Case Study:The Mirage 2000-5,A Phoenix Rising?

A Mirage 2000-5 of the French Airforce(above)
The Dassault Mirage 2000-5 in Testflight
          By the late 1980s, the Mirage 2000 was beginning to age relative to the competition(the likeness of U.S. F16s), and export sales slumped.So Thomson-CSF began work on a privately funded update of the Mirage 2000C which was to be named the Mirage 2000-5. A two-seat Mirage 2000B prototype was extensively modified as the first Mirage 2000-5 prototype, and it first flew on October 24, 1990. A Mirage 2000C prototype was then reworked to a similar standard

The Features include:
1)The Thales multimode "Radar Doppler Multitarget" ("RDY" in its French acronym) a more powerful processor; improved defensive avionics; compatibility with the new Matra "Mica" AAM, which is available in both heat-seeking and active radar homing versions

2)A new five-display "glass cockpit" layout borrowed from the Rafale program( three-color MFDs, a dual-linked wide-angle HUD / head-level display). The RDY radar provides true multitarget tracking and can guide four Micas to different targets simultaneously.

3)The updated ICMS 2 countermeasures suite and the Samir DDM missile warning system. ICMS 2 incorporates a receiver and associated signal processing system in the nose for detection of hostile missile command data links. The aircraft’s self-protection equipment can be interfaced to a new programmable mission-planning and post-mission analysis ground system.

4)Targeting systems included the Thales TV/CT CLDP laser designation pod which provides the capability to fire laser-guided weapons by day and night.
A two-seater version was developed as well. The back-seater has the HUD but not the associated head-level display, and as with first-generation two-seaters, there are no built-in cannon (although cannon pods can be carried).

The old prototype Mirage 2000B was extensively modified to fly as the first next-generation "Mirage 2000-5", in October 1990.
The first single-seat Mirage 2000-5 flew in April 1991. Mirage 2000-5 variants are externally difficult to distinguish from first-generation Mirage 2000 variants, and possess the same SNECMA M53-P2 engine.

Dassault needed an order from the ADA to help promote foreign sales, and after some lobbying, in 1993 the ADA decided to upgrade 37 of their existing Mirage 2000s to 2000-5 specification as a stopgap before the arrival of the Rafale in ADA service. The upgraded aircraft were redesignated "Mirage 2000-5F", and became operational in 2000.

In 1992, the Taiwanese Air Force ordered 48 single-seat "Mirage 2000-5EIs" and 12 "Mirage 2000-5DI" trainers, with introduction of the first squadron in 1997 and the last fighters delivered in 1999. In 1994, Qatar ordered nine single-seat "Mirage 2000-5EDAs" and three "Mirage 2000-5DDA" trainers, with initial deliveries in late 1997.

Dassault then extended the improvements a bit further with the "Mirage 2000-9", which features an "RDY-2" radar, the high-power "Modular Data Processing Unit (MDPU)" designed for the Rafale, and an improved countermeasures suite with a new lowband jammer. The RDY-2 is similar to the original RDY, but features two new air-to-ground modes, including a high-resolution "synthetic aperture radar (SAR)" imaging mode.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE, with the machines specifically ordered by Abu Dhabi) was the launch customer, ordering 30 new-build aircraft and 33 upgrades, with initial deliveries in late 2002. The UAE Mirage 2000-9s are well-equipped for the strike mission, as they are being provided with the "Shehab" laser targeting pod, a variant of the Thales Damocles pod, and the Nahar navigation pod, complementing the air-to-ground modes of the RDY-2 radar. The UAE is also obtaining the "Black Shahine" cruise missile, which is basically a variant of the APACHE.

In 2000, Greece ordered a batch of 25 "Mirage 2000-5 Mark 2" fighters, which are essentially Mirage 2000-9s, including 15 new-build aircraft and 10 upgrades from their existing Mirage 2000EGs. Dassault is also competing for a Brazilian deal with the Mirage 2000-9. Ironically, Dassault so far has had absolutely no luck promoting the Rafale on the export market, while the less-expensive new Mirage 2000s with Rafale technology are selling well.

Another piece of Rafale technology being ported to the Mirage 2000 is the Thales AIDA visual identification pod, which includes infrared and optical sensors for IFF and targeting. It will be used by ADA Mirage 2000-5Fs.

Further development of the second-generation type is expected to include a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver; a Joint Tactical Information Datalink System (JTIDS); compatibility with helmet-mounted sights for off-boresight heat-seeking missiles; and unspecified long-range sensors.

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 and control system. As a multi-role combat aircraft with 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.

Mirage 2000-5 Mark 2
Dassault extended the improvements of the Mirage 2000-5 a bit further with the Mirage 2000-5 Mark 2, which is an enhanced, fully multirole version of the Mirage 2000-5. It is currently the most advanced version of the Mirage 2000.
Features:
Thales RDY-2 radar. The RDY-2 radar is similar in configuration to the original RDY, but features two new air-to-ground modes, including a high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging mode with a moving target indicator (MTI) capability to provide an all-weather, day/night targeting capability. The radar features low-probability-of-intercept (LPI) operation, with the output pattern varying in a seemingly random pattern that prevents an adversary RWR from recognizing that it has been targeted.

The high-power Modular Data Processing Unit (MDPU) designed for the Rafale.

A new Thales Totem 3000 INS with ring-laser gyros and GPS capability, providing much greater accuracy, higher reliability, and shorter alignment time replaces the older ULISS 52 system. It works in conjunction with a terrain-following system.

An improved, classified ICMS 3 digital countermeasures suite.

An on-board oxygen generation system (OBOGS).

An optional SATURN secure Radio

The cockpit was updated as well, retaining the same general layout but with larger color displays and other modernizations. The Thales Topsight helmet-mounted display / sighting system is offered as an option.The Mirage 2000-5 Mark 2 includes a datalink for the targeting of MICA ER missiles and can carry the Damocles targeting pod.
Future Upgrades: Thales AIDA visual identification pod; technology used in the Rafale will be also integrated into the Mirage 2000, including infrared and optical sensors for IFF and targeting. It will be used by AdA Mirage 2000-5Fs. Further development of the second-generation type is expected to include a GPS receiver, MIDS datalink, and unspecified long-range sensors.

Also featuring theTopsight E helmet-mounted sight
Topsight E displays critical information, protects the pilot, and provides communications. In the display of critical information, Topsight E has three main functions:
Visual target designation by transmitting the target’s line of sight to the nav/attack system. Used with modern missiles, Topsight allows pilots to perform wide off-boresight target designation.
Visual target acquisition using reverse cueing mode where the display symbology guides the pilot’s eyes to the target tracked by the aircraft sensors. The nav/attack system provides spatial data.
Situational awareness based on concise display of vital information (tactical, navigation, safety, etc.).

However the now ageing Mirage 2000 is scheduled to be replaced in French service by the Dassault Rafale, which became operational with the French Air Force on June 27, 2006.

The Mirage2000:Operations and Operators

   The Peruvian Version:Mirage2000P(above)
  Hellenic HellenicHAF: Mirage2000EG(above)
  The IAF version: Mirage:2000H(Vajra)
 The Mirage2000 Operators(above)

KNOWN COMBAT RECORD
Iraq - Operation Desert Storm (France, 1991)
Afghanistan - Operation Enduring Freedom (France, 2001-present)

French Mirage 2000s saw operational use during the Gulf War although little combat action. UAE Mirages also flew in the Gulf War, but saw little or no action.

French Mirage 2000s were prominent participants in U.N. and NATO air operations over the former Yugoslavia, with one aircraft shot down over Bosnia by a heat-seeking surface-to-air missile in 1996, prompting efforts to obtain improved defensive systems.

AdA Mirage 2000Ds served in the intervention in Afghanistan in 2001-2002, operating in close conjunction with international forces and performing precision attacks with LGBs.

Kargil war, 1999:India has assigned the nuclear strike role to their Mirage 2000s. In 1999 when the Kargil conflict broke out, as all the Russian aircraft in the IAF (MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27) were having problems operating at high altitudes or were vulnerable to enemy MANPAD*s, the Mirage 2000 proved ideal for high altitude bombing.The Mirage 2000 performed well during the whole conflict, even though the Mirages supplied to India had limited air interdiction capability and had to be heavily modified to drop dumb and laser-guided bombs.The two Mirage squadrons flew a total of 515 sorties, and in 240 strike missions dropped 55,000 kg of ordnance. Easy maintenance and a very high sortie rate (compared to the Russian fighters in service with the IAF) made the Mirage 2000 the most efficient fighter of the Indian Air Force in the conflict.
[Man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) are shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles. They typically use infra-red guidance and can be a threat to low-flying aircraft and helicopters]

The Operators:
France (380)

Abu Dhabi (36):Abu Dhabi ordered 18 aircraft on 16 May 1983 and took up 18 options in 1985 for a total of 22 2000EADs, eight 2000RADs and six 2000DADs, these to Standard AD8

Egypt (20):Egypt ordered 16 2000EMs and four BMs in December 1981. Deliveries 30 June 1986 to January 1988. The aircraft were based at Beni Suef with 82 Squadron in interceptor role

Greece (55):Greece ordered 2000EGs and 2000BGs . These were handed over for 331 `Aegeas' and 332 `Geraki' Mire Pandos Kairou within 114 Pterix Mahis at Tanagra.. Further 15 Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2s interrest confirmed and formally ordered , together with an upgrade to this standard of 10 earlier aircraft by HAI. An option was held on a further three new [edit]
aircraft and five upgrades.

India (69):India first ordered 36 2000Hs and 4 THs: 26 Hs and four THs temporarily powered by M53-5, and the final 10 by M53-P2 from the outset. No# 7 IAF Squadron `Battle Axe' was formed at Gwalior AB 29 June 1985, coincident with the first arrivals in India. Named Vajra(Divine Thunder) in the Indian Air Force.Later 10 2000Hs and 9 2000THs were acquired by the IAF. By 1993 the IAF aircraft were appearing in an experimental brown-and-green low-level colour scheme, with Spirale chaff dispensers. By 1998, 38 remaining 2000Hs had been upgraded by HAL at Bangalore with local flare dispensers and were preparing for receipt of LGBs.

Jordan

Peru (12):Peru ordered 24 2000Ps and two 2000DPs, but later reduced this to 10 2000Ps and two 2000DPs.

Qatar (12):Qatar ordered 12 Mirage 2000-5s under the `Falcon' contract on 31 July 1994, together with MICA and Magic 2 AAMs. Qatari versions are 2000-5EDA (nine, single-seat) and 2000-5DDA (three, two-seat)

Taiwan (60):Taiwan ordered 60 Mirage 2000-5s with M53-P2 power plants on 18 November 1992

United Arab Emirates (30)

Brazil(12)

Mirage2000:The Cutting Edge

  The Cockpit of a Mirage 2000-5 with HUD display
   The SNECMA M53-P2 turbofan engine 98 kN thrust with afterburn.
                            Low-set thin delta wing with cambered* section, 58 degrees leading-edge sweep and moderately blended root; area-ruled; capable of carrying four air-to-air missiles.
(Camber: the asymmetry between the top and bottom curves of an aerofoil)
                            The aircraft's center of lift** was moved in front of its center of gravity, giving the fighter a degree of instability that enhances maneuverability.
(An aircraft's center of lift* is the location at which the net lift produced by all airfoils is located. With the center of mass, it is an important factor in the performance and stability of an aircraft).
                             A runway arresting hook or fairing for a brake parachute can be fitted under the tail. The landing roll was reduced by robust carbon brakes. The backward-retracting, steerable nose gear features dual wheels, while the main gear features single wheels and retracts inward into the wings.
                            An airbrake is fitted on top of each wing in an arrangement very similar to that of the Mirage III. A noticeably taller tailfin allows the pilot to retain control at higher angles of attack, assisted by small strakes mounted along each air intake.
                            First fighter jet with negative static stability.

Structure
Multi-spar metal wing; elevons have carbon-fiber skins with AG5 light alloy honeycomb cores; carbon-fiber/light alloy honeycomb panel covers avionics bay; most of the tailfin and all of the rudder are skinned with boron/epoxy/carbon; the rudder has a light alloy honeycomb core.

Flight control system
The aircraft has a redundant fly-by-wire automatic flight control system, providing a high degree of agility and easier handling.

COCKPIT
Mirage 2000-5 is available as a single-seater or two-seater multi-role fighter. The aircraft has Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) control. Mirage 2000-5 incorporates the Thales VEH 3020 head-up display and five cathode ray tube multifunction advanced pilot systems interface (APSI) displays.
Instrument Panel:The combined head-up / head-level display is collimated at infinity, and presents data relating to flight control, navigation, target engagement and weapon firing. Sensor and system management data is presented on two coloured lateral displays.The instrument panel is dominated by a Heads Up Display (HUD) with the VMC 180 radar screen located centrally below it. To the lower left is a stores management panel. Above the stores management panel are the navigation instruments and altimeter. The right half of the instrument panel houses the engine and systems displays. Located on the left side of the cockpit, just ahead of the throttle, are controls for the communications equipment, including the Have Quick secure radio

AVIONICS
Standard avionics for the Mirage-2000B/C include:
Sagem ULISS 52 inertial navigation system (INS), TRT radio altimeter.
Sextant TMV-980 data display system (VE-130 head-up and VMC-180 head-down) (two head-down in 2000N/D). The combined head-up/head-level display is collimated at infinity, and presents data relating to flight control, navigation, target engagement and weapon firing. Sensor and system management data is presented on two colored lateral displays.
Dassault Electronique Type 2084 central digital computer, Digibus digital databus (2084 XR in 2000D) and Sextant Avionique Type 90 air data computer.
LMT NRAI-7A IFF transponder, IO-300-A marker beacon receiver, TRT ERA 7000 V/UHF com transceiver, TRT ERA 7200 UHF or EAS secure voice communications.

RADAR and TARGETING
Thomson-CSF RDM multi-mode radar or Dassault Electronique/Thomson-CSF RDI pulse-Doppler radar for Mirage 2000C/D, each with operating range of 54 nm (100 km / 62 miles).
Dassault/Thales Antilope 5 Radar with terrain avoidance capability for Mirage 2000N Nuclear Strike variant.
The Thales multimode RDY (Radar Doppler Multitarget) developed for Mirage 2000-5.

Mirage 2000 has an upgraded digital Weapon Delivery and Navigation System (WDNS). The aircraft can be fitted with a TV/CT CLDP laser designation pod from Thales Optronique, which provides the capability to fire laser-guided weapons by day and night. The 2000-5 Mk 2 will have the Damocles laser designation pod with thermal imaging camera, also from Thales Optronique.
Mirage 2000-5 is equipped with a multi-mode Thales RDY doppler radar which provides multi-targeting capability in the air defence role and the radar also has look down / shoot down mode of operation. The radar can simultaneously detect up to 24 targets and carry out track while scan on the eight highest priority threats.
 
COUNTERMEASURES
The aircraft is equipped with a self-protection suite installed internally. Mirage 2000-5 carries the ICMS Mark 2 automated integrated countermeasures system from Thales.
ICMS Mark 2 incorporates a receiver and associated signal processing system in the nose section for the detection of missile command data links. The system can be interfaced to a new programmable mission planning and a post-mission analysis ground system.
Thales Serval Radar warning receiver* (RWR) with antennas on the wingtips and on the rear of the top of the tailfin.
(Typically fitted to military aircraft, radar warning receivers (RWR) detect the radio emissions of radar systems, whether ground-based or on-board other aircraft. The system is often capable of classifying the source of the radar by type (Pulsed or continuous wave radar, for example) and strength. It may be further capable of using this data to identify the type of threat the detected radar poses, e.g. an incoming radar-guided surface-to-air missile)
Dassault Sabre RF jammer in a pod below the bottom of the tailfin, with an antenna in a fairing on the front of the tailfin.
Dassault Eclair dispenser system under the tail. This was eventually replaced by a pair of Matra Spirale dispensers.

The Mirage:Specs.

       The MICA air to air missile(above)
A Mirage2000 with Armaments(above)
1)CREW:
One or two occupants on SEMMB licence-built Martin-Baker Mk 10Q zero/zero ejection seat(s), in an air conditioned and pressurised cockpit. Pilot-initiated automatic ejection in the two-seat aircraft, with 500 microseconds delay between departures. The canopy/ies is/are hinged at the rear to open upward and, on Mirage 2000D, is covered in gold film to reduce the radar signature.

2)ESTIMATED COST:
$23 million

3)AIRFOIL SECTIONS:
Wing Root unknown
Wing Tip unknown

4)DIMENSIONS:
Length 47.10 ft (14.36 m)
Wingspan 29.96 ft (9.13 m)
Height 17.02 ft (5.20 m)
Wing Area 441 ft2 (41.98 m2)

5)WEIGHTS:
Empty 16,534 lb (7,500 kg)
Normal Takeoff 20,944 lb (9,500 kg) [fighter mission]
Max Takeoff 37,480 lb (17,000 kg)
Fuel Capacity:- internal: 3,795 L/external: unknown
Max Payload 13,890 lb (6,300 kg)

6)PROPULSION:
Powerplant :one SNECMA M53-P2 afterburning turbofan.The air intakes are fitted with an adjustable half-cone-shaped centerbody, which provides an inclined shock of air pressure for highly efficient air intake
Thrust :14,462 lb (64.3 kN)and 21,385 lb (95.1 kN) with afterburner

7)PERFORMANCE:
Max Level Speed:at altitude: 1,455 mph (2,340 km/h) at 36,090 ft (11,000 m), Mach 2.2 [sustained]1,550 mph (2,495 km/h), Mach 2.35 [dash]

At sea level: 915 mph (1,470 km/h), Mach 1.2

Initial Climb Rate:55,971 ft (17,076 m) / min

Service Ceiling:54,000ft (16,460m)

Range -typical: 380 nm (700 km)
Operational range:1852 km(1000 miles)

Rate of climb:17060 m/min. viz 56000 ft/min.

G-limit :+9.0 / -3.2
( Figures are approximate)

8)ARMAMENT
The Mirage 2000 can carry up to 6.3 tons (13,900 lb) of stores on nine pylons, with two pylons on each wing and five under the fuselage. A fixed removable refuelling probe can be attached in front of the cockpit, offset slightly to the right of center.

Gun : two 30-mm DEFA 554 cannons(now GIAT 30-550 F4) 30 mm revolver-type cannons with 125 rounds each. The cannons have selectable fire rates of 1,200 or 1,800 rounds per minute.

Stations : nine external hardpoints

Primary Armaments
i)Air-to-Air Missile :Matra Super 530( medium-range semi-active radar-guided air-to-air missile on the inboard wing pylons), Matra 550 Magic(short-range infrared-seeking AAM on the outboard wing pylons), MICA.The MICA AAM is optional on the Mirage 2000-5

ii)Air-to-Surface Missile :AS.37, AS.39 Exocet, Wasp, ASMP cruise missile, AS30/ARMAT ARM

iii)Bomb :The Mirage 2000C can carry air-to-ground stores such as the Matra 68 mm rocket pods, iron bombs, and cluster bombs(BAP 100, Durandal, BGL 1000 laser-guided, 250/400 kg GP, cluster bombs )

iv)Other
ECM pods, rocket pods

SOME KNOWN VARIANTS:Mirage2000

Two armed AdA Mirage 2000-5s 

The Mirage 2000-5Di with multirole upgrades and stealth(above)

The Mirage 2000-D Variant of the French Air Force(above)

The Mirage 2000-C Variant(above)
The HAF Mirage 2000EGM(Greece)

The Mirage 2000N/D with Nuclear capability(above)
ICMS MK2 Electronic Counter Measure(above)

Mirage 2000A Prototype

Mirage2000AT Advanced Trainer announced in November 2001. It is based on the 2000-5 Mk 2, including 'glass cockpit', but with operational equipment, such as radar and EW, removed. Cost 20 to 25 per cent less than an operational Mirage 2000, with savings in training costs to be achieved by extending the turboprop basic stage, then transferring the student directly to the 2000AT, thus eliminating an intermediate jet trainer.

Mirage 2000B Two-seat trainer.Trainer counterpart of the Mirage2000C

Mirage 2000BR (Brazil)Dassault competed for a Brazilian deal with the Mirage 2000BR, another variant of the Mirage 2000-9. Due to Brazilian budget problems, the competition has dragged on for years until it was suspended in February 2005.
In July 2005, however, Brazil agreed to purchase 12 ex-AdA Mirage 2000C aircraft.

Mirage 2000BOB It covered trials of the Rubis FLIR(Forward-Looking Infra-Red), VEH-3020 holographic HUD(Head up Display), night vision goggles, helmet-mounted display and other electro-optical systems.Fitted with OBOGS(On Board Oxygen Generating System)

Mirage 2000C Standard one seat interceptor.(Chasse meaning fighter).The first Mirage 2000 to go into service was the single-seat Mirage 2000C interceptor. There were four single-seat prototypes, including the initial Mirage 2000 prototype. The first production Mirage 2000C flew in November 1982. Deliveries began in 1983. The first operational squadron was formed in 1984, the 50th anniversary of the French Air Force.

Mirage 2000D is a dedicated conventional attack variant developed from the Mirage 2000N

Mirage 2000RDM Interceptor with new RDM multi-mode radar

Mirage 2000RDI Interceptor with more capable RDI air interception radar

Mirage 2000D Two-seat tactical bomber.Attack version of the 2000N, lacking the ASMP (Translated as Air to Surface Medium Range)missile interface and nose pitot but with HOTAS (Hands on Throttle And Stick)controls, additional display screens for both crew members, Antilope 5-3D terrain-following/terrain-reference radar, GPS and improved (ICMS Mk 2) ECM. The functions of pilot and navigator more clearly demarcated

Mirage 2000E Multi-role fighter based on 2000C for export. These aircraft were fitted the M53-P2 engine and an enhanced "RDM+" radar, and all can carry the day-only ATLIS II laser targeting pod.

Mirage 2000ED Export version of the 2000B trainer(two seat counterpart of 2000E)

Mirage 2000ER One-seat reconnaissance model for export

Mirage 2000N Two-seat nuclear bomber; approximately 75 built,period.Two-seat low-altitude penetration version to deliver the ASMP nuclear standoff missile.Also 2000N'(N prime) viz initial designation of 2000D.

Mirage 2000R Single-seat day/night reconnaissance export version of 2000E but with normal radar nose and various sensor pods possible.

Mirage 2000S Two-seat tactical bomber for export

Mirage2000-3 Private venture upgrade, begun 1986, with Rafale-type multifunction (five-CRT) cockpit displays known as APSI (advanced pilot system interface).

Mirage2000-4 Private venture integration of the Matra BAe MICA* AAM**. First guided flight against a target drone
(*translated as Missile for Interception, Combat, & Self-Defense)
(**Air to Air)

Mirage 2000-5 One-seat ground attack version of 2000C, designed with greater stealth characteristics.Multirole upgrade plus Thales RDY radar and new central processing unit, Thales VEH 3020 HUD and ICMS Mk 2 countermeasures, laser-guided bombs and ASMs, or APACHE-SCALP* standoff dispenser in air-to-ground role
(*Storm Shadow is an Anglo-French air-launched cruise missile, manufactured by MBDA and used by Britain, France, and Italy. Storm Shadow is the British name for the weapon, in French service it is called SCALP EG (Emploi Général, meaning General Purpose). )The stealthy missile has a range in excess of 150 miles (250 km)


Mirage 2000-9 Improved 2000-5 for the United Arab Emirates incorporating a long-range air-to-ground capability with weapons including Black Shahine and Hakim.

Mirage2000

3 View Outline of Mirage 2000(above)
Development and history

The Mirage 2000 was developed by Dassault-Breguet for the Armée de l'Air as an alternative to the swing-wing Avion de Combat Futur. After the latter was cancelled in 1975 due to its growing cost and complexity, Dassault offered the Mirage 2000 as an alternative. Development of this aircraft would also give the company a competitor to the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, which had defeated the Dassault Mirage F1 in a contest for a new fighter for the air forces of Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands and Norway.

The prototype made its first flight in March 10, 1978 with test pilot Jean Coreau at the controls. The first production example flew in November 20, 1982 and the aircraft went into operational service in 1984.

Description:
Using the concept of the delta wing interceptor seen on the Dassault Mirage III, Dassault built a new design but still using a delta wing. This configuration is not ideal with regard to maneuverability, low-altitude flight, and distance required for take-off and landing, but has advantages in high-speed flight characteristics, simplicity of construction, low radar signature and internal volume.
With advances in fly-by-wire flight control systems which can control an aircraft much faster than a human pilot, Dassault returned to its familiar delta wing while still retaining a very maneuverable aircraft. The resulting Mirage 2000 was chosen as the principal fighter aircraft of the French Air Force in 1975. The original 2000C was primarily an air defense version later joined by the 2000-5 ground attack model. Like the Mirages before it, the 2000 has also been sold to a variety of foreign nations, and Brazil is likely to follow suit despite showing interest in purchasing the Su-35 instead to replace its aging Mirage III fleet.