When did the Spanish Air Force contract the development of…

When did the Spanish Air Force contract the development of the CASA C-101, and when did it first fly?

Short answer

The contract with CASA was signed in 1975, on 16 September or in October, depending on the source (according to different sources). It covered the design, mock-ups, wind tunnel tests, two test airframes and four prototypes. The first flew on 27 June 1977, four days ahead of schedule, flown by Colonel De la Cruz Jiménez.

Published: November 6, 2026 · Updated: November 6, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

When did the Spanish Air Force contract the development of the CASA C-101, and when did it first fly?

CASA C-101 of the Patrulla Águila and Pilatus PC-21 of the future Formación Mirlo flying together at the Aire 25 festivalRB7MRV (CC BY SA), vía commons

A contract in 1975

On 16 September 1975 the Spanish Air Force signed a contract with CASA for the aircraft's design, the construction of mock-ups and wind tunnel testing. The order also included two airframes for static and fatigue testing and four flying prototypes. Other sources place the award of the development contract to CASA in October 1975 (according to different sources). No documentation from the Ministry of Defence or the manufacturer has been found that fixes the exact day.

The P1's flight and entry into service

The first prototype, the P1, took off on 27 June 1977, flown by Colonel De la Cruz Jiménez, four days ahead of schedule. At the end of 1978 the INTA (National Institute for Aerospace Technology) granted the aircraft type certification, number 530/78/1. On 17 March 1980 the first aircraft entered service with the Spanish Air Force.