What Is The Mirage F1?
The Mirage F1. French single-seat fighter featuring a swept shoulder-wing configuration optimised for high-speed tactical intercepts.
France
Origin
Multirole
Role
Mach 2.2
Top speed
20,000 m
Service ceiling
Mirage F1 Specifications
The Dassault Mirage F1 diverged from the traditional delta wings. Instead, adopting a high-mounted swept wing and tailplane for improved short-field landing and low-level attack performance. Powered by a SNECMA Atar 9K-50 turbojet, it reached Mach 2.2, with a heavy loadout of radar-guided missiles.
Performance
Top speed
Mach 2.2 (1,450 mph)
Service ceiling
65,600 ft (20,000 m)
Combat radius
230 nmi (425 km)
Rate of climb
41,300 ft/min (210 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
1
Length
49 ft 3 in (15.00 m)
Wingspan
27 ft 7 in (8.40 m)
Empty weight
16,314 lbs (7,400 kg)
Engine
1x SNECMA Atar 9K-50 afterburning turbojet
Service
First flight
23 December 1966
Unit cost
$11 million
Operators
France (Retired), Morocco, Gabon, Iran, Private Defense Contractors (Draken)
What Weapons Does The Mirage F1 Carry?
Fitted with twin 30mm DEFA 553 cannons, the Mirage F1 also has hardpoints carrying 14,000 lbs of payload, including Matra Super 530 and Magic air-to-air missiles alongside Exocet anti-ship and laser-guided bombs.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
DEFA 553
Category
30 mm Cannon
Loadout
2 internal cannon (135 rounds each)
Range
1,800 metres (effective)
Matra R550 Magic
Category
Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
10 km (6.2 miles)
Super 530F
Category
Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
40 km (25 miles)
Exocet AM39
Category
Anti-Ship Missile
Loadout
1 missile
Range
70 km (43 miles)
Matra Durandal
Category
Anti-Runway Bomb
Loadout
Up to 6 bombs
Range
Gravity released
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The Mirage F1?
The Mirage F1 reaches Mach 2.2, roughly 1,453 mph. Its swept wing, in place of the delta used on earlier Mirages, gave it a far lower landing speed and the ability to operate from shorter runways while carrying more fuel internally. That combination made it more versatile than its predecessor despite similar top speed.
How Was The Mirage F1 Developed?
Dassault developed the F1 as a private venture after the French Air Force cancelled the Mirage F2. Choosing a conventional swept wing with high-lift devices over the company's signature delta was a significant departure, driven by the delta's poor low-speed behaviour and long take-off runs. The prototype flew on 23 December 1966 and the type entered French service in 1973.
Has The Mirage F1 Seen Combat?
The Mirage F1 saw extensive combat with Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War, where Exocet-armed examples attacked shipping in the Gulf, including the accidental strike on USS Stark in 1987. It flew with South Africa over Angola, with Morocco in Western Sahara, and with France over Chad, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Who Operates The Mirage F1?
France retired the F1 in 2014. Morocco, Gabon and Libya have operated the type, and a number of airframes have passed to private contractors in the United States, where they fly as adversary aircraft for military training.
Mirage F1 FAQs
Common questions about the Mirage F1, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the Mirage F1 as a civilian?
No, the Mirage F1 is not available for civilian passenger flights. Jetify offers flights in ex-military aircraft that have been demilitarised and placed on a civil register, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot, across 7 aircraft types from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the Mirage F1?
No, you cannot take the controls of the Mirage F1, because it is not available for civilian passenger flights. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the Mirage F1 cost?
The Mirage F1 is not available for civilian passenger flights, so there is no price for a flight in one. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, while the MiG-15 Fagot, Aermacchi S.211 and Lockheed T-33 start from around £2,800 ($3,800, €3,400). The Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, starts from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600. Every price is per person and includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening.
Is there a weight or height limit for a jet flight instead of the Mirage F1?
The Mirage F1 is not available for civilian passenger flights, but all jet flight experiences enforce strict height and weight limits set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force would I feel on a jet flight instead of the Mirage F1?
The Mirage F1 is not available for civilian passenger flights, but on a civilian jet experience aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load. Supersonic and high-altitude profiles are physically far easier, and what happens in the air is agreed with your pilot and can be adjusted at any point.
How far in advance should I book a jet flight instead of the Mirage F1?
The Mirage F1 is not available for civilian passenger flights, but you should book a real ex-military jet experience, such as the L-39 Albatros, 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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