Mirage 2000-5

From the Internet dj searches out a Special Report on the French MIRAGE 2000-5

The newcomer to the Mirage 2000 family, the Mirage 2000-5 is a multi-role single-seater or two seater fighter. It differs from its predecessors mainly in its avionics, its new multiple target air-to-ground and air-to-air firing procedures linked to the use of RDY radar and its new visualization andcontrol system.

The Mirage 2000-5 is the latest addition to the Mirage 2000 combat aircraft family. As a multi-role combat aircraft with particularly versatile air-to-air mission capabilities, the Mirage 2000-5 integrates the state-of-the-art of the know-how based on the experience gained from the previous Mirage 2000 versions (Mirage 2000 DA, Mirage 2000 E, Mirage 2000 D) and is designed for the most-advanced armaments.

The particular expertise acquired in the various technologies, and related upgrades, used on the other Mirage 2000 versions is reflected amongst others, in the :

• aerodynamic qualities ;
• efficient fly-by-wire flight control system ;
• extensive use of composite materials.

It retains the SNECMA M53-P2 turbofan engine (98KN thrust with reheat) with low specific consumption, offering well-proven reliability.

The Mirage 2000-5 is available as a single or two-seater aircraft, the latter version retaining all the operational capabilities of the former, also offering training capacities. As for its previous Mirage 2000 brothers, the Mirage 2000-5's low wing load, combined with its aerodynamics, its high thrust-to-weight ratio and fly-by-wire control system, endow the aircraft with superb manoeuvrability and handing qualities. This also gives it impressive agility in air combats as well as short take-off and landing features.

The Mirage 2000-5's cockpit, an entirely new pilot interface, offers :

• a combined Head Up/Head Level (HUD/HLD) display collimated to infinity for optimal presentation of all data relative to handling, nav- igation, air and ground target engagement and firing,
• two coloured lateral displays, for pre- sentation of all sensor and system management information,
• one display dedicated to data fusion, to permanently provide the pilot with the clearest possible vision of the tactical situation.

All necessary selections or actions for air combats are made real-time controls on stick and throttle only (HOTAS concept).

Thanks to the man-machine interface, the integration of the sensors dedicated to nav. system, target acquisition and weapon firing, the Mirage 2000-5 single seater executes target destruction missions with reduced pilot work load.

Mirage 2000 is equipped with a multi-mode Thomson-CSF RDY doppler radar which allows, in air defence missions, multi-target selections at all altitudes and look down/shoot down operation. This radar can simultaneously detect up to 24 targets and track while scan the 8 most threatening ones.

The aircraft also has a comprehensive, totally integrated self-protection system not requiring any external pod, which can be interfaced with a new efficient programmable mission planning/debriefing ground system.

The Mirage 2000-5 new weapon delivery system is designed for firing, in air defence missions, the Matra MICA multi-target air-to-air intercept and combat missiles, as well as for use of Magic 2 combat missiles whose system integrates autonomous detection capabilities. The Mirage 2000-5 single seater version is furthermore fitted with 2 internal, high firing rate, 30mm guns. The Mirage 2000-5 can simultaneously carry 4 MICA and 2 Magic missiles. The Mirage 2000-5 offers great possibilities for air-to-surface missions and can use all currently existing conventional weapons.

Furthermore, when fitted with a laser designation pod (TV/CT LDP), the Mirage 2000-5 can fire, both day and night, any laser-guided weapon with greatest accuracy.

In '4 MICA + 2 Magic missiles + 3 drop-tanks' configuration, the Mirage 2000-5 offers considerably extended mission times.

The Mirage 2000-5 Weapon Delivery and Navigation System (WDNS) architecture and wiring, notably its digital core system, have been designed with an impressive growth potential for further integration and use of new sensors and weapons.