Origin: France.
Indian Name: Vajra (Divine Thunder).
Type: Multi-role fighter.
Current versions in IAF service: H; Single seater, multi-role aircraft.
………………………………………………………….TH; Dual seater, trainer.
Design Features: Low-set thin delta wing with cambered section and cleared for 9g and 270/s roll at subsonic and supersonic speeds. Extensive use of composite materials.
Number Procured: 49 (42 ‘H’ and 7 ‘TH’)
Units Equipped:
…………………. 1 Squadron “Tigers”
…………………. 7 Squadron “Battleaxes”
…………………. 9 Squadron “Wolfpack”
Avionics: IAF’s Mirage 2000s are equipped with the Thomson-CSF RDM radar which allows multi-mode functioning. It is also fitted with an Antilope terrain-following radar for automatic flight, down to 61 meters. IAF Mirage 2000s are fitted with either the Litening laser designation pod or the Thomson-CSF ATLIS LDP for use with the Paveway II laser guided bombs.
Engine: One Snecma M53-P20 turbofan rated at 21,384 lbs. of maximum thrust. Initial aircraft had M.53-5 engines which were later bought upto the P20 standard.
Maximum Speed: Mach 2.2+
Service Ceiling: 16,460 meters; 54,000 ft.
Maximum Range: With internal fuel – 1852 km; 1151 miles.
…………………..With 3000L drop tanks – 3333 km; 2071 miles.
G Limits: +9/-4.5 – normal and +13.5/-9.0 – ultimate.
Armament: Two internally-mounted 30mm guns with 125 rounds of ammunition. Nine external hard points can carry the Super 530D and Magic-II air-to-air missiles and the AS-30L and Matra ARMAT air-to-surface missiles, plus a variety of other guided & un-guided ordnance. The aircraft is also capable of carrying a tactical nuclear payload. IAF Mirage 2000 THs have used the Paveway II PGMs in Kargil.
Maximum External Stores Load: 6300 kg; 13,890 lbs.
Self Defence: An automated ICMS Mk.2 with receiver/processor in the nose to detect missile command links; an extra pair of antennae near top of the fin and additional DF antennae scabbed to the existing wingtip pods.
Comments: Known as the Vajra (Divine Thunder) in the IAF, the Mirage 2000s form two operational squadrons, No.1 Tigers and No.7 Battle Axes. The aircraft have been upgraded locally, with new EW (Electronic Warfare) and attack systems. HAL units in Bangalore and Kanpur have been servicing Mirage 2000H/THs since 1998 and also manufacture some spare parts. Cabinet approval has been given to acquire ten additional Mirage 2000s (four single-seat Mirage 2000H and six twin-seat Mirage 2000TH). They will be used as attrition reserves and replace squadron shortages. Aircraft spares will be included in the contract. Deliveries of the aircraft will begin in mid-2003 and is expected to be completed a year later.
Accidents Listing: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/Accidents/listing.php?qacid=67&qt=TY
Further Reading:
– Pushpindar Singh, “The Battle Axes – No.7 Squadron 1942-92”, Society for Aerospace Studies
– Phil Camp, The Mirage 2000 in Kargil
– Image Gallery : The Mirage 2000 H/TH