Atlas Cheetah

Summary

Description

The Atlas Cheetah programme originated during the 1980s out of South Africa's requirement for more capable fighter and strike aircraft. Amidst the Border War, the South African Air Force (SAAF) needed more advanced aircraft to counter Soviet-built aircraft like the MiG-23. International sanctions prevented South Africa from purchasing new aircraft. By the 1980s, the South African aviation industry could manage a large upgrade. The SAAF decided to upgrade its existing Dassault Mirage III fleet, as withdrawing the more modern Mirage F1 for upgrades would create an unacceptable gap in air defense. This upgrade programme, initially called Project Cushion, integrated features from the Mirage 5/IAI Nesher/IAI Kfir lineage and Mirage 3NG project. Atlas Aviation (formerly Atlas Aircraft Corporation and lately Denel Aviation) carried out the work. Some components were sourced from Israel, and five IAI Nesher fighters may have been acquired from the Israeli Air Force for Cheetah trials.

The Cheetah's design incorporated aerodynamic and electronic upgrades to the existing Mirage III airframe. Aerodynamic enhancements included the addition of non-moving canards (smaller on the D & E models compared to the C model), two extra stores pylons at the wing roots, an aerial refueling probe, a new main wing spar, a "drooping" leading edge, a dog-tooth incision on each wing, modern elevons controlled by a twin computer-based flight control system, and strakes on the nose. The upgrades also included new avionics, radar, and electronic warfare (EW) and self-protection suites, which necessitated lengthening the nose. The EW suite featured a missile approach warning system and radar warning receivers, along with electronic jammers and chaff/flare dispensers that were automatically activated. An indigenously developed helmet-mounted sight (HMS) and an oversized head-up display (HUD) were also installed, along with other cockpit instrumentation. The Cheetah D and E retained the SNECMA Atar 9C turbojet engine, while the Cheetah C was fitted with the more powerful Atar 9K50.

The Cheetah C could deliver precision-guided munitions (PGMs), including laser-guided bombs (LGBs), GPS-guided bombs, and TV-guided bombs. It could also employ stand-off air-to-ground weapons such as the MUPSOW and TORGOS. For air-to-air combat, it could carry the V4 R-Darter radar-guided missile and the A-Darter infrared (IR)-guided missile, as well as Python-3 AAMs, V3S and Matra R530 missiles. The aircraft had a total payload capacity of 8,800 lb (4,000 kg) across five external hardpoints. In addition to munitions, these hardpoints could accommodate reconnaissance pods or drop tanks. Furthermore, the Cheetah C was equipped with two 30 mm DEFA 552 cannons, each holding 125 rounds. For unguided rockets, it could carry four Matra rocket pods, each with 18 SNEB 68 mm rockets, or two Matra JL-100 drop tank/rocket packs, each with 19 SNEB 68 mm rockets and 250 liters of fuel.

On 16 July 1986, the first Cheetah D was publicly unveiled, although a number had already entered service with 89 Combat Flying School at AFB Pietersburg. By 1987, the Cheetah D was declared operational with the SAAF. The second and third aircraft delivered to Atlas were Mirage IIIEZs, following their conversion to the Cheetah E configuration, and entered service with 5 Squadron at AFB Louis Trichardt. Early operational experience revealed that in-flight refuelling was more difficult than with the Mirage F1. By 1991, 16 of each type were reported in service when the Cheetah D and E conversion lines closed, and production of the Cheetah C started, with the first aircraft rolled out in January 1993. All Cheetah Cs entered service with 2 Squadron, stationed at AFB Louis Trichardt. The Cheetah was eventually withdrawn from SAAF service during the 2000s in favor of the Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripen. Some retired Cheetahs were exported, such as to Ecuador as a source of spare parts. In late 2017, Draken International procured much of the ex-SAAF fleet to use as aggressor aircraft for combat training services in the United States.

Main Variants:

• Cheetah C: The Cheetah C was the final development in the Cheetah series, incorporating sophisticated avionics, a multi-mode radar, a data link, and improved HOTAS controls, serving as the SAAF's primary fighter aircraft until replaced by the Saab JAS 39 Gripen.

• Cheetah D: As the sole two-seater variant, the Cheetah D was primarily used for training pilots converting to the Cheetah C, while also retaining a secondary attack capability, including the delivery of precision-guided munitions.

• Cheetah E: This single-seat variant was developed as an interim fighter, equipped with simpler avionics and radar, and tasked with standby intercept missions.

• Cheetah R: As a feasibility study for a specialist reconnaissance model, the Cheetah R prototype featured a new nose design and the Cheetah E's radar but ultimately did not enter service.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	Ecuador	9

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

All operators

Chile • Ecuador • South Africa

Photo of Cheetah