IAF Mirage 2000I Vajra - Piercing Thunderbolt

Surbaissemaxxing · December 6, 2024, 10:41pm

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G’day lads. I want to suggest a modified Indian Mirage 2000, which I think would fit very well in-game. As you have read the title, then you should know that I’m suggesting the Indian Mirage 2000I “Vajra”, meaning Thunder/Thunderbolt :)

Description:

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The Mirage 2000I is an upgraded Mirage 2000 by Dassault for India, where they are now upgraded to a Mirage 2000-5 Mk.2 standard, featuring the RDY-2 (possibly -3?) radar system, aswell as gaining access to more French aswell as Israeli weapons, such as the MICA missile series or the SPICE 2000 guided bomb. Interestingly, due to India’s ties with Russia, it can also use the R-73 missile!

History:

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In 1980, the Indian Air Force (IAF) sought to modernize its fleet to maintain a strategic edge, especially in light of Pakistan’s acquisition of advanced F-16 jets from the United States. This strategic decision was driven by the need to counterbalance the capabilities of the F-16, and after evaluating various options, the IAF decided to procure the Mirage 2000 from Dassault Aviation.

Around 1982, India made an initial order for 40 Mirage 2000 aircraft, which included 36 single-seat Mirage 2000H and 4 twin-seat Mirage 2000TH trainers. The Mirage 2000 was chosen for its superior performance, agility, and the advanced avionics systems it featured, which were considered state-of-the-art at the time. These aircraft were inducted into the IAF in 1986 and were locally designated as “Vajra,” meaning “Thunder” or “Thunderbolt” in Hindi and Sanskrit.

The Mirage 2000 distinguished itself during the 1999 Kargil War, where its precision strike capabilities were put to the test in high-altitude combat scenarios. The aircraft successfully conducted key operations, including the destruction of enemy bunkers and supply lines.

To maintain its operational relevance, it was planned in 2011 to upgrade the Mirage. The Mirage 2000 underwent several upgrades over the years. These enhancements included the integration of advanced avionics, such as the Israeli Litening laser designation pod, and precision-guided munitions, which significantly boosted its combat capabilities. The now designated and new “Mirage 2000I” was first given in 2015 to distinguish the Indian variant from other Mirage 2000 variants used by different air forces.

Armaments:

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2 DEFA 554 30mm cannons with 125 rounds per cannon

MICA IR/EM missiles

Matra Magic 2 missiles

ASTRA missiles (?)

R-73 missiles

SPICE 2000 guided bomb

POPEYE, including “Crystal Maze” PGM

LITENING (III/IV) targeting pod

DASH HMS

RDY-2 (possibly even -3?) radar

Fully integrated electronic warfare/self-protection suite

Specifications:

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The Mirage 2000 has the dimensions for the following; a length of 14,34m, a height of 5,30m and a wingspan of 9,13m. It’s empty weight is around 7600kg, a combat weight of 9500kg and a max takeoff weight of 17500kg. Due to it’s weight, it’s powered by a SNECMA M53-P2 engine, giving out 98 kN of thrust with it’s afterburner enabled, which gives it a top speed of Mach 2.2+.