CASA C-101 Aviojet
| C-101 Aviojet | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Spanish Air Force C-101 | |
| Role | Advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft |
| Manufacturer | CASA |
| First flight | 27 June 1977 |
| Introduction | 17 March 1980 |
| Status | Operational |
| Primary users |
Spanish Air Force Chilean Air Force Honduran Air Force Royal Jordanian Air Force |
| Number built | 166 |
The CASA C-101 Aviojet is a low-wing single engine jet-powered advanced trainer and light attack aircraft. It remains in service in the Spanish Air Force and some other countries; it is also flown by the Patrulla Aguila aerobatics team.
It was designed to replace the already outdated Hispano Saeta. Spanish aircraft maker CASA began work on the C-101 in 1975. Germany's MBB and the USA's Northrop helped with the development, and the first four prototypes flew in June 1977. The design followed that of other jet trainers such as the BAE Hawk and the Alpha Jet, but was less aerodynamically sophisticated, with an unswept wing, and it had limited weapons capability.
The aircraft was designed in response to a Spanish Air Force requirement in 1975 for a jet trainer to replace its aging fleet of Hispano HA-200s and Ha.220s. Like many European jet trainers, it was also to have a limited attack capability. CASA sought technical assistance from Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) and Northrop, the latter designing the wings. A design along largely conventional lines was the result, the only surprising feature being a large internal weapons bay beneath the rear cockpit, allowing for a wider variety of armament to be carried than the underwing pylons alone would allow. Alternatively, this bay can be used to carry reconnaissance equipment. The aircraft is designed in a modular fashion to ease manufacturing and maintenance, and enjoys a great range since its initial requirement called for autodeployment to the Canary Islands from the Spanish mainland.
Although the first flight took place on 27 June 1977, test flights did not begin until 17 April 1978. Performance was found to be better than anticipated by the designers. An initial Spanish Air Force order for 88 machines was placed, a dedicated trainer version designated C-101EB-01 by CASA and E.25 Mirlo ("Blackbird") by the air force. The first aircraft entered service on 17 March 1980.
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