Dassault-Breguet/Dornier Alpha Jet facts for kids
The Dassault-Breguet/Dornier Alpha Jet is a special kind of aircraft that was built by both France and Germany. It's mostly used to train pilots, helping them learn how to fly powerful jet aircraft. This plane first flew way back in October 1973.
The Alpha Jet is built entirely from metal. It has two turbojet engines, which are like super-powerful jet engines. It also has two seats, one for the student pilot and one for the instructor. This makes it perfect for teaching new pilots. You might also see the Alpha Jet flying with the famous French aerobatic team, the Patrouille de France, where they perform amazing stunts in the sky!
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What is the Alpha Jet?
The Alpha Jet is a light attack and advanced trainer aircraft. This means it can be used for two main jobs. First, it's an "advanced trainer," which helps pilots who have already learned the basics to become even better. They learn how to fly faster jets and perform more complex maneuvers. Second, it can be used as a "light attack" aircraft. This means it can carry weapons for certain missions, though its main role is usually training.
This aircraft was a joint project between two big airplane companies: Dassault-Breguet from France and Dornier from Germany. They worked together to design and build this versatile plane.
How Does It Fly?
The Alpha Jet is powered by two turbojet engines. These engines work by sucking in air, compressing it, mixing it with fuel, and then igniting it. This creates a powerful blast of hot gas that pushes the plane forward. Having two engines makes the Alpha Jet very reliable and safe for training. If one engine has a problem, the other can still keep the plane flying.
The plane is designed to be easy to fly, which is important for a training aircraft. It can handle different speeds and altitudes, making it suitable for various training exercises, from basic flying lessons to more advanced combat simulations.
Who Uses the Alpha Jet?
Many countries around the world have used the Alpha Jet. Its main users were the air forces of France and Germany.
- France: The French Air Force used the Alpha Jet for pilot training and also for their famous aerobatic display team, the Patrouille de France. This team performs incredible aerial displays, showing off the plane's agility and the pilots' skill.
- Germany: The German Air Force also used the Alpha Jet for training. They later replaced it with other aircraft, but it served them well for many years.
Besides France and Germany, other countries like Belgium, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Portugal, and Thailand have also flown the Alpha Jet. This shows how successful and adaptable the design was.
The Patrouille de France
One of the most exciting uses of the Alpha Jet is by the Patrouille de France. This is the official aerobatic display team of the French Air Force. They are famous for their amazing air shows, where they fly in tight formations, create smoke trails, and perform daring loops and rolls. The Alpha Jet's agility and smooth handling make it a great choice for these precise and spectacular displays. Seeing the Alpha Jet fly with the Patrouille de France is a real treat for anyone who loves airplanes!
Images for kids
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Alpha Jet owned by Red Bull
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A French Alpha Jet of the Patrouille de France flight display team
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A pair of Dassault-Dornier Alpha Jet A in formation flight
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A partly disassembled Alpha Jet during maintenance
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French Air Force Alpha Jet E
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Six French Alpha Jets of the Patrouille de France flight display team flying in formation during Air Fete '88
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A German Air Force Alpha Jet prior to landing at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, England, 1991
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Nigerian Alpha Jet at Old Kaduna Airport, Kaduna State, Nigeria, 2012
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An Alpha Jet imported by Abbatare lands at the Mojave Airport
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Royal Thai Air Force Alpha Jet A during Children's Day 2007 in Wing6 Don Mueang AFB.
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Portuguese Air Force Alpha Jet A of the Asas de Portugal flight display team
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French Air Force Alpha Jet E
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A QinetiQ-operated Alpha Jet A
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A Portuguese Air Force Alpha Jet with commemorative livery of 103 Squadron's 50th anniversary
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An Alpha Jet at the 2008 Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT)
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A Royal Thai Air Force Alpha Jet in 2013
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