The Alpha Jet is normally associated with France's national aerobatic team, the Patrouille de France, however the French Air Force operates the type as advanced jet trainers. The first French production Alpha Jet took to the skies in November 1977 and is known as the 'E' model, standing for 'Ecole' (French for 'school').  The Alpha Jet was originally intended to also operate in the light attack role and is capable of being armed with a 27mm Mauser cannon, rocket pods, air-to-air missiles or bombs.