Dassault Mirage G / G-4 / G-8

Summary

Description

When the replacement for the Mirage III became a topic of discussion in 1965, Marcel Dassault was working on two different solutions: vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft and variable geometry planes. The Mirage G, in response to a request from the French Air Force dating back to October 1965, was developed as a second concept, an interceptor with the capability to carry a nuclear payload. The project had common origins with the Anglo-French Variable Geometry (AFVG) program, which eventually led to the development of the Tornado by Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

For the Mirage G prototype, Dassault largely used the fuselage from the Mirage F2, as well as its TF-306 engine. It was a twin-engine two-seater aircraft with wings that could deploy from 70° to 23° depending on the speed. The prototype made its first flight on November 18, 1967, piloted by Jean Coureau. Within the first week, the wings were fully swept, and within 2 months, the Mirage G reached a top speed of Mach 2.1. Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed on January 13, 1971, after 316 flights, but the pilot was able to eject safely.

In 1968, the French Air Force initiated the RAGEL (Reconnaissance, Attack, Long-Range Electronic Warfare) program and ordered 2 prototypes of a new version, the Mirage G-4. An order for 60 aircraft was considered. However, the specifications from the French Air Force changed during the development process: the final aircraft needed to be smaller and have a smaller interception range to reduce costs. The revised version was then named the Mirage G-8. Two aircraft were built: the 01 was a two-seater, and the 02 was a single-seater. The prototypes were equipped with Atar 9K50 engines, limited to Mach 2.2, but it was planned that the production models would be fitted with M-53 engines, capable of reaching Mach 2.5.

Jean-Marie Saget, who had participated in the Mirage G tests, made the first flight of the Mirage G8-01 on May 8, 1971, reaching Mach 2.03 on its fourth flight. He also performed the first flight of the Mirage G8-02 on July 13, 1972. One year later, on its 74th flight, the aircraft broke the European (non-Soviet) speed record by reaching Mach 2.34 at 42,000 feet.

However, the aircraft was deemed too expensive, and the variable geometry concept, being too complex, created more problems than advantages. The final flight took place on November 22, 1974, and the project was abandoned shortly after. The G8-01 is on display at the Musée du Bourget, and a portion of the G8-02 is exhibited at the Montélimar Aviation Museum.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	Serbia	20
	Myanmar	3

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

France • Myanmar • Serbia

Photo of Mirage G / G-4 / G-8