Short history

During the early sixties, both Germany and France were redefining their pilot training requirements and decided in 1968 to start cooperation on the development of an advanced jet-powered trainer. Three twin-engined projects where submitted, of which the TA-501 of Dassault, Bréguet and Dornier was chosen. The final projected version, christened 'Alpha Jet', possesed the best features of both the initial Bréguet 126 and Dornier P.375 projects.

Early in the project, Germany reviewed its training requirements still further, up to the point that no Alpha Jet training aircraft would be needed. There remained, however, a need for a light ground-attack aircraft to replace the ageing Fiat G.91R-3's. This requirement could be met by a modified Alpha Jet version, so Germany continued the cooperation with their French partners.

In February 1972, 2 prototypes each were ordered by France and Germany, leading to a first flight on October 26th, 1973. Production started some time later, with the first service-trials examples entering French Air Force service late in 1977. Reequipment of French training units started in May 1979, the Alpha Jets taking the place of Lockheed/Canadair T-33's and, later on, Mystère IVA single seat weapons training aircraft. Also during 1979, the Fouga Magisters of France's national aerobatic team Patrouille de France were replaced by the new trainer.

In Germany, the first locally produced aircraft flew on April 12th, 1978. The last (175th) German Alpha Jet entered service in January 1983. The Luftwaffe started to phase out most of the Alpha Jets from late 1992, retaining some for fighter lead-in training.

Third major customer for the Alpha Jet and partner in the development programme was Belgium, whose Air Force obtained its first aircraft in October 1978. The Alpha Jets replaced both the Fouga Magister basic jet training aircraft and the Lockheed T-33 advanced jet trainer.

Alpha Jet versions and operators

Prototype 03 (F-ZWRV/40+01) : second German prototype, but assembled in France. This aircraft, which made its first flight on May 6th, 1974, can be considered as representative of the German operational version.

Prototype 04 (F-ZWRX/D-9595) : second French prototype, but assembled in Germany. This aircraft made its first flight on October 11th, 1974 and was representative of the French trainer version. It crashed at Mont-de-Marsan on June 23rd, 1976.

Alpha Jet A : (the 'A' signifying 'Appui' or 'Attack') : the light ground-attack version developed by and for Germany, who received 175 of them. Some of these were later passed on to Portugal (50).

Alpja Jet MS1 : training aircraft, assembled by Helwan in Egypt (30 aircraft delivered, including 4 aircraft coming straight off the Dassault-Bréguet assembly lines).

Alpha Jet MS2 : updated light attack version, in use by Egypt (15, of which 4 delivered by Dassault-Bréguet and 11 made by Helwan) and Cameroon (7).

Alpha Jet VTX : Dassault-Bréguet demonstrator aircraft for the US Navy carrier training aircraft requirement. The Alpha Jet VTX was demonstrated in the United States in 1978.

Alpha Jet SKF : test aircraft (actually the first German production machine) used for supercritical wing research. For this purpose, the standard Alpha Jet wing was replaced by a new one wich extended further forward, thereby eliminating the rear cockpit.

Alpha Jet NGEA or Alpha Jet 2 : further updated MS2 version, used for technology demonstration and test purposes only.

Alpha Jet 3 Lancier : still further updated version, with possible applications as carrier training aircraft for the French Aéronavale (also known as the Alpha Jet Marine).

(Matchbox box top art - The Aviation Buffs archive)

(picture provided by Estelle Calleja)

... while this one is rolling all over the sky...

... and the solo pilots narrowly miss each other in a head-on pass.

... and here are some more Portuguese Alpha Jets including one in a great Tiger-colorscheme. The pictures were supplied by Joao M.Vidal.