What Is The Mirage 2000?
The Mirage 2000. French delta-wing multirole fighter boasting superb turn rates, fly-by-wire safety, and precision strike loadouts.
France
Origin
Multirole
Role
Mach 2.2
Top speed
18,000 m
Service ceiling
Mirage 2000 Specifications
The Dassault Mirage 2000 is a French single-engine delta-wing multirole fighter, featuring digital fly-by-wire flight controls. Powered by a SNECMA M53 turbofan, achieving Mach 2.2, it combines instant turn capability with Doppler radar and laser-guided weapon delivery systems.
Performance
Top speed
Mach 2.2 (1,450 mph)
Service ceiling
59,000 ft (18,000 m)
Combat radius
800 nmi (1,480 km)
Rate of climb
60,000 ft/min (305 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
1
Length
47 ft 1 in (14.36 m)
Wingspan
29 ft 1 in (8.86 m)
Empty weight
16,535 lbs (7,500 kg)
Engine
1x SNECMA M53-P2 afterburning turbofan
Service
First flight
10 March 1978
Unit cost
$306 million
Operators
France, India, UAE, Taiwan, Greece, Egypt, Qatar
What Weapons Does The Mirage 2000 Carry?
The Mirage 2000 is armed with twin 30mm DEFA 554 cannons and nine hardpoints carrying 13,800 lbs of weaponry, deploying Super 530D BVR missiles, Magic II infrared missiles, and AS-30L laser-guided missiles.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
DEFA 554
Category
30 mm Cannon
Loadout
2 internal cannon (125 rounds each)
Range
1,800 metres (effective)
MICA
Category
Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 6 missiles
Range
80 km (50 miles)
Magic II
Category
Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
20 km (12.4 miles)
SCALP EG
Category
Stand-Off Cruise Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
560 km (348 miles)
AS-30L
Category
Laser-Guided Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
15 km (9.3 miles)
ASMP-A
Category
Nuclear Stand-Off Missile
Loadout
1 missile (Mirage 2000N)
Range
500 km (311 miles)
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The Mirage 2000?
The Mirage 2000 reaches Mach 2.2, around 1,450 mph, and has an exceptional rate of climb – over 60,000 feet per minute. Its delta wing, combined with fly-by-wire and relaxed stability, resolved the poor low-speed handling that limited earlier Mirage deltas while retaining their high-speed performance.
How Was The Mirage 2000 Developed?
Dassault developed the Mirage 2000 as a private venture after the cancellation of the larger Avion de Combat Futur, returning to the delta layout but adding fly-by-wire to make it manageable at low speed. The prototype flew on 10 March 1978 and the type entered French service in 1984.
Has The Mirage 2000 Seen Combat?
French Mirage 2000s flew in the Gulf War, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Libya and Mali. Indian Mirage 2000s were decisive in the 1999 Kargil conflict, delivering laser-guided bombs against high-altitude positions, and struck Balakot in 2019. Greek and Taiwanese examples serve in the air defence role.
Who Operates The Mirage 2000?
France, India, the UAE, Egypt, Greece, Taiwan, Qatar, Peru and Brazil have operated the type. India has upgraded its fleet to Mirage 2000I standard, and France retains the type alongside the Rafale.
Mirage 2000 FAQs
Common questions about the Mirage 2000, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the Mirage 2000 as a civilian?
No, the Mirage 2000 is not available for civilian passenger flights. Jetify offers flights in ex-military aircraft that have been demilitarised and placed on a civil register, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot, across 7 aircraft types from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the Mirage 2000?
No, you cannot take the controls of the Mirage 2000, because it is not available for civilian passenger flights. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the Mirage 2000 cost?
The Mirage 2000 is not available for civilian passenger flights, so there is no price for a flight in one. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, while the MiG-15 Fagot, Aermacchi S.211 and Lockheed T-33 start from around £2,800 ($3,800, €3,400). The Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, starts from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600. Every price is per person and includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening.
Is there a weight or height limit for a jet flight instead of the Mirage 2000?
The Mirage 2000 is not available for civilian passenger flights, but all jet flight experiences enforce strict height and weight limits set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force would I feel on a jet flight instead of the Mirage 2000?
The Mirage 2000 is not available for civilian passenger flights, but on a civilian jet experience aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load. Supersonic and high-altitude profiles are physically far easier, and what happens in the air is agreed with your pilot and can be adjusted at any point.
How far in advance should I book a jet flight instead of the Mirage 2000?
The Mirage 2000 is not available for civilian passenger flights, but you should book a real ex-military jet experience, such as the L-39 Albatros, 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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