The Dassault Mirage 2000-5F is a fourth-generation, multirole fighter jet developed and manufactured by Dassault Aviation in France. It was introduced into service in 1999 as part of the French Air and Space Force's modernization efforts. Renowned for its advanced avionics and fire-and-forget missile capability, the Mirage 2000-5F became a cornerstone of France's air defense strategy, excelling in air superiority, multirole operations, and NATO deployments.
Country users Mirage 2000: Brazil, Egypt, Greece, India, Peru, Qatar, Taiwan, UAE
Technical Data
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Design
The Mirage 2000-5F features the classic delta-wing configuration, providing excellent aerodynamics and high maneuverability. The airframe is constructed using lightweight aluminum-lithium alloys and composite materials, which enhance durability while reducing weight. The design allows for exceptional agility and superior performance in both subsonic and supersonic flight regimes.
The cockpit is entirely digital, replacing traditional analog dials with five multifunction displays (MFDs) that present real-time data to the pilot. Hands-On Throttle-And-Stick (HOTAS) controls enable the pilot to manage all combat systems without removing their hands from the controls, improving combat effectiveness and situational awareness. The pilot's safety is ensured by a Martin-Baker Mk10 ejection seat.
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Armament
The Mirage 2000-5F can carry up to 6,300 kilograms of ordnance across nine external hardpoints, making it a versatile platform for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
For air-to-air engagements, the Mirage 2000-5F is armed with MICA EM and MICA IR missiles. The MICA EM (active radar-guided) provides beyond-visual-range (BVR) capabilities with fire-and-forget functionality and a range exceeding 60 kilometers. The MICA IR (infrared-guided) complements this with silent and precise targeting, suitable for both BVR and close-range engagements. These missiles are supplemented by Magic 2 infrared-guided missiles for short-range dogfighting, offering exceptional agility and a range of 15–20 kilometers.
In air-to-ground roles, the Mirage 2000-5F can deploy precision-guided munitions, such as the GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bomb, which has a 227-kilogram high-explosive warhead, and the AASM Hammer modular guided bomb, capable of striking targets up to 60 kilometers away with GPS/INS guidance. The aircraft also carries unguided bombs like the Mk 82 and Mk 84 for general-purpose attacks.
For close-range combat and strafing runs, the Mirage 2000-5F is equipped with two 30mm DEFA 554 revolver cannons, capable of firing 1,200 rounds per minute each. These are effective against both aerial and ground targets. Additional payloads include external fuel tanks for extended range, ECM pods for self-defense, and laser targeting pods like the Thales Damocles.
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Engine
The Mirage 2000-5F is powered by a single SNECMA M53-P2 afterburning turbofan engine, providing a balance of thrust, efficiency, and reliability. This engine generates 64 kN of thrust in dry mode and 95 kN with afterburner, enabling the aircraft to achieve a maximum speed of Mach 2.2 (2,336 kilometers per hour) at high altitude.
The aircraft has a service ceiling of 17,000 meters (55,774 feet) and a combat radius of approximately 1,500 kilometers when equipped with external fuel tanks. Its ferry range extends to 3,335 kilometers, making it well-suited for long-range operations. The engine’s modular design facilitates maintenance, reducing downtime and enhancing operational readiness.
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Avionics and onboard equipment
The Mirage 2000-5F incorporates advanced avionics to enhance its combat effectiveness and survivability. Its Thales RDY radar provides multimode capabilities, including multitarget tracking and engagement, look-down/shoot-down modes, and air-to-ground targeting.
The SPECTRA electronic warfare suite offers comprehensive self-protection features, including missile warning, radar jamming, and electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM). Navigation is handled by a GPS-aided inertial navigation system (INS), ensuring precise positioning in all weather conditions.
For tactical communication, the Mirage 2000-5F is equipped with NATO-compatible Link 16 data links, allowing seamless information sharing and real-time coordination during multinational operations. Additionally, the aircraft features a Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) that projects critical flight and targeting data directly into the pilot’s field of vision, enhancing situational awareness and reaction speed in combat.
This combination of design, armament, propulsion, and avionics ensures that the Mirage 2000-5F remains a formidable and versatile platform capable of meeting the diverse demands of modern warfare.
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