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What requirement made the C-101 fly inverted?

Short answer

Among its requirements, the Aviojet had to be able to remain in inverted flight for 20 s and land at 100 knots (185 km/h). It also had to withstand load factors ranging from +7.5 to -3.75 g. Its powerplant was the Honeywell TFE731-5-1J turbofan.

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

What requirement made the C-101 fly inverted?
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

Twenty seconds upside down

Among the capabilities required of the Aviojet was the ability to remain in inverted flight for 20 s, as well as being able to land at 100 knots (185 km/h). The airframe also had to withstand load factors ranging from +7.5 to -3.75 g.

The Aviojet's engine

The powerplant selected for the aircraft was the Honeywell TFE731-5-1J turbofan. That engine weighs 327 kg and produces a maximum thrust of 1,587 kg at sea level. Among its strengths was low specific fuel consumption, rated at 0.22 kg per hour per kg of thrust.

Prototypes with underwing loads

The P3 prototype became available on 26 January 1978. Like the P2, it featured six underwing hardpoints to test the military loads required for its mission as a weapons trainer.

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