Dornier Alpha Jet

The twinjet trainer and light attack aircraft built for versatile service.

Overview

Dornier GmbH Germany ICAO: AJET 1973–1991 Active $12 million

The Dornier Alpha Jet is a twin-engine jet trainer and light attack aircraft developed jointly by Germany and France. Designed for both pilot training and close air support, it entered service in the 1970s. The aircraft became a standard advanced trainer in several air forces.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × SNECMA Turbomeca Larzac 04-C6
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 3,000 lbf · 13 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
43 ft 5 in  ·  13.23 m
Tail height
13 ft 9 in  ·  4.19 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
29 ft 11 in  ·  9.11 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
17,600 lb  ·  8,000 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
5,500 lb  ·  2,500 kg
Fuel capacity
500 gal · 1,900 L · 1,500 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
540 kt  ·  621 mph  ·  1,000 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
90 kt  ·  104 mph  ·  167 km/h
Range
1,590 nm  ·  1,830 mi  ·  2,940 km
Fuel burn
3.43 nm/gal  ·  1.68 km/L
Ceiling
50,000 ft  ·  15,200 m
Rate of climb
12,000 ft/min  ·  61 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,350 ft  ·  410 m
Landing distance
2,000 ft  ·  610 m
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A pair of Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet A in formation flight.

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Operational Context

Dornier Alpha Jet — advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft

The Alpha Jet first flew in 1973 as part of a collaborative European program. Entering service in 1979, it replaced older trainers and provided a light strike capability. The aircraft features a straight wing and tandem cockpit optimized for training operations.

Powered by two SNECMA Turbomeca Larzac turbofan engines producing approximately 3,000 pounds of thrust (13 kN) each, the Alpha Jet cruises at about 530 knots (980 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 17,600 pounds (8,000 kg). It can carry light munitions for ground attack roles.

The Alpha Jet has been widely used for advanced pilot training and demonstration teams. Its reliable performance and manageable operating costs contributed to long service life. The aircraft remains active in limited roles today.

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