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Hello everyone and welcome to this new suggestion!
Today I’m presenting the very first version of the Mirage 2000N, the Mirage 2000N K1.
When the first Mirage 2000s entered service in 1984, French nuclear deterrence was provided by various aircraft (Jaguar A, Super Étendard, Mirage IV) capable of launching the AN52 nuclear bomb. However, this bomb remained a rather simple weapon; it was not guided and required the aircraft to fly directly over the target to drop it. Dassault was then tasked with developing a version of the Mirage 2000 to replace these aircraft.
In 1983, Dassault presented the aircraft: a two-seat Mirage 2000 with many differences compared to the Mirage 2000C already in service with the French Air Force. This aircraft, named the Mirage 2000N (the “N” standing for “nuclear”), was entirely designed to fulfill its mission: delivering the new nuclear weapon, the ASMP missile. Its radar was changed from an air-to-air radar (RDM) to an air-to-ground radar (Antilope 5), its countermeasures were improved, including the ECLAIR chaff dispenser, and its camouflage was modified, featuring different shades of green on the upper surfaces and a white underside.
In the French Air Force, the Mirage 2000N entered service in 1988, replacing the older nuclear deterrence aircraft, which were then reassigned to other missions (the Jaguars returned to ground attack, and the Mirage IVs gradually returned to photo reconnaissance duties; only the Super Étendards retained the deterrence role, as they could be deployed from aircraft carriers). Due to its limited and rather unusual armament capabilities, the Mirage 2000N K1 was never deployed to any of the operational theaters in which France was involved. This aircraft would therefore serve France as its primary nuclear deterrence aircraft, before undergoing a number of modifications that would bring it up to the N K2 standard (the initial version would then be called N K1), in order to add ground attack capabilities using unguided weapons.
Characteristics
Dimensions:
The aircraft’s dimensions are identical to those of other two-seater Mirage 2000 variants, such as the Mirage 2000B and Mirage 2000D:
- Wingspan: 9.13 m
- Length: 14.36 m
- Height: 5.20 m
- Wing Area: 41.0 m²
Propulsion:
The Mirage 2000N is powered by the SNECMA M53-P2 engine, the same turbofan found on the Mirage 2000B, C, and D. Originally, the aircraft was intended to be equipped with the SNECMA M53-3, but this plan was later revised.
Equipment
In terms of equipment, the Mirage 2000N already incorporates many of the features that would later contribute to the success of the entire series. These include:
Radar : Antilope 5 radar
RWR : Serval radar warning receiver
Decoys : Serval decoy dispenser (Alkan LL5063)
Jammer : Chameleon electronic countermeasures (ECM) system
It should be noted that, unlike all other Mirage 2000 variants designed for ground attack, the Mirage 2000N K1 does not have the Missile Approach Warning (MAW) system, which would only be introduced with the K2 version.
Weapons
The armament of the Mirage 2000N K1 is quite simple; since the aircraft was designed solely for nuclear deterrence, it was never deemed necessary to equip it with multiple weapon systems (a decision that would be reconsidered with the N K2 variant).
Offensive :
In terms of offensive weaponry, the aircraft can carry only one ASMP nuclear missile. This medium-range missile allows it to strike strategic targets without exposing the aircraft itself, unlike the previous AN-52 missile.
Defensive :
To enable the Mirage 2000N to defend itself in case of engagement by other aircraft, it was decided to integrate Matra Magic 1 and then 2 missiles under its wings (one missile per wing). This missile is therefore its only defensive armament; the cannon was omitted from the two-seat Mirage 2000.
In the game, this aircraft would be a unique addition to the French tech tree, offering a vehicle with very limited combat capabilities but strong defensive capabilities thanks to its numerous countermeasures. This would result in a truly unique and original combat aircraft for the French branch. This aircraft could also be particularly useful as a nuclear weapon delivery platform, for example in tank battles.
Pictures
Sources
- TEXTE 2 Tomes Bonnet v8.pdf
- Download - MEGA
- événement;16.pdf
- Retrait de service du dernier Mirage 2000N en service en France | Ministère des Armées
- piege225.pdf
- Mirage 2000N (Hervé Beaumont) : 51UjukCNo-L.jpg (400×480)
- colloque_30a_puissance_cesa.pdf
- Dassault Aviation Mirage 2000N — avionslegendaires.net
- Le Mirage 2000N prend sa retraite, après 30 ans passés au service de la dissuasion nucléaire - Zone Militaire
