Helion & Company Iraqi Mirages - Helion & Company via Casemate UK

[Julien]

Iraqi Mirages

The Dassault Mirage Family in service with Iraq 1981-1988

Middle East @ War No.17

ISBN : 9781912866342

Helion & Company via Casemate UK

 

 

The Dassault Mirage F.1 has been a successful point defence fighter and attack aircraft for over thirty years. It was developed initially as a private venture by Dassault as a replacement to their ageing Mirage III fighters. It is a single-engined, single-seat fighter aircraft with a high-mounted delta wing and capability of reaching mach 2.2 in short order. Power was provided by a single SNECMA Atar turbojet providing about 7 tonnes-force (69 kN; 15,000 lbf) of thrust. Dassault soon found an eager customer in the shape of the French Armée de l'air, who bought various versions over the years starting on 1974. The French retired the Mirage F.1 in 2014. The EQ was the version for Iraq, these were modified for longer range.  Some aircraft for Iraq were reconfigured from general aircraft to dedicated attack aircraft with increased payloads and additional ECM gear. The Iraqi aircraft were capable of carrying the potent Exocet missile.

 

 

This book looks at all aspects of the use of the F.1 by Iraq. The aircraft itself, training, weapons and tactics used by the Iraqi military. The war with Iran and the use of the aircraft is looked at in detail as this was the major conflict the aircraft took part in.  Also considered in the book are the 5 Super-Etendards leased to Iraq due to delays in F.1 deliveries. Also mentioned is the use of a modified Dassault Falcon 50 Business jet for reconnaissance and later anti shipping duties. The radar and ire control system from an F.1 was fitted to the Falcon, a complete F.1 cockpit was fitted in the left hand side of the air-frame and hard points added for Exocet missiles. This aircraft was then responsible for the mistaken attack on the USS Snark in 1987. The book is A4 softback and 88 pages long. It is illustrated throughout with black and white photos, and maps. There are 6 pages of colour aircraft profiles, and a further 2 colour pages of pictures and maps.

 

 

Conclusion

This book will give the reader a good understanding of the use of the F.1 buy the Iraqi Air Force during this time.  Highly Recommended for fans of the F.1, or Middle eastern conflicts, 

 

 

Review sample courtesy of