Super-Mirage

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Super-Mirage
ACFtrials.jpg
Super-Mirage prototype 001 in the late 1970s.
Role Interceptor, air superiority fighter, Strike fighter
National origin Sieuxerr
Manufacturer Dassault
Designer Dassault
First flight 1982
Introduction 1987
Status In service
Primary user Sieuxerrian Air Force
Sieuxerrian Navy
Produced 1987–present
Number built 300~
Developed from Mirage-Menace

The Dassault Super-Menace is a twin or single-seat, twinjet, interceptor, air superiority fighter and Strike fighter used by the Sieuxerrian Navy and Sieuxerrian Air Force. Developed from the Mirage-Menace, the Super-Mirage features a matured design, improved sensors, upgrade capacity, and armament. It shares some design features, a common engine, and other similar parts, allowing for relaxed logistical need to maintain the aicraft between the air force and the navy.

Design

Overview

Cockpit

Engines

The Super-Mirage is equipped with two Snecma M53 afterburning turbofan engines. Equipped with the improved M53-P2 found in the Mirage-Menace and the Dassault Mirage 2000. From 2005 to 2011, the entire fleet was upgraded with the M88-10 engine, based off the M88-2 engine used by the Rafale, generating 70 kN (15,500 lbf) and 100 kN (25,000 lbf) (with afterburner). The engine greatly improved handling of the aircraft at speed.

Weaponry

The Menace is equipped with two 30mm GIAT 30 revolver cannons with selectable rates of fire of 300 rpm to 2,500 rpm. They are mounted underneath the intakes for the engines, there are 125 rounds per gun available.

The two major combat variants, C and D, are able to use all short and medium range air-to-air missiles in service. However distinctions start between the D and C. The D is a dedicated strike and long-range interception fighter, and to fulfill its interceptor role, it carries the MAAL-66, long range air-to-air missile. It is able to use these missiles due to its modified radar and presence of the WSO. The single seat cannot use the MAAL-66, but they can use the newer Meteor missile, giving the single seat aircraft long-range interception.

Avionics

The Super-Mirage uses a derivative of the Thomson-CSF Giraffe radar from the Menace. It achieves upwards of 165km range against comparable fighter-sized objects with over 270km range against large bomber-sized objects. It has multi-target tracking abilities. In the mid-2000s, apart of a major overhaul, the older mechanically scanned radar arrays were replaced by electronically scanned active radar arrays.

Operational history

Operators

Current

Specifications

MenaceC19823view.png

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2 (Pilot and Radar Intercept Officer)
  • Length: 19.1 m ()
  • Wingspan: 11.2 m ()
  • Height: 5.8 m ()
  • Powerplant: ×

Performance