunisia, Turkey

ALOUETTE IIIThe Alouette 3, production of which ended in 1979, was to have 1437 units built, towhich must be added nearly 500 built under licence in India and Romania. The Alouette3 initially used a Turbomeca Artouste 3 gas turbine that is greatly derated, i.e. that wasutilized well below its nominal rated power of 880hp. Intended for high-altitude flight, itretains its full performance up to an altitude of 5000 meters. Later, under the designationSA319B, it was equipped with the Astazou 3, a less fuel-thirsty engine of identicalpower. The three-blade main rotor is mounted on the top of the fuselage to the rear of thecockpit. The single turboshaft engine is mounted above and to the rear of the cockpit androtor shaft. The fuselage consists of an oval-shaped, glassed-in cockpit with fixed landinggear. The tail consists of rectangular flats with small, oval fins on tips. The rotor on theright has a prominent tail rotor guard.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin France

Builder AEROSPATIALE

Role Light-attack, transport (six equipped troops), generalpurpose

Similar Aircraft Alouette II, Gazelle, Scout/Wasp, OH-13 Sioux, BO105

Rotor diameter 36 ft (11 m)

Length 32 ft, 10 in (10.02 m)

Height

Weight

Engine 1 Turbomeca Artouste 3 @ 880hp or1 Astazou 3 @ 880hp

Maximum speed

Cruising speed

Range

Service Ceiling

Armament Machine guns, cannon, antitank missiles, rockets

Crew One

Cost

User CountriesAlgeria, Angola, Argentina, Austria, Burkina-Faso,Burma, Burundi, Cameroon, Chile, Congo, DominicanRepublic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Gabon, Ghana,

Greece, Guinea-Bissau, India (Chetak), Iraq, Ireland,Ivory Coast, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico,Nepal (Chetak), Netherlands, Nicaragua, North Yemen,Pakistan, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, SouthAfrica, Senegal, South Korea, Spain, Suriname,Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates,Venezuela, Zaire

AS 550 FennecThe AS 550 C3 is the combat version of the single-engine Fennec. It is fitted with slidingdoors, a raised landing gear, an instrument panel adapted to tactical flight and provisionsfor night flight with night vision goggles. It can be fitted with axial weapons such as a 20-mm gun, pod-mounted rocket launchers, a gun, a side-firing machine gun, or in the anti-tank or air-air version, it can carry 4 missiles. The AS 555 UN and AS 555 AN are theland versions of the twin-engine Fennec. The AS 555 UN is particularly intended forreconnaissance/observation missions, IFR training. The AS 555 AN is the armed version.It can be fitted with the same weapons equipping the AS 550 C3. The AS 555 MN andAS 555 SN are the navalized versions of the twin-engine Fennec. Fitted with a 360-degree radar, the AS 555 MN performs surveillance and observation missions. The AS555 SN, intended for anti-submarine warfare, carries a torpedo.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin

Builder

Role

UN-Utility,Reconaissance AN-Armed Battlefield Reconaissance MN-Naval SN-Anti-Submarine

Similar Aircraft

Wing Span

Length

Height

Weight 2,250 kg/4,960 lb Maximum2,800 kg/6,172 lb Maximal with external load

Maximum usefulload 1,046 kg/2,306 lb (including mission fuel)

Sling load capacity 1,400 kg/3,086 lb

Engine 1 TURBOMECA ARRIEL 2B or2 Turbomeca Arrius TM 319 1 A1 Engines

Maximum speed 136 mph

Cruising speed 245 km/h-133 kts ( at maximum weight)

Range 650 km-350 n.m.

Service Ceiling

Armament AN - Cannon, rocket-launchers, machine gunsSN - Torpedo

Crew

Cost

User Countries

AS 565 PantherSA 360 Dauphin 2Z-9The Dauphin 2 is a medium weight multipurpose civil twin-engine helicopter. TheDauphin 2 is the military version of the Dauphin series. It is a complete redesign of thecivilian Dauphin with only tail similarities remaining. The Dauphin 2 also has retractablelanding gear as opposed to the fixed gear on the civilian Dauphin. It is built by theEUROCOPTER Group, owned 70% by AEROSPATIALE France and 30% by DaimlerAerospace (DASA) of Germany.

First flown in 1973, this single engined utility helicopter was used in a variety of rolesincluding helicopter gunship/attack. Designed for transporting passengers (Offshore,corporate or VIP) and for carrying out missions in the Public Services (Police, Fire-fighting). The AS 565 Panther is the military version of the Dauphin, capable oftransporting 8 to 10 commandos to the combat zones, casualty evacuation and logisiticsupport. The AS 565 SB is the armed version of the shipborne Panther. It can be carriedon board a combat vessel to improve the vessel's observation, reconnaissance and attackcapabilities well beyond the range of the vessel's detection system.

With a four-blade main rotor, two turboshaft engines are ounted side by side on top of thecabin with an air intake on side of motor hump and exhausts at the rear of the hump. Theteardrop-shaped body features a tapered boom to the tail fin, a rounded nose and stepped-up cockpit, and retractable gear and flat bottom. The tail flats feature swept-back tipsforward of the swept-back and tapered fin with a blunt tip. The rotor is inside a housing atthe bottom of the fin. A weapons carrying platform is installed on some models.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin France

Builder AEROSPATIALE

Role Assault-transport (8 to 10 troops), utility, attack

Similar Aircraft Lynx, Gazelle, Hirundo A109

Rotor diameter 39 ft, 2 in (11.94 m)

Length 37 ft, 6 in (11.43 m)

Height

Weight 4,300 kg/9,480 lb

Engine 2 TURBOMECA ARRIEL 2 C

Maximum speed

Cruising speed 275 km/h-148kts

Range 814km-440 n.m.

Service Ceiling

Armament Rockets, antitank missiles on SA 365M model4 Aerospatiale AS 15 TT missiles on AS 565 SB

Crew Normally two. Three with crew chief

Cost

User Countries

France, People’s Republic of China (Z-9), USAmore than 600 of the Dauphin/Panther family ofmachines have been sold to more than 170 customers in50 different countries

EC 635 - Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)The EC 635 - Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is the military version of the EC 135 andapplies the same technology. It is built by the EUROCOPTER Group, owned 70% byAEROSPATIALE France and 30% by Daimler Aerospace (DASA) of Germany. The EC635 is a light-weight twin-engined, eight seats multi - role helicopter with wide use ofcomposite material and crashworthy designed seats and fuel system. New generation highset main rotor and shrouded tail rotor systems (Fenestron type) provide low noise andsafe operation. High operational efficiency, adverse weather day / night operations, highperformance with power reserve and an advanced maintenance concept are among thekey features of the EC 635.The military EC 635 is offered with two powerplant options. The FADEC controlledTurbomeca Arrius 2B1 or the Pratt & Whitney 206B engines provide fast cruising speedand long range. Utilising the aircraft's inherent multi - role capability the EC 635 is suitedfor military and para - military operations as utility, training, troop transport,reconnaissance and SAR. The helicopter's cabin is accessible through side sliding doorsand two large rear clam-shell doors, is particularly suited for disaster relief missions andhumanitarian aid.

SpecificationsCHARACTERISTICS

(Sea level, ISA)EC 635 P1 ARMY EC 635 T1 ARMY

Maximum weight 2,835 kg/6,250 lbAlternate gross-weight 2,900kg/6,400 lb

2,835 kg/6,250 lbAlternate gross-weight2,900 kg/6,400 lb

Capacity 1 pil.+7/8 sold. or 2pil.+6/7 sold.

1 pil.+7/8 sold. or 2pil.+6/7 sold.

Maximum useful load(including mission fuel)

1,380 kg/3,042 lb 1,380 kg/3,042 lb

Sling load capacity 1,360 kg/3,000 lb 1,360 kg/3,000 lb

Maximal operationalweight with external load

2,900kg/6,400 lb 2,900kg/6,400 lb

Power plant 2 X Pratt & WhitneyPW 206B

2 X TURBOMECAARRIUS 2B1

Take-off power (A.E.O.) 528 kW/708shp 530 kW/711 shp

Maximal continuouspower (A.E.O.)

419 kW/562shp 425kW/570 shp

Fast cruise speed ( atmaximum weight)

260 km/h-140 kts 260 km/h-140 kts

Maximum range withstandard tank(s)*

685 km-370 n.m. 675 km-365 n.m.

*With take-off at maximal weight

EH101 MerlinEH101 CormorantThe EH101, developed jointly by Agusta of Italy and GKN Westland Helicopters,combines military and civil variants in a single integrated program with an optional rearloading ramp and full ice protection system. The EH101 is now in full production in bothItaly and the United Kingdom with launch orders for over 80 aircraft. The EH101 is theonly new medium lift helicopter that is in full production and available in four variants.The Integrated Development Programme (IDP) under which the EH101 was developedwas an Anglo-Italian collaborative program. Each nation is currently procuring variantsof the baseline helicopter. Maritime patrol variants of the aircraft have been ordered bythe British Royal Navy and by the Italian Marina Militare Italiana (MMI). The MMI hasalso ordered the utility transport and enhanced air and surface surveillance variants andthe British Royal Air Force has contracted for 22 EH101 SH (support helicopter) militaryutility aircraft.Merlin HM MK1 (formerly Merlin EH101) is an Anti-Submarine (ASW) variant of theEH101 helicopter. It entered service in December 1998, replacing the ageing ASW SeaKing (Mk6). The collaborative program began in 1979 through EH Industries - thecompany formed by Agusta of Italy and GKN Westland in the UK. Designed in WesternEurope, it is the largest collaborative helicopter project in history and the most powerfulhelicopter in terms of military capability. The mission system is world-leading and theweapons system is a significant force multiplier compared with existing capability.In 1991 the United Kingdom selected IBM-Aerospace Systems Integration Corporation(ASIC) (subsequently Loral-ASIC, now Lockheed Martin ASIC (LMA)) as primecontractor to complete Royal Navy development, integration of the Mission System andproduction of 44 aircraft. Since then progress has been made on the programme throughthe award of the Collaborative Production Investment contract in March 1992 to EHIndustries. Awards were also made to Lockheed Martin ASIC for the Merlin TrainingSystem in July 1994, and the MERLIN Support and Spares Availability System(MSSAS) in July 1996.Progress on the project has been hampered by accidents on the collaborative program tothree prototype aircraft in 1993, 1995 and 1996. However, the first flight by a productionMERLIN was on 6 December 1995 and the first mission system fitted Merlin flew inJanuary 1997. Royal Navy Intensive Flight Trials began on schedule in December 1998.The aircraft has a state-of-the-art, integrated mission system, which processes data froman extensive array of on-board sensors, giving Merlin an independent capability to searchfor, locate and attack submarine targets. It is this autonomous capability which makesMerlin unique among ASW helicopters. The aircraft and its mission system are managedby two computer systems, linked by dual data buses. The cockpit is designed foroperation by a single pilot, with the auto-pilot allowing for hands-off flight for most ofthe mission.Normally flown by a crew of three - pilot, observer and aircrewman - Merlin is equippedwith the Thomson-Marconi active "dunking" sonar which gives enhanced submarinedetection ranges, and the GEC Marconi AQS 903 acoustic processor. All crew stations

can access the management computers and operate the tactical displays. These are fed bythe Marconi Blue Kestrel radar which possesses full 360-degree coverage and an abilityto Track-While-Scan surface contacts. It can also pass tactical information via a datalinkto other participating units; a significant capability which has not been utilised bymaritime helicopters before.Merlin is designed to operate in all weathers from the flight decks of both large and smallships (Invincible class aircraft carriers and Type 23 frigates). It is powered by three RollsRoyce RTM 322 engines, is capable of speeds of up to 150 knots and has a range of 200nautical miles. It can carry up to four homing torpedoes or depth charges, for use againstthreat submarines and can provide targeting information via datalink for the prosecutionof surface threats. The Merlin retains all the secondary role capability of its predecessor,the Sea King, including loadlifting, casualty evacuation, troop carrying and Search andRescue.

The Staff Requirement for the Medium Support Helicopter (MSH) was approved inMarch 1994. A submission to the Equipment Approvals Committee (EAC) was approvedin February 1995 followed one month later by an announcement from the Secretary ofState that 22 EH101 Support Helicopters would be procured, together with a smallernumber of Chinooks, to meet the MSH requirement. The SH(EH101) contract wasawarded in June 1995.

SH(EH101), designated the Merlin HC Mk3, fills a capability gap between Chinook andPuma. It also replaces the obsolete Wessex. Based on the military utility version of theAnglo-Italian EH101, it is designed to operate by day and night, in hot and high or coldand icing conditions undertaking a wide variety of roles including troop carrying, smallvehicle and/or cargo carrying capability. It will support ground forces in a wide range ofoperational scenarios, including combat search and rescue, in National, NATO and UNoperations. A range of role-fit and portable support equipment is also available to furthertailor the aircraft for special operations.The Merlin HC Mk3 is a significant advance on the aged Wessex helicopter and alsoreflects the progress in both roles and capabilities of support helicopters. The Merlin HCMk3 has a single main rotor configuration powered by three uprated Rolls RoyceTurbomeca RTM322 engines. It has an all-up take off mass of 14.6 tonnes, maximumspeed of 167 knots and range on internal fuel in excess of 1000km. The operating rangecan be extended by virtue of an air to air refuelling capability and continuous operationsare possible. Designed to carry 24 troops in crash-attenuating seating, fitted with activenoise reduction (ANR) headphones. The seats can be folded away and a range of cargo orsmall vehicles loaded via a rear ramp or side door. A cargo winch and roller conveyor forpalletised freight are integrated. Under slung loads can be carried.The aircraft incorporates the latest technology in composite structures, multiple systemredundancy and enhanced health and useage monitoring to minimise life cycle costs(LCC). Active control of structural response (ACSR) struts reduce vibration at all speeds.It is designed to be highly reliable, maintainable and supportable away from its normaloperating bases.Pilot workload is eased with automated flight control and aircraft management, integratedGPS/INS based navigation, extensive communication systems and Night Vision Goggle

(NVG) compatible electronic instruments and displays. All the aircraft will be fitted witha comprehensive Defensive Aids Suite (DAS) that will include a Radar WarningReceiver (RWR), a Laser Warning Receiver (LWR), Chaff and Flare dispensers and aDirectional Infra-Red Countermeasures (DIRCM) system. A limited number will also befitted with Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR). 3G agility and a low noise signatureenhance effectiveness and minimise environmental impact. Wire strike protection,armoured crash attenuating crew seats, automatic fire protection systems and thedefensive aids provide enhanced survivability.GKN Westland Helicopters and Agusta SpA assembled several Canadian companies towork with them to supply the EH101 Cormorant for the Canadian Government'srequirement for up to 15 search and rescue (SAR) helicopters. Operating under thebanner of Team Cormorant the core members include Bombardier, Bristol Aerospace andCAE. In addition, Canadian Helicopters from St-John's, Newfoundland, joined the teamto provide for a leasing option and follow-on maintenance as outlined by the CanadianMinister of National Defence. The Cormorant incorporates many of the featuresdeveloped for the British and Italian aircraft and has been specifically configured forsearch and rescue operations in hazardous environments. The Cormorant is designed tooperate both day and night in the most adverse weather conditions, including knownicing, Cormorant incorporates modern design techniques and advanced technologyfeatures that make it the most capable, long range search and rescue helicopter available.Cormorant won selection against fierce international competition from the Boeing CH-47Chinook, Sikorsky S-70 and Eurocopter Super Puma Mk2 (Cougar).

SpecificationsCountry of Origin

Builder

Role

Similar Aircraft

Dimensions (External)

Overall LengthRotors Turning 22.80 m

Fuselage Length 19.53 m

Width (excludingrotor) 4.52 m

Overall Height 6.62 m

Folded Length 15.75 m

Folded Width 5.20 m

Folded Height 5.20 m

Main Rotor Diameter 18.60 m

Tail Rotor Diameter 4.00 m

Dimensions (Internal)

Cabin Length 7.09 m

Cabin Width 2.49 m

Cabin Height 1.83 m

Accommodation

Cockpit Pilot and Co-Pilot or Observer

Cabin 2 mission system operators

Cabin Volume 29.0 cu m

Cabin Floor Area 17.0 sq m

Rotor System

Main Rotor Type Fully articulated

Main Rotor Blades 5 composite blades

Tail Rotor Type Teetering

Tail Rotor Blades 4 composite blades

Weights

Maximum All UpMass 14600 kg

Cargo Hook Capacity 4535 kg

Standard Fuel (4tanks) 3408 kg

Armament

Crew

Cost

User Countries

LYNXThe Lynx first flew in March 1971 and was developed under an English-Frenchhelicopter agreement. There are two main versions of the Lynx: a wheeled versionprimarily for naval use and an army version with skids or skis. Super Lynx is the onlyhelicopter in its weight class designed specifically for operations from small ships in allweathers and high sea states. With over 120 aircraft in service, Battlefield Lynx is theBritish Army's frontline transport helicopter.

The four-blade main rotor is mounted on a hump on top of the cabin, with two turboshaftengines mounted on top of the rear of the cabin. The fuselage features an oval, stepped-up and glassed-in cockpit with a box-like cargo compartment. Landing skids are used onon army versions, while naval versions have wheels. The high-mounted, tapered tailboom includes a swept-back fin which is tapered, along with a siingle flat on right sidenear top of tail fin and a tail rotor on left side.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin UK

Builder WESTLAND

Role Utility, attack, antitank

Similar Aircraft

OH-58 Kiowa, HirundoA109, UH-1 Iroquois,UH-1N Model 212,Dauphin 2

Rotor diameter 42 ft (12.8 m)

Dimensions (External)

Overall Length RotorsTurning 15. 16 m

Fuselage Length 13. 33 m

Width (excluding rotor) 2. 94 m

Overall Height 3. 48 m

Folded Length 10. 85 m

Folded Width 2. 94 m

Folded Height 3. 25 m

Main Rotor Diameter 12. 80 m

Tail Rotor Diameter 2. 36 m

Dimensions (Internal)

Cabin Length 2. 05 m

Cabin Width 1. 78 m

Cabin Height 1. 42 m

Accommodation

Cockpit Pilot and Co-Pilot orObserver

Cabin Up to 9 passengers

Cabin Volume 4. 85 cu m

Cabin Floor Area 3. 45 sq m

Rotor System

Main Rotor Type Semi-rigid

Main Rotor Blades 4 composite blades

Tail Rotor Type Fully articulated

Tail Rotor Blades 4 composite blades

Weights

Maximum All Up Mass 5330 kg

Cargo Hook Capacity 1360 kg

Standard Fuel 786 kg

Auxiliary Fuel Tank 353 kg each

Engines

Number 2 2

Make Rolls Royce LHTEC

Model Gem 42-1 CTS800-4N

Take-Off Rating 746 kW each 1015 kW each

Maximum Continuous 664 kW each 945 kW each

Performance

Cruise Speed 137 knots

Maximum Range (withauxiliary fuel) 530 nm

Endurance (withauxiliary fuel) 5. 4 hours

ArmamentCannon, minigun,rockets, missiles, HOT orTOW antitank missiles

Crew Two

Cost

User CountriesBrazil, Denmark, France,Germany, Netherlands,Nigeria, Norway, UK

NH 90The NH 90 is a twin engine, tactical transport and multi-role naval helicopter in the 8-9ton class. The NH 90 design and development contract was awarded by NAHEMA, theNATO agency representing the 4 participating governments of France, Italy, Germanyand The Netherlands to NHIndustries the joint venture shared by Agusta, Eurocopter andFokker.

The NH90 helicopter is being developed in two variants : the Tactical TransportHelicopter (TTH) and the NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) to meet the requirementsexpressed by European Armed Forces. The NH90, derived both in the transport and navalversion from a common basic model, has been conceived as a brand new and innovativeweapon system, with technical and technological solutions in line with the futureexpectations of the operators. As for technologies and performance, equal considerationhas been given to Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Testability andSupportability.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin

Builder

Role

Similar Aircraft

Wing Span

Length

Height

Weight

Engine Twin engine (TTM 322-01/9 or T700-T6E)

Maximum speed

Cruising speed

Range

Service Ceiling

Armament

Crew

Cost

User Countries

PAH-1 BO 105The BO 105 CBS-5 Army or Navy is a lightweight twin-engine multi-role militaryhelicopter. It is built by the EUROCOPTER Group, owned 70% by AEROSPATIALEFrance and 30% by Daimler Aerospace (DASA) of Germany. The military version of theBO 105 include the antitank version with weapon-carrying outriggers and the scoutversion which has a mast-mounted sight above the main rotor. Missions include: directair support, antitank, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and transport. In addition toreconnaissance, observation and surveillance missions, this helicopter is particularlysuitable for carrying task forces and casualties, thanks to its unpartitioned cabin/cargoarea. The helicopter is powered by two Allison 250-C 20B turbine engines and can easilybe reconfigured for different armed duties, and particularly to support the followingspecific weapon systems: anti-tank missiles, rocket launchers, pod-mounted gun, gunturret, side-firing machine gun.

The Maritime Search & Surveillance BO 105 CBS 5, is the shipborne version of the BO105, with the same engines. The helicopter features a 360° surveillance and watchmeteorological radar, and has a capability to also support an associated data recorder andtransmitter system, a Doppler/GPS navigation control system, and is NVG compatible.

The four-blade main rotor is mounted above center of cabin. External stores are mountedon weapons "outriggers" or racks on each side of the fuselage. Each rack has onehardpoint. The antitank version has short, stubby, weapon-carrying outriggers on lowermidsection. Two turboshaft engines are mounted on the top of the fuselage, which isshort, thick, oval-shaped, and rounded at nose and rear with a glassed-in cockpit andlanding skids. Clamshell doors at rear of cabin area open to access cargo area. The cargofloor has tiedown rings throughout. The tail features a swept-back and tapered fin withsmall rectangular fins mounted at the tips of the rectangular flats and the rotor on the left.

VARIANTSThe BO 105 was developed initially by Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm in Germany.Others are built in Chile, the Philippines, Indonesia (NBO-105), and Spain (CASA BO-105/ATH).

BO-105CB: The standard production variant. BO-105CBS: VIP version with a slightly longer fuselage to accommodate 6

passengers, some used in a SAR role. BO-105LS: Upgraded to 2x 550-shp Allison 250-C28 turboshaft engines for

extended capabilities in high altitudes and temperatures. Produced only inCanada.

BO-105M/VBH: Standard reconnaissance version. BO-105P/PAH1: Standard antitank version.

SpecificationsVariants in “( )”

Country of Origin Germany

Builder Eurocopter

Date of Introduction 1972

Role Observation, antitank, utility

Similar Aircraft OH-6 Cayuse, Defender 500MD, AlouetteIII, Mi-4 Hound

BladesMain rotor: 4Tail rotor: 2

Rotor diameter Main Rotor Diameter: 9.8 / 32 ft, 3 inTail Rotor Diameter: 1.9

Length Length (rotors turning): 11.9 m / 39 ftLength (fuselage): 8.8m

Height 3.0 m

Width 2.5 m

Cargo CompartmentDimensions

Floor Length: 1.9 mWidth: 1.4 mHeight: 1.3 m

Weight

Maximal with external load 2,600 kg/5,732 lbMaximum Gross: 2,500 kg / 5,512 lbNormal Takeoff: 2,000 kgEmpty: 1,301 kg, 1,913 kg (PAH1)

Engine 2x 420-shp Allison 250-C20B turboshaft

Fuel Internal: 570 litersInternal Aux Tank: 200 liters ea. (max 2x)

Maximum speed 242 km/h - 131 kts

Cruising speed 205 km/h

Range Normal Load: 555 kmWith Aux Fuel: 961 km

CeilingService: 3,050 mHover (out of ground effect): 457 mHover (in ground effect): 1,525 m

Vertical Climb Rate 7.5 m/s

Armament

2 - 2.75-in rocket pods (7 or 12 ea.)2 - 68-mm SNEB rocket pods (12ea)2 - 50-mm SNIA rockets (28 ea.)2 - TOW ATGM pods (4 ea.)6 - HOT ATGM2 - AS-12 ASM pods (2 ea.)1 - Stinger AAM pod (4 ea.)Most Probable Armament:BO-105P/PAH1: Outriggers carry 6x HOTantitank missiles, or rocket pods.CASA BO-105/ATH: The Spanishproduced variant rigidly mounts 1x Rh 20220-mm cannon under the fuselage.

Standard PayloadInternal load: 690 kgExternal on sling only: 1,200 kgTransports 3 troops or 2 litters, or cargo.

Survivability/Countermeasures

Main and tail rotors electrically deiced.Infrared signature suppressors can bemounted on engine exhausts.Rotor brake.

AVIONICS

The BO-105P has a roof-mounted direct-view, daylight-only sight to allow firing ofHOT ATGMs. Options exist to fit a thermalimaging system for night operations, and alaser designator.Available avionics include weather radar,Doppler and GPS navigation, and anautopilot. It is capable of operation in day,night, and instrument meteorological condi-tions.

Crew 1 or 2 (pilots)

Cost

User Countries

At least 40 countries -- Bahrain, Brunei,Chile, Colombia, Germany, Indonesia, Iraq,Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Philippines,USA

PAH-2 TigerThe Tiger constitutes an entirely new generation of helicopters for the armed forces ofGermany and France. One of the most advanced combat helicopter in the world today,Tiger offers flexibility and mission diversity to meet the new challenges facing Westernalliance and United Nations member countries following the collapse of the WarsawPact. Rapid reaction forces, the Franco-German Brigade, Euro-Corps and similar unitscan make use of Tiger's inherent multi-mission capabilities which include: dedicated anti-tank missions, mixed ground-target engagements, escort/combat support missions,surveillance and reconnaissance missions as well as protection missions for unarmedtransport helicopters flying humanitarian aid missions.

The Germans and French are co-developing the PAH-2 Tiger attack helicopter, which hasmany of the capabilities of the American AH-64 Apache. The EUROCOPTER Group,owned 70% by AEROSPATIALE France and 30% by Daimler Aerospace (DASA) ofGermany, designs and manufactures a wide range of civil and military helicopters in the2 to 10 ton class. Today, EUROCOPTER is the world's leading manufacturer of civilhelicopters, with more than 11.000 helicopters in service in 126 countries.

Despite the political impetus behind co-operation from the French and GermanGovernments, the Tiger was subject to a troubled and protracted gestation. Discussionson a joint program began in the late 1970s, but differences between French and Germanrequirements delayed formal commitment until 1983. In order to reconcile the differentrequirements of the French and German armies, the industrial consortium was required toproduce a common airframe with three separate weapons and equipment fits. And in1987 rising costs induced a simplified program with the same helicopter to be procuredby both countries.

An initial batch of 160 helicopters, 80 for Germany and 80 for France, will be procured.The German Army's total requirement of 212 and the French Army's requirement of atotal of 215 Tiger helicopters remains unchanged. Production and final assembly of themachines will be at the Eurocopter plants in Donauwörth (Germany) and Marignane(France). Cost and work shares are divided between the two partner countries on a 50:50per cent basis. Deliveries will commence in 2002.

VARIANTS

The Tiger HAP is an air-to-air combat and fire support medium-weight (6 ton)helicopter fitted with 2 MTR 390 engines. It is daytime and night combat capableand is operable in NBC environments. Three basic parameters were taken intoaccount right from the start of the development phase: low (visual, radar andinfrared) detectability, which provides excellent survivability on the battlefield,maximum efficiency of the weapons and the associated fire control systemswithout heavier workload for the crew, and an optimized logistic concept offeringminimum ownership costs. The Tiger HAP is fitted with a 30-mm gun turret; 68-

mm submunition rokets, and air-to-air Mistral missiles. It also features a firingsight with 3 sensors: infrared, TV camera and direct optical channel. Thecomplete avionics suite includes multi-purpose color displays and radar/laserwarning receivers. The MTR390 high technology propulsion system was designedfor the new twin-engined Franco-German Tiger attack helicopter.

The Tiger UHT is a multi-role fire support helicopter. The Trigat Fire and Forgetmissiles and/or the Hot missiles it carries offer anti-tank capability, while 68-mmrockets ensure air-to-ground fire support. A 12.7 mm air-to-air gun pod and air-to-air Stinger missiles can also be installed. The helicopter also features a mast-mounted sight with a second-generation IRCCD infrared channel and a TVchannel, as well as a nose-mounted IRCCD control FLIR for the pilot.Countermeasures include radar/laser/missiles launch/missile approach warningreceivers and decoy launchers.

The Tiger HAC is an anti-tank helicopter which supports the same equipments asthe Tiger UHT. Weaponry includes Trigat and/or Hot anti-tank missiles and air-to-air Mistral missiles.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin

Builder Eurocopter

Role Scout, escort, anti-tank, fire support

Similar Aircraft

Wing Span

Length

Height

Weight 6,000 kg/13,230 lb

Engine MTR390 turboshaft

Maximum speed 179 mph

Cruising speed HCP (roof sight) 280 km/h-150 ktsU TIGER (mast sight) 260 km/h-140 kts

Range 800 km-432 n.m.

MaximumEndurance 3 hrs 25 min

Service Ceiling

Armament

Up to 2x22 rockets up to 2x12 rocket pods up to 2x2 Mistral air-to-air missiles up to 2x4 HOT anti-tank missiles

30 mm turreted gun

Crew

Cost

User Countries

SA 341 GazelleSA 342 GazelleThe Eurocopter/Aerospatiale SA 341/342 Gazelle is a French built light utility helicopterwhich was first flown in 1967. Military missions include attack, antitank, antihelicopter,reconnaissance, utility, transport, and training. The three-blade main rotor is mounted ontop of the fuselage at the rear of the cabin. The single turboshaft engine, mounted on topof the fuselage and to the rear of the rotor shaft, features a prominent, upturned exhaust.The teardrop-shaped fuselage has a round, glassed-in cockpit and landing skids. Thetapering tail boom mid-mounted on the fuselage has a swept-back tail fin which istapered with a square tip and rectangular flats with small fins. The fan rotor housing isbuilt into the lower tail.External stores are mounted on weapons “outriggers” or racks on each side of thefuselage. Each rack has one hardpoint. The bench seat in the cabin area can be foldeddown to leave a completely open cargo area. Cargo floor has tiedown rings throughout.

VARIANTS

AS 341 Gazelle: Developed by Aerospatiale in France. Others were built in theUK by Westland, and in Yugoslavia.

SA 341B/C/D/E: Production versions for the British military. Used in training andcommunications roles.

SA 341F: Production version for the French Army. Upgraded engine to AstazouIIIC.

SA 341H: Export variant. SA 342K: Armed SA 341F with upgraded 870-shp Astazou XIVH engine, mostly

exported to the Middle East. SA 342L: Export light attack variant with Astazou XIVM engine. SA 342M: Improved ground attack variant for the French Army. Similar to SA

342L, but with improved instrument panel, engine exhaust baffles to reduce IRsignature, navigational systems, Doppler radar, and other night flying equipment.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin France & UK

Builder AEROSPATIALE, WESTLAND

Date of Introduction 1973

Role

General utilityGazelle Hot : close air support, destructionof all type of targets (armoured vehicules,command posts, infrastructure, etc.)Gazelle Mistral : real time air to air

defense, overall defense operations againstenemy helicopters and slow-moving aircraft.

Similar Aircraft Alouette II, Alouette III, Scout/Wasp, OH-13Sioux, Dauphin 2

Blades Main rotor: 3Tail rotor: 13 (fenestron enclosed in tail)

Rotor diameterMain Rotor Diameter: 10.5 metersTail Rotor Diameter: 0.7 meters

Length rotors turning: 11.9 metersfuselage: 9.5 metres

Height 3.1 meters

Width 2.0 meters

Cargo CompartmentDimensions (m) Floor Length: 2.2 Width: 1.3 Height: 1.2

Standard Payload (kg)Internal load: 750External on sling only: 700Transports 3 troops or 1 litter, or cargo

Weight (kg)

Maximum Gross: 1,800 (SA 341), 1,900 (SA342K), 2,000 (SA 342L/M)Normal Takeoff: 1,800Empty: 998

Engines 1x 590-shp Turbomeca Astazou IIIBturboshaft

Fuel (liters)Internal: 445Internal Aux Tank: 90Additional Internal Aux Tank: 200

Range (km) Normal Load: 670 (SA 341), 735 (SA 342)

Speed (km/h) Maximum (level): 310Cruise: 270

Ceiling (m)

Service: 4,100 (SA 341), 5,000 (SA 342)Hover (out of ground effect): 2,000 (SA 341),2,370 (SA 342)Hover (in ground effect): 2,850 (SA 341),3,040 (SA 342)

Vertical Climb Rate (m/s) 12.2

Armament Weapon & Armament Types1 - 7.62-mm MG or1 - 20-mm GIAT M.621 cannon [100

rounds] or2 - 7.62-mm AA-52 FN MG pods [1,000rounds]2 - 2.75-in rocket pods (7 ea.)2 - 68-mm SNEB rocket pods (12 ea)2 - 57-mm rockets (18 ea.)4-6 - HOT ATGM4 - AT-3 SAGGER ATGM2-4 - AS-11 ASM, or AS-12 ASM2 - SA-7 GRAIL AAM2 - MISTRAL AAMMost Probable Armament:SA 341F: A GIAT M.621 20-mm cannonis installed on starboard side of some aircraft.Rate of fire is selectable at 300 or 740 rpm.SA 341H: Can carry 4x AT-3 ATGMs, and2x SA-7, or 128-mm or 57-mm rockets, and7.62-mm machinegun in cabin.SA 342K: Armed antitank version with 4-6x HOT ATGMs.SA 342L: Either rocket pods ormachineguns.SA 342M: Armed with 4-6x HOT antitankmissiles, and possibly fitted with Mistral airto air missiles.

Survivability/Countermeasures IR signature suppressor on engine exhaust.

AVIONICS The SA 342M has a roof-mountedstabilized direct view/infrared/laser sight toallow night firing of HOT ATGMs.The aircraft is NVG compatible; and by itsinstruments, avionics, autopilot, and navcomputer, is capable of flight in day, night,and instrument meteorological conditions.

Crew 1 or 2 (pilots)

Cost

User Countries

At least 23 countries -- Angola, Burundi,Cameroon, Chad, Cyprus, Ecuador, Egypt,France, Gabon, Iraq, Kenya, Kuwait,Lebanon, Morocco, People’s Republic ofChina, Qatar, Rwanda, Senegal, Syria, UK,Yugoslavia

SUPER FRELONThe Super Frelon first flew in 1962. The Super Frelon was produced in a civiliantransport version and military transport, anti-submarine, and anti-ship versions. The six-blade main rotor is mounted above center of fuselage. Of the three turboshaft engines,two are mounted side-by-side atop the fuselage forward of main rotor; the third is behindthe main rotor. Round air intakes are located above and behind cockpit. Boat-hull typefuselage mounts stabilizing floats on either side of the body, which has fixed landing gearand an upswept rear section. The nose is round with glassed-in cockpit. The tail boomtapers from the main body to the swept-back, tapered fin with a rotor on the left. Thesingle flat is tapered and and flat-mounted on the right side of the fin.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin France

Builder AEROSPATIALE / Eurocopter

First flight : 1965

In-service in theFrench Navy :

1966

Role Assault-transport (38 equipped troops), navaloperations

Major operationalcapacities :

Special operations with Navy commandos, maritimeanti-terrorism, combat rescue, logistic support tomaritime forces, sea rescue, fight against maritimepollution

Typical mission Rescue of aircraft crew on the ground and at sea

Similar Aircraft Puma, SH-3 Sea King, CH-53 Sea Stallion, HH-3EJolly Green Giant, Mi-8 Hip

Rotor diameter 62 ft (18.9 m)

Length 75 ft, 7 in (23 m)

Height 6.70 m

Weight 13 tons

Engine 3 Turboméca 3C III turbines / 3x1,200 HP

Maximum speed 270 km/h

Cruising speed

Range 700 km / 3 ½ hr

Service Ceiling 10,000 ft

Armament Torpedoes

Passengers : Up to 27 commandos

Special equipments : Radar ORB-42, Alkan decoy launcher, compatibilitywith night vision binoculars, defensive armour plate,scuttling weapons, PLS (Personal Locator System) andGPS (Global Positioning System)

NATOinteroperability :

Protected radiocommunication, identification friend orfoe

Crew Two on flight deck; three in main cabin

Cost

User Countries France, Iraq, Israel, Libya, People’s Republic of China,Zaire

French Navyinventory :

16 in two squadrons

SCOUT, WASP (WESTLAND)The Scout was first flown in 1958. The UK army took delivery of about 150 Scouts,which were fitted with a skid undercarriage. The Royal Navy received its first deliveriesof Wasps in 1963. The Wasp has a wheeled undercarriage and a single tail flat on theright side of the tail boom. The four-blade main rotor is mounted on a shaft behind thecabin and between the cabin and engine. The single turboshaft engine is mountedexposed behind rear of cabin. the fuselage features a rounded nose, stepped-up, glassed-in cockpit, including top, with a slightly tapered rear section and fixed landing gear. Theswept-back, tapered fin features a small rotor on the left. Rectangular flats (Armyversion) are mounted to the underside of the boom below the fin.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin UK

Builder

Role Utility

Similar Aircraft Alouette II, Alouette III, Gazelle, OH-13 Sioux

Rotor diameter 32 ft, 3 in (9.84 m)

Length 30 ft, 4 in (9.26 m)

Height

Weight

Engine

Maximum speed

Cruising speed

Range

Service Ceiling

Armament Accommodations for antitank missiles, cannon, rockets

Crew One

Cost

User Countries Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, UK

BrevelThe Brevel Kleinfluggerät Zielortung (KZO) of the German forces, is a reconnaissanceand target location UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) being developed by GIE Eurodroneunder contract from the German and French defence ministries. Its main missions are toprovide reconnaissance data and to detect and provide accurate position data on enemytargets for the artillery. GIE Eurodrone is a management branch of the Franco-Britishcompany Matra BAe Dynamics and the German firm STN Atlas Elektronik.UAV development efforts in Western Europe have experienced many of the sameproblems as their American counterparts, compounded by more serious fundingproblems. The Franco-German Brevel program has dragged on in fits and starts over thepast decade due to funding problems and the unsynchronized requirement debates of thetwo partners. At the moment, production for France appears to be moribund due tobudget shortfalls, though Germany may acquire the system eventually.Brevel is a real-time sighting and target localisation system. It is an Unmanned AerialVehicle with very low radar, acoustic and thermal signatures. It has an infra-red imagermounted on a 3-axis gyro stabilised platform, is ready to launch within 10 minuteswhatever the wind direction, requires a very small area for take-off and landing and has ajam-resistant data link. Brevel also possesses real-time transmission of pre-compressedimages through a very automated and compact ground station assuring mission planning,flight control and image interpretation, computer assisted detection and automatic editingof reports.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin France / UK / Germany

BuilderGIE EurodroneMatra BAe Dynamics (50%)STN Altas Elektronik (50%)

Role

Similar Aircraft Taifun

Wing Span 11 ft, 1 in (3.4 m)

Length 7 ft, 5 in (2.3 m)

Height

Weight

Engine

Maximum speed

Cruising speed

Range

Service Ceiling

Armament

Crew

Cost

User Countries

CL-289 / AN/USD-502The CL289 system comprises reusable drones which can fly on pre-programmedmissions in the upper sonic range, as well as a fully mobile and rapidly deployableground installation. The CL289, as part of the integrated army reconnaissance system aswell as at corps and division level, implements situation reconnaissance, target locationand classification as well as coverage of weapons effect. In March 1987, Canada, WestGermany and France signed the CL-289 surveillance drone production contract, thelargest defence export order ever won by a Canadian company. On November 29, 1990the CL-289 drone system entered German Army service.The operational performance of the CL 289 system can be enhanced by theimplementation of an adverse-weather capability and other relevant developments, i.e. fordigital image evaluation, mission planning and GPS-based navigation, guidance andcontrol systems. Thus, the new objectives can be attained, especially in view of thesystem's role within the rapid reaction forces, as is the case with Bosnia. The Defense andCivil Systems Business Unit of Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG (Dasa/ Munich) at DornierGmbH in Friedrichshafen has developed the new SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) sensoras a miniaturized technology for drones. In this German-French cooperation program,called Sword (System for All-nweather Observation by Radar on Drone), Dornier's profitcenter Reconnaissance and Command Systems is working together with Thompson/CSF.The first flights with the small sensor (weight approx. 30 kilograms) provided SAR-images of an outstanding quality, where moving vehicles on the ground could also bedetected.

Specifications

Builder team :Drone CL 289 : Bombardier, DASA Dornier, Sagem

PIVER ground system : Aerospatiale Matra

In-service in theFrench Army :

1993

Breadth / Length : 1.32 m / 3.61 m

Weight : 220 kg

Autonomy : 30 min / 170 km radius

Power plant : Turbo jet engine

Maximum speed : 720 kph

Navigation : Programmed trajectory (inertial guidance, altimetry,doppler)

Payload : Stereoscopic camera, infrared analyser, flight recorder,real time transmission of images from the infraredanalyser to ground operators, from up to 70 km

Composition of thecomplete system :

PIVER system : programming and interpretation ofreconnaissance devices flights

1 launching and programming unit and 1 or severaldrones

Possible use of heliborne pods instead of drones, withthe same sensors

Major operationalcapabilities :

Medium range night and day surveillance of thebattlefield by photographic and infrared cameras

Real time analysis of infrared images

Operational even in very poor weather conditions

Main user countries : Germany

French Armyinventory :

55 drones en 4 units

Typical mission 30-mn 400-km flights at very low altitude allowingrapid and detailed evaluation of targets withtransmission of high quality digital images

Crécerelle (Kestrel)France has opted for a low-cost, off-the-shelf UAV, the Crecerelle. The Crecerelle hasproven to be attractive to export customers as well, serving as the basis for the new DutchSperwer, and for a new Swedish program. France is focusing on a machine like theCrécerelle, that is fairly big and meets a specific need in contact zones. The equipment isalready operational in France and could be further developed. Crécerelle is an example ofa project that grew rapidly. The efficiency of the device is good enough so that theFrench Army can assess the system and see how it can be used. The French are workingon devices, such as the Vigilant, that are low-cost and flexible, that do not require anyspecial terrain, but also machines like the Crécerelle, that require bigger operatingfacilities but that also have greater capabilities.The HALE (High Altitude, Long Endurance) belongs to a more strategic field. They arebigger and more sophisticated. As a result, more compromises are required. Sagem hassigned an agreement with General Atomics to market the HALE. However, engineering aHALE requires a decision at a whole other level. French authorities are waiting to seewhat will happen with the American's Global Hawk before making a decision.Although the more or less official term for vehicles of this type is UAV (UnmannedAerial Vehicle), a French word [from Greek roots] for a plane without a pilot has beencoined - "gnopter". The word comes from the Greek words: "gnosis" meaningknowledge, "gnome" meaning intelligence and "pteron" meaning wing. This word sumsup the machine's mission. The gnopter is a device that can increase information on, orknowledge of a given location. The machines can also be adjusted in real-time, to fulfill agiven mission.

SpecificationsBuilder : Sagem

In-service in theFrench Army :

Summer 1994

Breadth / Length : 3.30 m / 2.75 m

Weight : 115 kg

Autonomy : 3 hours

Power plant : 2-stroke engine, rear propeller

Operational ceiling : 10,000 ft

Maximum speed : 240 km/h

Navigation : Self-guided by digital computer using several sensors(gyroscope, magnetometer, GPS, pressure sensor)

Payload : Panoramic video camera, high definition camera, highdefinition infrared analyser, transmission of data toground operators from up to 50 km

Composition of acompleteCRECERELLEplatoon :

1 ground control and image reception center, 1launcher, 1 trailer and 6 drones

Major operationalcapabilities :

Mission planning in 40 min ; maps and recce shots onoptical disks ; night and day localisation of targets

cost less than $100,000

Main user nations : Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark

French Armyinventory :

12 drones in 2 platoons

Typical mission Observation of refugee columns

Detection and surveillance of adverse positions

MarvelScorpionMBD's Marvel UAV system is targeted for maritime customers in addition to land-basedmissions, given that the Scorpion airframe can operate from areas as small as helipads.Freewing™'s patented Tilt-Body™ technology creates a new method of vectoring thrustin airplanes, one which is both inherently stable and mechanically simple, requiring onlythree moving parts. The Matra BAe name for its UAV system is the Marvel, whichcombines the Scorpion air vehicle with Matra BAe payloads and command & controlsystems.

Freewing™ has sold to Matra BAe Dynamics of distribution rights for its Scorpion UAV,a revolutionary unmanned airplane that can take off and land much like a helicopter. Theterritory includes all of Europe and the Middle East. The new agreement extends MBD'sexclusivity through 2002 and dramatically expands the territory for which MBD hasdistribution rights. Freewing™ retains all manufacturing rights, and acts as air vehiclesupplier for the Marvel system throughout Matra BAe's territory.

France-based Matra BAe Dynamics is the largest missile and UAV manufacturer inEurope. In 1994 MBD signed a strategic alliance agreement with Freewing™ in order touse the Scorpion airframe for the Marvel UAV system. At that time Matra bought theexclusivity only for France, the UK and Germany, for a time period into 1998.

Mirach 26The Mirach 26 can be operated from a ground control station (GCS) or autonomously. Itis built entirely with composite materials giving it a very low radar signature.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin Italy

Builder Alenia

Role Close-range tactical mini-UAV

Similar Aircraft MK-105 Flash, Shaheen, Mastiff, Ranger

Wing Span 15 ft, 5 in (4.73 m)

Length 12 ft, 6 in (3.85 m)

Height

Weight

Engine

Maximum speed

Cruising speed

Range

Service Ceiling

Armament

Crew

Cost

User Countries

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/mir26_p1.jpg

Mirach 100The Mirach 100 is controlled by ground control or by automatic navigation. It is an aerialtarget used for a wide variety of surface/ship-to-air missile firings with weapon systemslike Patriot, Hawk, Roland, Stinger, Sea Sparrow, Standard Missile and RAM, but canalso be used as a tactical cruise missile launched from aircraft.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin Italy

Builder Alenia

Role Target drone, tactical cruise

Similar Aircraft Mirach 150, MQ-2 Bigua, C.22, Marakub 100 (Iraq).

Wing Span 5 ft, 9 in (1.804 m)

Length 13, ft 5 in (4.126 m)

Height

Weight

Engine

Maximum speed

Cruising speed

Range

Service Ceiling

Armament HE warhead on cruise

Crew

Cost

User Countries Italy, Iraq, Libya

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MK-105 FLASHThe MK-105 FLASH is a reusable, low-cost UAV. It can be controlled by ground remoteor can be preprogrammed. Made of composite materials, it has a low-radar cross section.The FLASH is designed for short field, take-off and landings with conventional tricyclelanding gear.

The wings are high-mounted and forward tapered from midwing to the square tips. Theengine is a four-cylinder, prop driven on rear of fuselage in the opposing position. Thefuselage is round with round, glass nose, an IR bubble sensor on belly, and thin booms.The tail features back-tapered fins on booms with a square flat on top of the fins.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin Germany, USA, France, UK

BuilderBrown International Corporation, USAIAT - International Aerospace Technologies,Germany

Role Short-range multirole UAV

Similar Aircraft Mirach 26, Shaheen, MK III, Mastiff, Ranger ADS 90.

Wing Span 14 ft, 4 in (4.40 m)

Length 10 ft, 9 in (3.34 m)

Height

Weight

Engine

Maximum speed

Cruising speed

Range

Service Ceiling in excess of 10,000 feet

Armament Usually none

Crew

Cost

User Countries

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MK-106 HITThe International Aerospace Technology MK-106 HIT has excellent maneuverability athigh speeds with its unusual low-radar signature design, compact size, and 24-HP engine.The HIT uses a trailer mounted, catapult launch and parachute/airbag cushioned landingsystems, which allows precision launch and recovery in extremely confined or ruggedterrain.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin Germany, USA, France, UK

BuilderBrown International Corporation, USAIAT - International Aerospace Technologies,Germany

Role Multirole, reconnaissance/targeting

Similar Aircraft Harry, Donier DAR, Raki, AW-10

Wing Span 6 ft, 8 in (2.1 m)

Length 6 ft, 5 in (2 m)

Height

Weight

Engine

Maximum speed

Cruising speed

Range

Service Ceiling

Armament None

Crew

Cost

User Countries

PhoenixPhoenix is a real time surveillance and target acquisition Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV)designed to integrate with the Battlefield Artillery Target Engagement System (BATES)and indirect fire weapon systems against depth targets. The Phoenix UAV is an allweather, day or night, real time surveillance and target acquisition system. Pheonix'ssurveillance suite is datalinked to a ground station which, in turn, transmits theintelligence gathered directly to artillery command posts. The Phoenix UAV is almostentirely made from Kevlar, glass fibre, carbon reinforced plastics and Nomexhoneycomb; and is powered by a 25hp two stroke flat twin engine. The UAV can belaunched within an hour of reaching launch site. Up to 2 UAV's can be controlled fromthe same ground contol station. Phoenix is operated by the Royal Artillery.The contract for Phoenix was placed in 1985 against an In Service Date (ISD) of 1989.This original ISD slipped continuously and, in March 1995, the Equipment ApprovalsCommittee ordered an Agreed Program of Work (APW) to be established and a studyinto alternative systems. The study concluded that, although there were several UAVsystems that came close to matching the requirement, none did so as closely as Phoenix.A major contract amendment was negotiated with GMAeS and, in September 1996,Ministerial approval was secured to return to contract against an ISD of December 1998.At the time of return to contract it was hoped to bring Phoenix into service in mid-1998,but some technical difficulties, together with the need for a comprehensive SafetyStatement and a Military Aircraft Release, resulted in exact alignment with the endorsedISD.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin UK

Builder

Role

Similar Aircraft

Wing Span 5.5m

Length

Height

Weight 177 kgs

Engine

Maximum speed

Cruising speed

Flight Radius 50 kms

Service Ceiling 2700m (9000 ft)

Cost

User Countries

Quantities

eight troops (two batteries each with three flight troopsand two flight troops at the Royal School of Artillery)with a total of 198 UAVs and support equipmentGround Data Terminal (GDT) and Ground ControlSystem (DCS), Launchers, Recovery Vehicles,Resupply Vehicles - Troop Command Post (TCP)

Total Costs £259.4 million (estimated)

In-Service Date (ISD) December 1998

Complete RegimentalConversion Training July 1998

Achieve MaintenanceReserve status October 1998

Complete FlightSectionRefurbishment

February 2000

Complete WarMaintenance ReserveAir Vehicle deliveries

January 2001

Transfer to DefenceLogisticsOrganisation

April 2001

SeamosThe navy drone Seamos (sea reconnaissance and location system) is an unmanned smallhelicopter equipped with two counterrotating rotors and designated for use on the newcorvette K130. The primary tasks of the drone are comprehensive reconnaissance andtarget acquisition. It is planned to enter service in the year 2005.The Seamos technology is based on a proven coaxial rotor system with twocounterrotating two-blade rotors and an autonomous flight guidance system with state-of-the-art components. The drone has a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 1.1 tonsand a mission payload of approximately 150 kilograms. Radar sensors, electro-opticalsensors, and a data link are planned as payload.The navy drone Seamos for the German Navy will be developed by the Defense and CivilSystems Business Unit of Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG (Dasa/Munich) at Dornier GmbHin Friedrichshafen. This contract for definition activities and also encompassing testflights, was awarded in October 1998 to Dornier GmbH by the German Office of DefenseTechnology and Procurement (BWB). The German Navy is the first customer worldwideto have ordered the development of a drone system for maritime reconnaissance.Under the terms of company-own developments of Dornier GmbH and supported byBWB research funds, it already has been possible to successfully demonstrate automatictakeoff and landings on a moving platform. Dornier is preparing an advanced variant ofthe Seamos technology demonstrator for test flights. This also includes the expansion ofthe flight range, the adaptation to the proven hybrid navigation system of Honeywell anda more powerful engine (Allison 250 C 20).In order to prepare Seamos for its participation in the NATO "UAV InternationalTechnology Demonstrator Program", the tactical control station will already be inconformance with the U.S. requirements.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin Germany

Builder DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG (Dasa, Munich)

Role

Similar Aircraft

Wing Span

Length

Height

Weight

Engine

Maximum speed

Cruising speed

Range

Service Ceiling

Armament

Crew

Cost

User Countries

VigilantThe Vigilant drone is a pilot-less helicopter for air-to-ground observations within a 30-kilometer radius. It measures 2.30 meters, totals a takeoff weight of 40 kilograms.Techno Sud Industries, a small company, engineered the aircraft. Vigilant is a low-costand flexible system, that does not require any special terrain for operations. It took tenyears of work and millions of francs from stockholder equity to engineer the nowmarketed helicopter. Seventy percent of its market is civil industry and 30 percent, themilitary. Thanks to 3 axis (pitch, roll and yaw) automatic stabilization (TSI patent), theVigilant was equipped with flight programming engineered jointly with ONERA DCSD.The Vigilant, marketed by Thomson CSF, and has attracted many customers: thecustoms, fishing services, forestry commissions, city services and the police. Security,surveillance and environmental control are the major areas (not including militaryoperations) where the Vigilant is highly successful. The Vigilant is the only aircraft of itskind with a permit to fly over French territory.

In June 1997 the French Army Headquarters decided to acquire from Thomson-CSF,system and program leader, and TechnoSud Industries, aerial vehicle designer, a VigilantF2000 M helicopter UAV system, in order to assess, in the field, the advantages of thevery short range UAV concept and its reconnaissance and scouting capacities in aid ofarmoured units. This decision followed a successful French Army / Thomson-CSFpreliminary joint evaluation compaign which took place at Mourmelon, a test fieldlocated in Champagne. The trials proved the high reliability of the system, in addition toits technical and operational abilities. The delivered system includes a ground controlstation and one or two unmanned helicopters equipped with a panoramic camera and apan/tilt zoom camera.

The same system, under the responsibility of Thomson-CSF, had carried out severaldemonstration flights in France and foreign countries, in particular in Germany for theLuna program. It raised interest in many military, paramilitary and civilian organizationswhich consider its use for various missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance andobservation of dangerous or difficult to reach areas.

SpecificationsCountry of Origin

Builder Thomson-CSF, system and program leader,TechnoSud Industries, aerial vehicle designer

Role

Similar Aircraft

Wing Span

Length 2.30m

Height

Weight 30 kg

Engine

Maximum speed

Cruising speed

Range 20 km

Service Ceiling

Armament none

Crew

Cost

User Countries