40 years ago, the first of over 500 produced Alpha Jets, co-developed by Dassault in France and Dornier in Germany were delivered to both air forces. The German variant, the Alpha Jet A ("Appui" = support) differed in not being intended for training, but for the role as a light close-support fighter. The first production aircraft was delivered to the evaluation unit 61 in Manching, Bayern, before a total of four fighter-bomber wings were equipped.
