CASA
C-101 Aviojet
The CASA C‑101 Aviojet is a Spanish‑built jet trainer and light attack aircraft that entered service in the early 1980s. Designed by Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA (CASA) to replace the ageing T‑33 and other piston‑engine trainers, the prototype first flew on 15 May 1977 and the type was formally introduced in 1980. Over 70 airframes were produced, most being delivered to the Spanish Air Force, while smaller orders went to the Philippines, Chile and other nations.
Key features include a low‑wing, all‑metal airframe powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D‑4 turbofan delivering 2 900 lbf of thrust, which gives the C‑101 a maximum speed of Mach 0.8 and a service ceiling of 45 000 ft. Its tandem‑seat cockpit provides modern avionics, a HUD and ejection seats, while the aircraft can carry up to 2 000 kg of external stores on five hardpoints, allowing a secondary ground‑attack role with rockets, bombs or gun pods.
The C‑101’s significance lies in its successful blend of training and combat capability, offering a cost‑effective platform for pilot conversion to high‑performance jets. Its long service life and export success demonstrated CASA’s ability to produce competitive indigenous aircraft, paving the way for later projects such as the Eurofighter‑derived C‑295 transport.
Key features include a low‑wing, all‑metal airframe powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D‑4 turbofan delivering 2 900 lbf of thrust, which gives the C‑101 a maximum speed of Mach 0.8 and a service ceiling of 45 000 ft. Its tandem‑seat cockpit provides modern avionics, a HUD and ejection seats, while the aircraft can carry up to 2 000 kg of external stores on five hardpoints, allowing a secondary ground‑attack role with rockets, bombs or gun pods.
The C‑101’s significance lies in its successful blend of training and combat capability, offering a cost‑effective platform for pilot conversion to high‑performance jets. Its long service life and export success demonstrated CASA’s ability to produce competitive indigenous aircraft, paving the way for later projects such as the Eurofighter‑derived C‑295 transport.
Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 12.6 metre
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1977