The C-101 was developed in the mid-1970s in Spain as an advanced flying and weapons trainer. Less than 100 C-101s were initially ordered by the Spanish air force so upgrades to the weapons system followed in the 1980s and 1990s to encourage export orders. The two-seat aircraft reached a maximum speed of 501 mph with provision for up to 4,410 pounds of armament. The C-101 featured one 30 mm DEFA cannon and ample internal space for training equipment.