View source for CASA C-101 Aviojet

{{Short description|Trainer aircraft family by CASA}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= C-101 Aviojet
 |image= File:Spanish AF CASA C-101EB Aviojet.jpg
 |caption= Spanish Air Force C-101
 |type= Advanced [[jet trainer]] and [[Ground-attack aircraft|light attack]] aircraft
 |manufacturer= [[Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA|CASA]]
 |designer=<!-- Only appropriate for one-person designers, not project leaders or chief designers -->
 |first_flight= 27 June 1977<ref name=JAWA82-83>Taylor 1982, p. 180.</ref>
 |introduction= 17 March 1980<ref name=JAWA82-83/>
 |retired=
 |status= Operational
 |primary_user= [[Spanish Air and Space Force]]
 |more_users= [[Chilean Air Force]] <br />[[Honduran Air Force]] <br />[[Royal Jordanian Air Force]]
 |produced=
 |number_built= 166
 |unit cost=
 |developed_from =
 |variants =
}}

The '''CASA C-101 Aviojet''' is a low-wing single engine [[jet engine|jet-powered]] advanced [[trainer (aircraft)|trainer]] and [[Ground-attack aircraft|light attack]] aircraft designed and manufactured by Spanish aircraft company [[Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA]] (CASA).

The C-101 was developed in response to a [[Spanish Air Force]] requirement, which needed a replacement for the outdated [[Hispano HA-200|Hispano Saeta]]. During 1975, CASA commenced work on what would become the C-101. In addition to its own design team, technical assistance was provided by [[West German|Germany]]'s [[Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm]] (MBB) and the United States' [[Northrop Corporation|Northrop]]. In June 1977, the first of four prototypes performed the type's [[maiden flight]]. The design was somewhat reminiscent of other jet trainers of the era, such as the [[BAE Systems Hawk|BAE Hawk]] and the [[Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet|Alpha Jet]], but was less [[aerodynamics|aerodynamically]] sophisticated, being equipped with an un[[swept wing]]. Performance of the C-101 during flight testing was reported in excess of predictions.

On 17 March 1980, the first examples were introduced to operational service with the Spanish Air Force, which would be the principal customer for the C-101. The initial model possessed only a limited weapons capability, this attack capability was expanded upon later-built aircraft.<ref>Jackson 2011, p. 175.</ref> Several models were exported to overseas operators; the C-101 has been adopted by the [[Chilean Air Force]], [[Honduran Air Force]] and the [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]]. A final improved model, designated ''C-101DD'', was demonstrated but did not find customers and thus it did not enter serial production. In addition to its use as a trainer aircraft, it has been used to perform [[aerobatics]]; in the latter context, it has been flown by the ''[[Patrulla Aguila]]'' [[aerobatics]] team. As of 2019, the C-101 remains in service in the [[Spanish Air Force]] and several other countries.

Early on in the 2010s there were talks about the replacement of the C-101. Finally, in 2020 it was decided that the C-101 would be replaced by the [[Pilatus PC-21]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://defpost.com/spanish-air-force-procures-24-pilatus-pc-21-trainer-aircraft/|title=Spanish Air Force Procures 24 Pilatus PC-21 Trainer Aircraft|publisher= [[DEFPOST]]|access-date=9 November 2020}}</ref> (24) and the [[Airbus Future Jet Trainer]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2020/10/26/airbus-looks-create-new-jet-trainer-spanish-air-force/|title=Airbus Looks to Create New Jet Trainer for Spanish Air Force|publisher= [[Aviation Today]]|access-date=9 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/10/19/airbus-pitches-new-trainer-jet-for-spain-but-with-eyes-for-europe/|title=Airbus pitches new trainer jet for Spain, but with eyes for Europe|publisher= [[DefenseNews]]|access-date=9 November 2020}}</ref> (50 - 55).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infodefensa.com/es/2020/10/17/noticia-airbus-propone-avion-entrenador-espanol-capaz-portar-armamento.html|title=Airbus propone un avion entrenador español capaz de portar armamento|publisher= [[Infodefensa.com]]|access-date=9 November 2020}}</ref>

==Design and development==
[[File:CASA C-101 Aviojet Spanish Air Force Patrulla Aguila (19945001451).jpg|thumb|[[Patrulla Águila]] acrobatic team flying the C-101]]
[[File:HAF C-101 Aviojet.JPEG|thumb|A C-101 Aviojet aircraft of the Honduran Air Force]]
[[File:CASA C-101CC Aviojet - Jordanian Air Force.jpg|thumb|A C-101 Aviojet aircraft of the Jordanian Air Force]]
[[File:Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA C-101EB Aviojet.jpg|thumb|CASA C-101 prototype.]]
[[File:CASA C-101EB Aviojet, Spain - Air Force AN1584619.jpg|thumb|Spanish CASA C-101]]

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 of [[Hispano HA-200]]s and Ha.220s. Akin to the majority of contemporary European jet trainers, it was also to have a limited attack capability. During 1972, [[Hispano Aviación|Hispano]] had been absorbed by Spanish aircraft company [[Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA]] (CASA), who took an interest in the trainer requirement.<ref name = "fredriksen 71"/> During October 1975, CASA was awarded a development contract based upon their submission, requiring a pair of static airframes and four flight-capable [[prototype]]s to be built for testing purposes at a cost of 1,297 million pesetas ($22 million).<ref name = "oct1975 flight">[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%202194.html "Casa C-101 go-ahead."] ''Flight International'', 16 October 1975. p. 560.</ref>

To develop the aircraft, CASA sought technical assistance from abroad. Both the [[West Germany|German]] manufacturing conglomerate [[Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm]] (MBB) and [[United States|American]] defense company [[Northrop Corporation|Northrop]] opted to participate in the venture; specifically, engineers at MBB worked on the design of the rear fuselage and tail section while Northrop's team were responsible for the design of the aircraft's wings and engine inlets.<ref>Frawley 2002, p. 58.</ref><ref name = "fredriksen 71">Fredriksen 2001, p. 71.</ref> Out of these efforts, a relatively conventional design was developed; according to aviation author John C. Fredriksen, the principles of simplicity and economy were highly emphasised by the design, shunning high performance features.<ref name = "fredriksen 71"/>

In terms of its basic configuration, the C-101 is a low-mounted [[monoplane]], with [[Wing configuration#Wing sweep|unswept]] wings. The [[cockpit]], which was relatively spacious amongst its peers, accommodated a crew of two in a [[tandem]] seating; the seats were staggered to provide the instructor in the rear position with greater visibility.<ref name = "fredriksen 71"/> The fuselage provided considerable internal space, permitting the installation of various additional aviation or supplemental systems as to suit future requirements or other secondary roles.<ref name = "fredriksen 71"/> Foreseen secondary roles included ground attack, armed escort, [[aerial reconnaissance|photographic reconnaissance]], and as an [[electronic countermeasures]] (ECM) platform.<ref name = "oct1975 flight"/><ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1976/1976%20-%201870.html "Garrett's TFE731 turbofan."] ''Flight International'', 4 September 1976.</ref>

The only unconventional feature of the aircraft was the presence of a large internal weapons bay located beneath the rear cockpit; this allowed for a wider variety of armament to be carried than the underwing [[hard point]]s could accommodate; alternatively, this bay enabled the carriage of other equipment, including [[reconnaissance]] payloads. In addition to the weapons bay, both armaments and stores could be fitted upon six underwing hard points.<ref name = "fredriksen 71"/> The design was produced in a [[Modularity|modular]] fashion, which eases both manufacture and maintenance activities. It was provisioned with a considerable endurance range as a result of the initial requirement having called for a self-deployment capability to the [[Canary Islands]] from the Spanish mainland.{{Citation needed|date=August 2019}}

The powerplant selected for the aircraft was the [[Honeywell TFE731-5-1J]] [[turbofan]] engine.<ref name = "fredriksen 71"/> This unit was actually a commercial engine that had been re-developed for military use. Even from an early stage of development, the TFE731 was viewed as a front runner for the aircraft.<ref name = "oct1975 flight"/> According to Fredriksen, it provided relatively favourable performance and a high level of fuel economy amongst its peers.<ref name = "fredriksen 71"/> Overall, the aircraft provided mainly favourable characteristics while remaining an affordable trainer in comparison to international competition.<ref name = "fredriksen 71"/>

==Operational history==
Although the [[maiden flight|first flight]] took place on 27 June 1977,<ref name=JAWA82-83/><ref name = "Hewson 36"/> the test flight phase, which included vibration, flutter and spin tests, did not commence until 17 April 1978.<ref>Thomas 2008, pp. 130–132.</ref> The prototype was flown in the [[Farnborough International Airshow]] during late July 1978. Performance was reportedly found to be better than anticipated by the designers.{{Citation needed|date=August 2019}} An initial order for 88 aircraft was placed by the Spanish Air Force; built as a dedicated trainer version, designated as ''C-101EB-01'' by CASA and ''E.25 Mirlo'' ("Blackbird") by the air force.<ref name = "Hewson 36"/> On 17 March 1980, the first aircraft entered service with the Spanish Air Force.<ref name=JAWA82-83/>

Shortly after this dedicated trainer model was introduced, the aircraft was followed in production by a combination attack/trainer variant. Equipped with an uprated engine, this variant was designated ''C-101BB-02''.<ref name = "Hewson 36"/> It was bought by numerous export customers, including [[Honduras]], which bought four, and [[Chile]], which bought four aircraft and parts for another eight to be assembled locally by [[ENAER]]. The Chilean BB-02s are designated ''T-36 Halcón''.<ref>Tobar, Alfonso and Graham Warwick. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/looking-forward-50193/ "Looking forward."] ''Flight International'', 14 April 1999.</ref><ref>Hoyle, Craig. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-chile-receives-first-four-super-tucanos-336775/ "PICTURES: Chile receives first four Super Tucanos."] ''Flight International'', 5 January 2010.</ref>

In 1983, CASA flew a dedicated attack version, the ''C-101CC-02'', which was again ordered by Chile.<ref name = "Hewson 36"/> This time, only the prototype was built in Spain, with the remaining 22 machines built by ENAER. This variant featured yet another engine upgrade and increased fuel capacity; it has been designated ''A-36 Halcón'' ("Falcon").<ref name = "Hewson 36"/><ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/military-aircraft-directory-casa-40223/ "Military Aircraft Directory: CASA."] ''Flight International'', 29 July 1998.</ref>

Sixteen similar aircraft, the ''C-101CC-04'' were sold to [[Jordan]].<ref name = "Hewson 36">Hewson 2001, p. 36.</ref> During 2018, the last of these aircraft were phased out by the [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]].{{Citation needed|date=August 2019}}

The final version of the C-101 to be developed, designated ''C-101DD'', was first demonstrated by CASA during 1985.<ref name = "fredriksen 71"/> This model featured vastly improved avionics and featured systems such as a [[head-up display]], [[HOTAS]]-cockpit, AN/ALR-66 [[radar warning receiver]], [[Chaff (countermeasure)|chaff]] and [[Flare (countermeasure)|flare]] [[Countermeasure|countermeasures]], as well as the capability to carry the [[AGM-65 Maverick]] air-to-ground missile; however, as of 2000 it had not attracted any orders.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bättig |first=Thomas |title=Moderne Kampfflugzeuge. Bewaffnung, Einsatz, Erkennungsmerkmale |publisher=[[E.S. Mittler & Sohn]] |year=2000 |isbn=9783813207170 |location=Hamburg; Berlin; Bonn |pages=46 |language=de}}</ref>

Between 1990 and 1992, all Spanish Air Force C-101s received an extensive upgrade package which mainly focused on the aircraft's navigation and armament systems.<ref name = "Hewson 36"/>
<!-- ==Variants== -->

==Operators==
<!--Operators & nbr. of units: http://www.military-today.com/aircraft/casa_c101_aviojet.htm  -->

;{{Flag|Chile}}
* [[Chilean Air Force]] (35 -12 C-101BB and 23 C-101CC).  Around 20 C-101CC still in service as A-36.
;{{Flag|Honduras}}
* [[Honduran Air Force]] (4 C-101BB)
;{{Flag|Jordan}}
* [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]] (16 C-101CC) – {{cnspan|retired 2018.|date=September 2019}}
;{{Flag|Spain}}
* [[Spanish Air and Space Force]] (88 C-101EB)

==Specifications (CASA C-101CC)==
{{Aircraft specs
|ref= ''Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1989–90'' <ref name=JAWA89-90>Taylor 1989, pp. 218–219.</ref>
|prime units?= met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew= 2
|length m= 12.5
|length note=
|span m= 10.6
|span note=
|height m= 4.25
|height note=
|wing area sqm= 20
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio= 5.6
|airfoil= Norcasa 15 (15%)<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number= 1
|eng1 name= [[Honeywell TFE731-5-1J]]
|eng1 type= [[turbofan]] engine
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 kn= 19.13
|eng1 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng1 note=<br />
*'''Military Power Reserve (MPR):''' {{cvt|20.91|kN|lbf}}
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh= 769
|max speed note=at {{cvt|4500|kg|0}} at sea level
::::{{cvt|806|km/h|mph kn}} at {{cvt|6100|m}}
::::{{cvt|834|km/h|mph kn}} at {{cvt|4575|m|-2}} at MPR 
|max speed mach=
|cruise speed kmh= 656
|cruise speed note= / M0.6 at {{cvt|9145|m|-2}}
*'''Unstick speed:''' {{cvt|213|km/h|mph kn}}
*'''Touchdown speed:''' {{cvt|176|km/h|mph kn}}
|stall speed kmh= 183
|stall speed note= flaps up
::::{{cvt|164|km/h|mph kn}} flaps down
|never exceed speed kmh= 834
|never exceed speed note= / M0.8 at {{cvt|4500|kg|0}}
|range km=
|range note=
|combat range km= 519
|combat range note= typical lo-lo-lo interdiction, with 4x {{cvt|250|kg|0}} bombs and 1x {{cvt|30|mm|3}} cannon
::::Typical CAS lo-lo-lo {{cvt|370|km}} with 4x rocket launchers and 1x {{cvt|30|mm|3}} cannon
::::Typical CAS lo-lo-lo {{cvt|315|km}} with 4x rocket launchers plus 2x {{cvt|125|kg|0}} bombs and 1x {{cvt|30|mm|3}} cannon
::::Typical CAS lo-lo-lo {{cvt|602|km}} with 2x [[AGM-65 Maverick]] and 1x {{cvt|30|mm|3}} cannon
::::Typical ECM {{cvt|611|km|0}}
::::Typical Phot/recce {{cvt|964|km}}
|ferry range km= 2000
|ferry range note= with 30 minutes reserve
|endurance= typical armed patrol – 3 hours 30 minutes
::::typical training mission 1 hour 10 minutes
::::maximum endurance 7 hours 
|ceiling m= 12800
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<big>+</big>7.5 <big>-</big>3.9 at {{cvt|4500|kg|0}}
::::<big>+</big>5.5 <big>-</big>1 at {{cvt|6300|kg|0}}
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms= 24.9
|climb rate note=(normal)
::::{{cvt|101.67|m|0}} (MPR)
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|thrust/weight= 0.322

|more performance=<br />
*'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt|560|m}}
*'''Landing run from {{cvt|15|m|0}}:''' {{cvt|800|m}}
<!--
        Armament
-->
|guns=<br />
:* 1x {{cvt|30|mm|3}} [[DEFA cannon]]
:or
:* 2x {{cvt|12.7|mm|3}} [[M2 Browning machine gun|M3 machine guns]] in detachable pods underneath the forward fuselage
|bombs=<br />
:* Up to {{cvt|2220|kg|0}} disposable stores on 6 underwing [[Hardpoint|pylons]]
|missiles=<br />
:* 2 – Rafael [[Python (missile)|Shafrir]] (A-36 "Toqui") [[air-to-air missile]]s
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Spain|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|related=
|similar aircraft=
* [[Aero L-39 Albatros]]
* [[Aermacchi MB-339]]
* [[AIDC AT-3]]
* [[BAE Systems Hawk]]
* [[Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet]]
* [[FMA IA-63 Pampa]]
* [[HESA Yasin]]
* [[Hongdu JL-8]]
* [[IAR 99]]
* [[Kawasaki T-4]]
* [[Soko G-4 Super Galeb]]
|lists=
* [[List of fighter aircraft]]
|see also=
}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last= Frawley |first= Gerard |title=The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002–2003 |year=2002 |publisher=Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd |location= Fyshwick, ACT, Australia |isbn=1-875671-55-2}}
* Fredriksen, John C. ''International Warbirds: An Illustrated Guide to World Military Aircraft, 1914-2000''. ABC-CLIO, 2001. {{ISBN|1-57607-364-5}}.
* Hewson, Robert. "The Vital Guide to Military Aircraft." Airlife, 2001. {{ISBN|1-84037-065-3}}.
* {{cite book |last=Jackson |first=Robert |title=Aircraft from 1914 to the present day |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-907446-02-3}}
* {{cite book |last=Taylor |first=John W. R. |author-link= John W. R. Taylor |year=1982 |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1982–83 |location=London |publisher=Jane's Yearbooks |isbn= 0-7106-0748-2}}
* {{cite book |title=Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1989–90 |year=1989 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=London |isbn=978-0710608963 |editor1-last=Taylor |editor1-first=John W.R. |edition=80th}}
* {{cite book |last= Thomas |first= Cynda |title=Hell of A Ride, 2008 |year=2008 |publisher =IUniverse |isbn=978-0-5955-2878-3}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|CASA C-101 Aviojet}}

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080905211736/http://eads.net/1024/en/businet/defence/mas/training_aircraft/c-101_aviojet/c-101_aviojet.html EADS CASA Manufacturer specification]{{failed verification|date=October 2016}}
* [http://www.ejercitodelaire.mde.es/WebEA/static/ServContenidos?id=BF8D29F9A4D4D6CCC12570D700463A42&plantilla=generica Spanish Air Force specifications]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Spanish)
* [http://www.aviationcorner.net/show_photo.asp?id=73298 Aviojet, Zaragoza 31/05/2008]

{{CASA aircraft}}
{{Maestranza Central de Aviación aircraft}}
{{Spanish trainer aircraft}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Casa C-101}}
[[Category:1980s Spanish attack aircraft]]
[[Category:1970s Spanish military trainer aircraft]]
[[Category:CASA aircraft]]
[[Category:ENAER aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1977]]
[[Category:Chile–Spain relations]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]