1973 – Alpha Jet
The Alpha Jet - Light Fighter-Bomber and Trainer - is a German-French joint development built in co-operation by Dassault Breguet and Dornier. The combination of optimized aerodynamic design, two modern turbo-fan engines, excellent flight and mission performances, easy handling, good maintainability and low operating costs implemented in the Alpha Jet have resulted in a versatile aircraft of high reliability and efficiency. In line with the joint German-French air force requirements, the twin-jet, two-seat Alpha Jet has been designed as an advanced trainer for the diverse facets of pilot training and as a light fighter bomber for close-air support (CAS).
First flight of the prototype 01 on 26 October 1973. For all aircraft, AMD produces the fuselage front section, assembles the fuselage and procures all equipment; Dornier produces the fuselage rear section, the wing, the tail unit and some smaller components of the forward fuselage. In addition, the Belgian industry participates in the construction by supplying several subassemblies. Deliveries to air force units in France, Germany and Belgium started in 1979/80. The German Air Force operates 175 Alpha Jets. More than 500 aircraft had been ordered by ten countries at the end of 1981.
Technical Data
| Length | 13,2 m |
| Height | 4,2 m |
| Wing span | 9,1 m |
| Wing area | 17,5 m² |
| Propulsion | GRTS Larzac 04 |
| Static thrust | 2 x 1318 daN (1350 kg) |
| Empty weight | 3500 kg |
| Take-off weight | 5000 kg |
| Max. overload weight | 7250 kg |
| Tale-off distance | 400 – 1150 m |
| Max. climb speed | 57 m/s |
| Max. Mach number | M 085 |
| Radius of action | ca. 900 km |
| Endurance | ca. 3h |
| Crew | 2 |
