In Active Service

The Government Aircraft Factories was chosen as the prime contractor to produce the whole fuselage, while Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation was to manufacture the wings, fin, tail cone and the SNECMA Atar 9C engine. The Australian Mirage, or “Miracle” as it is colloquially known, incorporated 178 modifications to suit local operations, and the version is designated 111-0. One hundred single-seat Ill-Os were manufactured between 1963 and 1969. Sixteen dual-seat operational trainer Mirages. Were also produced as Mirage I11-D. The first 48 11I-Os were to be built as pure interceptors – designated 11I-O(F) – and the remaining 52 were modified to enhance ground attack capabilities and designated 11I-O(A). In June 1969 it was decided to modify all aircraft to A standard.

The Mirage

The Mirage is a delta-wing aircraft with a conventional monocoque structure. The delta wing spans 27 feet (8. 24m), and a large wing volume allows for the storage of most of the fuel load. Each wing is fitted with two coupled elevons (combined elevator/aileron) and a small inboard trimming flap which is linked to the automatic stability system. Most of the fuselage, which is 49 ft. 2 in. (15. 0m) in length, is occupied by the huge Atar 9C engine which produces 13,300 lbs. thrust with full afterburning. The remaining fuselage space is taken up with the cockpit and avionics systems. The nose cone is removable and can contain the Cyrano radar system or alternatively a photographic reconnaissance pack. The cockpit section is insulated and pressurised and sits forward of the nose wheel bay and radio and electronic equipment compartment. The cockpit is well instrumented with the central feature being the Cyrano radar scope and radar/armament sighting head immediately above. To the right of the scope is the Position and Homing Indicator, a fighter navigation system.

The two-seat Mirage I11-D differs from the single 111-0 in cockpit equipment and weapons capability. A blind flying hood can be fitted in the rear cockpit for instrument training.

A maximum speed of Mach 2. 05 and ranges up to 2000 n. m. (3200km) can be achieved by the RAAF Mirages. The approach speed is 180 knots dropping to 145 knots at touchdown. A braking chute is stored in a canister in the tail above the jetpipe. Acceleration is good for combat manoeuvrability and deceleration is affected by symmetrically opposed airbrakes on the wings.

Role

The role of the three fighter squadrons is equally divided between ground attack and air defence. In the ground attack role, the Mirage can carry a number of standard or laser-guided 500 lb. and 1000 lb. high explosive bombs. Additionally, the standard armament of the DEFA twin 30mm cannon gun pack is used for strap Forward Air Control aircraft are often used in conjunction with ground attack Mirages for target marking and tactics planning, and these aircraft will be described in the next issue in this series. In the air defence role, the Mirage is capable of intercepting enemy aircraft in all weather conditions. The large Matra radar-homing missile Is the main weapon for interception and is carried on a centre-line pylon under the fuselage. Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles are also carried under the wings.

Various combinations of 500, 1300 and 1700 litre external tanks can be carried for extended range. As an interceptor, the Mirage is guided to enemy” targets by air defence fighter control units which use computer-linked radar equipment to provide optimum intercept instructions.

20CU

Number 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU) operates single and dual-seat Mirages from RAAF Williamtown. Macchi 326-H jet trainers are also used by 2OCU. The basic function of 2OCU Is to provide trained Mirage pilots for the operational fighter squadrons. An Introductory fighter course is first conducted on Macchi aircraft for elementary fighter tactics and air-to-ground weapons delivery. After completion of this course, pilots go on to the Mirage Conversion Course where air superiority and ground attack techniques are learnt. Refresher courses are also held for pilots posted back to flying after a ground assignment. Fighter Combat Instructors (FCI) are also trained at 2OCU. FCls are above-average fighter pilots who are trained as Mirage instructors and are experts in fighter weapons and tactics.

ARDU

The Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) uses both the 111-0 and 111-D for development testing. ARDU’s function will be discussed in the next issue.

RAAF Mirages have had a large number of crashes, with some 32 aircraft written off to date, but with over 17 years of operation, this figure is not unusually high for an operational fighter. However, some aircraft have completed over 3,000 hours of flying. The reliable and efficient Mirage will continue to operate with the RAAF until at least the end of the decade, and, as Australia’s first supersonic fighter, has certainly proved its worth. Throughout its years of service.