The Dassault Mirage 2000 was developed as a replacement for the Mirage III and F1. Although it was a replacement it borrowed heavily from the Mirage III delta wing design. The F1 had lost out to the F-16 as the main fighter for the Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark and Norway Air Forces but the new Mirage 2000 had become a viable option for about 10 other Air Forces. The Mirage 2000C interceptor was the first version to enter operational service in 1984 on the 50th anniversary of the French Air Force.

Specifications

• Wing Span: 29.9 ft
• Length: 47 ft
• Combat weight: 21,000 lbs.
• Maximum thrust of the SNECMA M53-P2: 98 kN
• Two versions: single and twin-seaterr
• Internal weapons (single-seater): 2 X 30 mm guns
• Store stations: 9
• Maximum take off weight: 38,500 lbs.
• Fixed (removable) probe for in-flight refueling: Buddy-Buddy capability
• Maximum Mach number: Mach 2.2+
• Approach speed: 140 Kts
• Maximum climbing speed: 60,000 ft/min
• Time to climb to 36,000 ft/Mach1.8: 5 min
• Operational ceiling 55,000 ft
• Loiter time at 150 N.M. from the base at Mach 0.8/25,000 ft*: 2hr 40 min
• Range / combat at M 0.8/15,000 ft**: 830 N.M.
• Turn Around Time (Refueling and 6 Air to Air reloading): 15 min * 3 external tanks + 6 MICA. ** 6 Mica, external tanks dropped prior to combat.
• Availability in war time (Kosovo): 100%

These specs are from the Dassault Aviation site