Mirage F1

The Mirage F1 is a single‑engine, supersonic fighter‑interceptor developed by Dassault Aviation in the late 1960s to replace the aging Mystère and early Mirage series. First flown on 29 June 1966, the prototype demonstrated a sleek low‑drag airframe, a swept 60° wing, and a powerful SNECMA Atar 9K-50 turbojet that delivered a top speed of Mach 2.2. Production began in 1971, and more than 700 aircraft were built for the French Air Force and export customers including Spain, Egypt, and South Africa. Its versatile design allowed rapid conversion among air‑to‑air, ground‑attack, and reconnaissance roles, aided by modern avionics such as the Thomson‑CSF radar and a hardpoint capacity of up to eight weapons. The Mirage F1’s robust performance in varied climates, low maintenance needs, and successful combat record—most notably in the South African Border War and the 1973 Arab‑Israeli conflict—cemented its reputation as a reliable workhorse. The aircraft also served as a testbed for later Dassault innovations, influencing the development of the Mirage 2000 and reinforcing France’s position as a leading exporter of combat aircraft during the Cold War era throughout the late twentieth century.

Dassault Aviation

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Design & Classification