Mirage 2000-9 - Dassault Aviation

ENGAGE!MIRAGE 2000-9special issue“32 Mirage V aircraft were sold in 1972 –1973, thus becoming the first supersonicfighter planes to be used in the emerging UAE AF & AD.In 1986, a decision was taken to order 36 Mirage 2000to consolidate and modernise the UAE AF & AD. Thedevelopment of their weapons system provided theoccasion for training the first Emirian officers at DassaultAviation’s flight test centre in France.To strengthen relations between theUAE and France, pursue the developmentof the UAE AF & AD and continueto occupy a leading position inthe 21st century, the decision toforge ahead with the Mirage 2000-9programme was approved in 1997and announced at the time ofPresident Chirac’s visit on 17thDecember 1997.Following a series of technical, operationaland financial discussions, thecontract was signed in 1998.Concluded at the end of 1998, the sale ofMirage 2000-9 aircraft to the United ArabEmirates has been one of the most consequentialagreements ever signed by DassaultAviation, Snecma Moteurs and Thales.Of the 62 Mirage 2000-9 planes ordered by the UnitedArab Emirates in 1998 as part of the Bader 21 purchaseagreement, thirty-two are new andthirty are UAE Mirage 2000 aircraftretrofitted to the same standard asthe new planes. Following developmentof the initial standard, the"SAD91", deliveries of the newaircraft began at the end of April andare programmed to continue untilearly 2004. Retrofitting of existingMirages is due to continue until 2007.Weapons system development willcontinue until 2005, for qualificationof the "SAD92" standard, which willimprove current capabilities.A very ambitiousprogrammeIn some ways, this version resembles thoseof the last, Rafale type generation. Forconfirmation of this, we need only look atthe list of the capabilities currently beingdeveloped or incorporated.■ Nav/attack system:Modular avionics, new RDY-2 multimoderadar, digitally terrain following system,new IMEWS countermeasures, Thomradradio with frequency evasion and enhancedencoding, glass cockpit with new LCDvisualisation plus night vision goggles compatibility,data-link, gyro-laser inertial navigationsystem, navigation Forward LookingInfra-Red system (NAHAR).■ In-flight refuelling and autothrottle(automatic speed control).■ Air-air strike:Mica IR and EM.■ Air-ground strike:Conventional bombs, video and laser-guidedbombs, Black Shaheen cruise missile,recce pod and SHEHAB laser designationpod.In this programme, two specifications areparticularly worth mentioning in view oftheir unusual nature-modular avionics andcountermeasures. Apart from the Mirage2000-9, only the Rafale, F-22 and F-35/JSFare to be equipped with this type of pioneering“core system” IT architecture.When it comes to countermeasures, theybreak new ground by adopting interferometrytechnology.An unprecedentedconversion operationProduction and retrofitting in Franceand the UAEThe upgrading of the UAE AF&AD Mirage2000 aircraft to Mirage 2000-9 configurationin Al Dhafra has called for an unparalleledindustrial action plan. Conversionincludes two different operations, a majoroverhaul and the retrofit itself, which arecombined simultaneously.. The retrofit ofthe first two aircraft was carried out inIstres, France, between 2001 and 2003 inorder to validate the industrial process inconditions similar to those to be encounteredin Al Dhafra. Since April 2002, theseteams have left Istres and have been progressivelytransferred to the UAE to commencethe conversion of the remaining 28aircraft.Development:a “top-level”co-operationThe Mirage 2000-9 development is:■ spread over 5 years , in 2 WeaponDelivery & Navigation System standards( SAD91 & SAD92),■ jointly performed by both UAEAF&AD staff and French specialistsbased in Paris, Istres Flight Test Centreand Al Dhafra base,■ A way for UAE AF&AD to set-up theirweapon integration in-country capabilities,with software development toolsand integration test means.The challenges of aco-operationAny fighter program as ambitious as theMirage 2000-9 one naturally involves amajor element of logistical support. BesidesDassault Aviation, Thales and SnecmaMoteurs, many companies such as Smiths,Elettronica, MBDa France / UK / US, Sogitecare directly involved in the followingservices:■ test means and spare parts.■ Mission preparation/restitution systems.■ User's Documentation, in hard copy andin electronic form.■ Practical and theoretical training of pilotsand mechanics, in France and Abu Dhabi.■ Training resources - 6 flight simulatorsand 140 training consoles.This already impressive list would nonethelessbe incomplete if 3rd level maintenanceweren’t to be included. As part of theagreement, all necessary resources (benches,tooling, spare parts, documentation)have been installed in the buildings of theEmirian company, GAMCO. Since 2000, thisfirm has taken care of 3rd level maintenanceof airframe equipment (hydraulics, flightcontrols, oxygen, landing gear, etc.).The company has set up a veritable shuttleprogramme thanks to the “Door-to-door”service. Logistics also involves secure communicationsbetween our various establishmentsand Al Dhafra.An exceptionalcooperative efforttowards the success ofa technological challenge.The Mirage 2000-9 Program is, therefore,distinguished by a multitude of technical,industrial and human superlatives. In particular,it will serve to show our Mirage 2000clients our expertise in wider-rangingcooperative efforts and modernisationprogrammes.Essential,well-orchestratedexpatriationThe Bader 21 agreement is setto drastically increase the numberof Dassault Aviation,Snecma Moteurs and Thalesexpatriates. Between theconversion site, technical assistance,Development centreand offices in Abu Dhabi,around 200 staff and their familieswill be staying in the UAE.