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Hello everyone, and welcome to this new suggestion.
Today, I’m introducing you to a little-known French aircraft, one of the variable-geometry Mirages, the Mirage G8 01.
The Mirage G8-01 is an experimental fighter aircraft prototype developed by Dassault Aviation in the late 1960s as part of an ambitious program to explore the concept of a variable geometry wing (swing wing). Based on research on the Mirage G, the Mirage G8 was designed as a two-seat, twin-engine fighter capable of reaching Mach 2. It was intended to meet both air defense and tactical nuclear strike needs, adapting to different speeds and altitudes thanks to its swing wing. The G8-01 prototype , made its first flight on May 8, 1971, followed by a second prototype (G8-02) single-seat. Although flight tests were technically successful, the program was ultimately abandoned in 1975, due to high costs, changes in military doctrine and the lack of political interest in pursuing such a complex aircraft.
The Mirage G8-01 was never integrated into the French Air Force, remaining an advanced experimental prototype. It was initially intended to succeed the Mirage IV in the role of tactical nuclear delivery system and offer advanced multirole capabilities. However, industrial difficulties, the cost of the program, and the lack of political support, particularly after the United Kingdom withdrew from the initial Anglo-French project, led to the cessation of development. The program nevertheless allowed Dassault to acquire valuable expertise in variable aerodynamics and twin-engine powertrains, which would influence later projects, such as the Mirage 2000 and especially the Rafale. The Mirage G8-01 remains today a symbol of French technological innovation during the Cold War, and an emblematic example of a promising aircraft stopped before reaching the production phase.
Characteristics
The Mirage G8 01 is an imposing combat aircraft compared to other aircraft designed by Dassault, this one is much longer, wider and has a very significant mass compared to its predecessor.
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Length : 20.20 m
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Width :
- Min : 8.65 m
- Max : 15.30 m
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Height : 6.15 m
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Mass :
- Min : 15,560 kg
- Max : 30.5 t
The Mirage G8 01 is powered by two Atar 9K50 engines of 4,870 kgp dry and 6,970 kgp with pc, which allowed it to reach Mach 2.5 and reach an altitude of 17,000 m. These engines are extremely powerful but consume little fuel, giving it a range of 1,100 km while remaining at Mach 0.9 at an altitude of 150 meters.
Thanks to its variable geometry (70° maximum folding), the aircraft can land at a speed of 225 km/h
Equipment
Intended to have the same equipment as the Mirage F1 and Jaguar, the Mirage G8 incorporates some of the same features as those aircraft. However, due to the prototype’s abandonment, most of the equipment was never installed.
- Radar :
The radar planned for the Mirage G8 was the Cyrano IV from the Mirage F1, allowing it to intercept targets and guide its missiles onto them.
No RWR or countermeasures are announced for the aircraft because it never had the opportunity to install them. However, the systems installed on the Mirage F1 and Jaguars were planned to be installed on the aircraft.
Weapons
The Mirage G8 has five hardpoints (including three wet points) but was primarily intended for nuclear bombing at the time. Its offensive armament was therefore limited but still allowed it to defend itself. The aircraft therefore carries the following weapons.
- AN22 nuclear bomb embedded under the fuselage
- Matra Magic 1 or Sidewinder
Infrared missiles are mountable on the outer wing points, giving a maximum of two self-defense missiles.
Video
VIDEO - Le Mirage G8, le prototype à géométrie variable de Dassault - Aerobuzz
LE MIRAGE III G ! Le F-14 Tomcat à la Française ! Histoire.
Dassault Mirage G8-01 test flights (1971)
In game this plane would be extremely interesting to add to the French tree, in fact it would be one of the heaviest air combat planes that France would have at its disposal, bringing new gameplay to the tree (variable geometry) and allowing to complete certain lineups.