Why is the E-25 called "Mirlo"?

Short answer

Mirlo is the official nickname of the C-101 in Spain. The air force designated it the E.25 Mirlo, "Blackbird" in English, while CASA identified it as the C-101EB-01. Unofficially it is also known as "Culopollo." The first aircraft entered service on 17 March 1980.

Published: November 1, 2026 · Updated: November 1, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

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

Mirlo, E.25 and C-101EB-01

"Mirlo" is the official nickname that the CASA trainer received in Spain. The air force designated it E.25 Mirlo, a name that in English is equivalent to "Blackbird", while the manufacturer identified the same aircraft with the code C-101EB-01. Unofficially, it is also known as "Culopollo".

From the prototype to the Ejército del Aire

CASA, the company responsible for the programme, had been founded in 1923 by José Ortiz-Echagüe. The first prototype, the P1, took off on 27 June 1977. It was flown by Colonel De la Cruz Jiménez and the flight was brought forward four days from the planned date. At the end of 1978 the INTA granted the type its Type Approval, with the number 530/78/1. The first production aircraft entered service with the Ejército del Aire on 17 March 1980.