Dassault Mirage G

The Dassault Mirage G was a French experimental fighter developed by Dassault Aviation in the 1960s as a variable‑sweep wing derivative of the successful Mirage series. Initiated in 1965 under the internal project name MD.12, the aircraft first flew on 24 February 1967, piloted by André Turcat. Its most distinctive feature was the swing‑wing mechanism, which could be adjusted in flight from 20° for high‑speed dash to 60° for low‑speed handling, allowing a blend of interceptor performance and carrier‑type maneuverability. Powered by a SNECMA Atar 9K-50 turbo‑jet delivering 70 kN of thrust, the Mirage G incorporated a twin‑seat cockpit, advanced avionics, and a semi‑automatic flight‑control system that reduced pilot workload. Although the program never entered production, the technology demonstrated by the G.1 and later the G.8 prototypes directly informed the design of the Mirage F2 and the later Mirage 2000, especially in aerodynamic research and fly‑by‑wire concepts. Its pioneering variable‑geometry wing contributed to broader French and NATO interest in swing‑wing aircraft during the Cold War, cementing the Mirage G’s role as a critical stepping stone in modern fighter development. It remains a landmark in aviation history.

Dassault Aviation

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