CASA C-101 Aviojet

Summary

Description

The C-101 Aviojet is a highly versatile and reliable advanced training aircraft developed and produced by the Spanish aerospace company CASA (Construcciones Aeronáuticas Sociedad Anónima), later known as Airbus Defense and Space. This compact and agile jet is primarily designed for pilot training, advanced flight instruction, and light attack missions. Its robust construction and intuitive maneuverability make it an ideal platform for preparing military pilots to operate high-performance fighter aircraft.

The C-101 Aviojet features an elegant and streamlined design, with a low-wing configuration and a T-tail. Its fuselage is mainly made of aluminum alloys, making it lightweight yet sturdy. The aircraft has relatively compact dimensions, making it suitable for operations on conventional and rudimentary airfields. The tandem two-seat cockpit provides an excellent learning environment for student pilots and instructors, promoting effective communication and a smooth transition from basic to advanced flight training.

Powered by a single turbojet engine, the C-101 Aviojet can achieve impressive performance. Its engine enables it to reach speeds exceeding Mach 0.8 and altitudes of up to 40,000 feet, allowing it to simulate a wide range of combat scenarios and operational conditions. In addition to its training role, the C-101 can also be used for ground attack missions: it has a ventral hardpoint for carrying a pod with two Browning M2 12.7mm machine guns (440 rounds) or a DEFA 553 pod (130 rounds), as well as six underwing hardpoints. The military payload can reach 2250 kilograms, including rocket launchers, AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles, and self-defense air-to-air missiles.

Despite its initial development in the 1970s, the C-101 Aviojet is equipped with modern avionics and systems to provide a realistic and effective training experience. It has a glass cockpit with digital displays, allowing pilots to become familiar with the technologies they will encounter in modern fighter aircraft. The aircraft is also equipped with advanced navigation and communication systems, weapon aiming systems, and self-protection systems.

The primary role of the C-101 Aviojet is training. Its flight characteristics are deliberately designed to mimic those of high-performance fighter aircraft, enabling future pilots to develop the necessary skills for more demanding aircraft. It provides training in various flight phases, such as basic maneuvers, aerobatics, air-to-air and air-to-ground tactics, and tactical formation flying. The tandem cockpit allows instructors to closely supervise and guide their students throughout the learning process. The C-101 recorded its only aerial victory on March 9, 1987, when it shot down a drug trafficker's Douglas C-47 with its cannon.

Versions of the CASA C-101 Aviojet:

• C-101EB: the first version, intended for the Spanish Air Force, with 92 units produced.
• C-101BB: an armed version for training and ground attack, intended for export; 4 units acquired by Honduras, 12 by Chile (Chilean designation: T-36BB Halcon); 8 of the Chilean aircraft were produced in Chile by the ENAER company.
• C-101CC: an armed version solely intended for attack missions, sold in 16 units to Jordan and 23 units to Chile (Chilean designation: A-36CC).
• C-101DD: a modernized version developed by CASA in 1985, with new avionics; no buyers.

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