CASA C-101 Aviojet

Summary

Description

The C-101 was designed in response to a Spanish Air Force requirement issued in 1975, calling for a new jet trainer to replace its aging fleet. In October 1975, Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA (CASA) was awarded a development contract based upon their submission, requiring the construction of two static airframes and four flight-capable prototypes for testing. To develop the aircraft, CASA sought technical assistance from Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) and Northrop; MBB designed the rear fuselage and tail section, while Northrop designed the aircraft's wings and engine inlets. The first flight took place on 27 June 1977. On 17 March 1980, the first aircraft entered service with the Spanish Air Force.

The aircraft is a low-mounted monoplane with unswept wings. Its design emphasized simplicity and economy. The cockpit accommodates two crew members in tandem, with staggered seats to improve visibility for the instructor. The fuselage provides internal volume to accommodate additional systems for secondary roles, including ground attack, armed escort, reconnaissance, and electronic countermeasures. An internal weapons bay is located beneath the rear cockpit. In addition to the weapons bay, six underwing hard points are available for armaments and stores. The aircraft is powered by the Honeywell TFE731-5-1J turbofan engine, a commercial engine re-developed for military use, chosen for its performance and fuel economy, and incorporating a military power reserve.

The C-101 is equipped with one or two guns depending on the configuration, including a single 30 mm DEFA cannon or two 12.7 mm M3 machine guns, carried in detachable pods underneath the forward fuselage. For air-to-air defense, the Chilean A-36 "Toqui" variant can carry up to two Rafael Shafrir missiles. The aircraft also features six underwing pylons capable of accommodating up to 2,220 kg (4,894 lb) of disposable stores.

The CASA C-101 Aviojet has served in several countries, primarily as a trainer but also in light attack roles. The Spanish Air Force was the primary operator, using the initial C-101EB-01 variant, designated E.25 Mirlo, for advanced flight training. Export models, including the C-101BB-02, were acquired by Honduras and Chile; Chile assembled additional aircraft locally, designating them T-36 Halcón. A dedicated attack version, the C-101CC-02, was developed and operated by Chile as the A-36 Halcón, featuring upgraded engines and increased fuel capacity. Jordan operated the C-101CC-04 variant, phasing them out by 2018. Between 1990 and 1992, the Spanish Air Force implemented an upgrade package for its C-101s, enhancing their navigation and armament systems. The final C-101DD variant, demonstrated with advanced avionics and missile capabilities, did not receive orders.

Main Variants:

• C-101EB-01/E.25 Mirlo: The initial dedicated trainer version used by the Spanish Air Force.

• C-101BB-02: A combination attack/trainer variant with an uprated engine, sold to Honduras and Chile.

• T-36 Halcón: The designation for the C-101BB-02 aircraft operated by the Chilean Air Force, with some assembled locally.

• C-101CC-02/A-36 Halcón: A dedicated attack version featuring upgraded engines and increased fuel capacity, primarily used by Chile.

• C-101CC-04: A model similar to the C-101CC-02 that was sold to Jordan.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	Spain	41
	Chile	19

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

Chile • Spain • Honduras • Jordan

Photo of C-101 Aviojet