French Couteau Delta tactical demonstration team to debut at Beja
The French Air and Space Force's Couteau Delta tactical demonstration team has been confirmed to perform in Portugal for the first time at the Beja International Airshow 2024, the biggest airshow in the country. The event is scheduled to take place on June 1st and 2nd, 2024, at Air Base No. 11 (AB11) in Beja.
The Beja airshow has recently announced some fantastic military performers that will be joining their Portuguese counterparts, including the Patrouille Suisse, the aerobatic display team of the Swiss Air Force, and the Gripen solo display of the Hungarian Air Force. The newest addition to the line-up is the Couteau Delta tactical demonstration team of the French Air and Space Force. The team composed of pilots from Escadrons de Chasse 2/3 'Champagne' and 3/3 'Ardennes' based at Nancy-Ochey rarely performs outside of France, making this a truly special display.
The Couteau Delta team is known for its precise, speedy, and daring manoeuvres, which demonstrate the capabilities of the French Air and Space Force's Mirage 2000D fighter jets. Unlike the Patrouille Suisse, Couteau Delta is a purely tactical demonstration team that showcases the roles and performance of the Mirage 2000D, executing high G tactical manoeuvres at speeds of up to 620 knots.
The Beja International Airshow 2024 promises to be the best one yet, featuring incredible aerobatic displays, military aircraft flybys, and demonstrations of advanced aviation technologies. So, mark your calendars for June 1st and 2nd, 2024, and head to Beja to witness the best aviation has to offer.
Couteau Delta at RIAT 2017
Mirage 2000D
The Mirage 2000D is a two-seat ground attack version of the Mirage 2000, which is a renowned multi-role fighter developed by the French company Dassault. It was introduced into service in the mid-'90s and has since been widely used by several air forces across the world. The Mirage 2000D is designed and developed around the delta wing layout, which is a signature feature of the Dassault production. The delta wing provides several advantages, including exceptional manoeuvrability at high speeds and a stable platform for weapon delivery.
The Mirage 2000D is powered by an M53 engine that generates an impressive thrust with an afterburner, enabling the aircraft to reach Mach 2. The engine is complemented by a "fly by wire" command system that enhances manoeuvrability and makes the aircraft more responsive to pilot inputs. The Mirage 2000D's onboard electronics system is also very advanced and constantly evolves and updates, making it one of the most capable fighter jets in the world.
The Mirage 2000D's armament is impressive and comprehensive. It includes two DEFA 30mm cannons that are effective against both air and ground targets. The aircraft is also equipped with air-to-air missiles for self-defence and air superiority, which are critical in a combat situation. In addition, the Mirage 2000D can carry conventional bombs, air-to-ground missiles, and laser-guided bombs for precision strikes. This wide range of weapons enables the aircraft to perform various missions, including ground attack, air defence, and reconnaissance.
Couteau Delta
The Couteau Delta is a highly skilled tactical demonstration team of the French Air and Space Force that was formed in 2017, replacing the Ramex Delta tactical demonstration team that flew two Dassault Mirage 2000N. The Mirage 2000N was a nuclear-capable version, which has since been retired by the French Air Force with the role of specialist nuclear strike passed to the Rafale B, while the Mirage 2000D is used for conventional attack missions. The Couteau Delta team is composed of pilots from Escadrons de Chasse 2/3 'Champagne' and 3/3 'Ardennes' based at Nancy-Ochey. They perform awe-inspiring manoeuvres using two Dassault Mirage 2000D strike aircraft, which are formidable aircraft that serve solely in France. The Mirage 2000D is used explicitly by the Couteau Delta team, an aircraft renowned for its high manoeuvrability and effectiveness in combat.
The Mirage 2000 is a versatile aircraft that has been in active service with the Armée de l'Air for over four decades since its introduction in the early 1980s. It comes in different versions, including fighter and conventional strike versions. It has been extensively used by the French Air Force in different variants, including Iraq, the Balkans, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria. Other countries, such as Egypt, Greece, India, Peru, Qatar, the Republic of China, and the UAE, also use the Mirage 2000, which is a testament to its effectiveness in combat.
Couteau Delta is a purely tactical demonstration team that showcases the roles and performance of the Mirage 2000D during their 15-minute display, executing high G tactical manoeuvres at speeds of up to 620 knots. The team demonstrates the raw power and agility of the Mirage 2000 with its impressive speed and manoeuvrability. The Couteau Delta team's display is always a treat to watch, as they never fail to impress with their skill and precision.
