CASA C-101 Aviojet

1980 COLD WAR MODERN AIRCRAFT

• 1 CASA C-101 Aviojet History
• 2 CASA C-101 Aviojet Specification
  • 2.1 Basic
  • 2.2 Production
  • 2.3 Roles
  • 2.4 Dimensions
  • 2.5 Weight
  • 2.6 Performance
  • 2.7 Performance
  • 2.8 Armor
  • 2.9 Changes

CASA C-101 Aviojet History

As fighter jets became more and more impressive over the decades of the Cold War, manufacturers had to develop purpose-built advanced jet trainers. To that requirement, a secondary light strike role is typically added, allowing potential customers to serve two roles on one airframe.

While several well-known companies have proven themselves in the development of well-known systems (BAe Hawk comes to mind), Spain's CASA ("Construcciones Aeronauticas SA") has pitched a viable, budget-conscious development as a "C- 101".

Advanced jet trainer components allow the Air Force to provide pilots with essential hands-on training beyond what piston-engined aircraft can provide. These aircraft provide high-speed flight with fly-by-wire and modern cockpit systems to simulate the quality of full-scale and military-grade fighter jets.

The addition of the inherent light strike capability further expands the tactical value of such an aircraft, providing (limited) ordnance transport capabilities, providing airpower with a rapid attack platform that can be used to engage ground targets in uncontested airspace.

In the mid-1970s, the Spanish Air Force procured a new advanced jet trainer to replace the aging stock of turbojet-powered straight-wing designs that were in service at the time. Lacking expertise in producing advanced aircraft, CASA received support from Northrop Grumman in the US and MBB in West Germany.

This undoubtedly accelerated the learning curve that led to the delivery of four prototypes. The maiden flight took place on 27 June 1977, followed by the required flight testing phase until the design was completed and officially introduced to the Spanish Air Force on 17 March 1980 under the designation E.25 "Miro" ("Blackbird") . CASA recognizes its product as "C-101EB".

By design, the C-101 is a clean and streamlined aircraft. The fuselage has a sharp nose, which makes it easier for the two crew members to see out of the cockpit. The crew is seated in a tandem seating arrangement, with the rear cockpit set slightly higher to overlook the forward position. Both operators sit under a three-piece canopy that hinges on the right. In a training role, this means: students in the front and coaches in the back.

For combat, the main pilot occupies the front cockpit, and the systems specialist occupies the stern. The fuselage spine was raised, reducing rearward visibility but adding more interior volume for avionics, fuel and engines. The weapons bay is located at the front of the fuselage and is used to carry abdominal weapon packs, reconnaissance pods, laser designators or electronic countermeasures (ECM) equipment. The wing main aircraft is mounted low on the side of the fuselage, with a crescent-shaped intake duct at the root of the wing.

Northrop provided the inlet section as well as the straight edge design of the wing assembly. Dual air intakes suck in a single turbofan engine unit located in the center of the fuselage. The engine is sprayed through a circular jet tube under the tail, and the vertical spoiler extends rearward along the exhaust ring and its applicable low level.

The landing gear is retractable, in a tricycle arrangement, with single-wheeled front legs mounted forward of the cockpit floor and a pair of single-wheeled main legs below the wing roots.

In order to control costs, a single-engine arrangement was agreed. This included a Garrett (now Honeywell) TFE731-2-2J TFE731-2-2J high-bypass turbofan engine that produced 3,550 pounds of thrusta more typical business jet engine at the time . Performance specs include a top speed of 480 mph, a range of up to 2,500 miles, and a service ceiling of 41,000 feet. The rate of climb is close to 4,900 feet per minute.

The C-101 is not built as a fast interceptor or fighting mount, but has the power needed for training and light attack roles.

When armed, the C-101 can be armed with a range of guns, cannons, missiles, and dropped bombs (later variants added air-to-surface missile support). In its belly compartment, a dual 12.7mm machine gun assembly or a 30mm DEFA autocannon can be mounted, useful for ground attacks.

Three hardpoints were mounted on each wing and these supported cannon pods, rocket pods and conventional throwing weapons.

The Spanish Air Force required 88 dedicated trainer types and it received the first batch in March 1980, all of which entered Spanish inventory during the life of the aircraft. Chile (referred to as "T-36") and Honduras adopted the dual-purpose trainer/fin version (C-101BB) in Examples #35 and 4, respectively, and led to the use of more powerful turbofan engines and range radar equipment. A third variant, the C-101CC - a dedicated light strike platform - was subsequently sold in 23 prototypes to Chile (as the A-36 "Halcon" ("Eagle")), with another 16 shipped to Jordan.

Engine performance has increased again, now putting out 4,700 pounds of thrust.

In May 1985, CASA introduced a new version of the C-101 and its improved product, the C-101DD. The brand features state-of-the-art systems such as HUD (Head Up Display), HOTAS (Hand Throttle and Stick) controls and improved weapons delivery/ability.

Despite the additional features, the product failed to find a buyer and was withdrawn.

Total production of all C-101 aircraft reached 166. It also served with the Patrulla Aguila ("Eagle Patrol") aerobatic team of the Spanish Air Force. These debuted with the San Javier Air Force Base team on June 4, 1985.

CASA C-101 Aviojet Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes