- Yes
- No
this suggestion was made by me but was revised by @ElGringo1121 .Given the impressive research he did on the this plane, i will be using its revised suggestion. I would like to thank him personally for its research and for allowing me to use its works
TLDR: Mirage F-1AZ with a big engine, R-73s, and improved avionics.
SUPER MIRAGE F-1AZ
History
The Aerosud Super Mirage F-1AZ was a privately-funded South African modernization project aimed at extending the life and capabilities of the Dassault Mirage F-1AZ fleet during the late 1980s and early 1990s. South Africa had acquired Mirage F-1CZ and F-1AZ fighters in the 1970s, but by the end of the decade international sanctions imposed under apartheid prevented the country from buying new combat aircraft or spare parts abroad. To keep its air force operational and combat-relevant, South African industry had to step in with indigenous solutions.
Aerosud, an aerospace company founded by former South African Air Force engineers, proposed one of the most ambitious upgrades, which became known as the “Super Mirage F-1AZ.” The program envisioned replacing the aircraft’s original Atar 9K50 turbojet engine with the more modern Russian Klimov RD-33 turbofan, the same engine used in the MiG-29. This offered greater thrust, better fuel efficiency, and reduced smoke emissions. In addition to the new powerplant, the project included a comprehensive avionics modernization, with plans for an advanced radar, electronic warfare suite, and a redesigned cockpit. Weapons compatibility was also to be expanded, potentially integrating modern air-to-air missiles such as the Russian R-73 as well as precision-guided munitions.
A prototype Mirage F-1AZ was modified to test the RD-33 installation, demonstrating the technical feasibility of the conversion. However, the program faced significant obstacles. Funding was limited, the country was undergoing a political transition with the end of apartheid in 1994, and the South African Air Force was already looking toward future acquisitions, which ultimately led to the adoption of the Saab JAS-39 Gripen. For these reasons, the Super Mirage F-1AZ never entered production, and the Mirage F-1 fleet was retired by 1997.
Although it was never realized as an operational aircraft, the Super Mirage F-1AZ project stands as an example of South Africa’s drive for self-reliance in aerospace engineering during years of international isolation, as well as an unusual instance of collaboration between South African engineers and Russian suppliers at the close of the Cold War.
Performance
Spoiler
The re-engining of the Mirage F1AZ with the SMR-95 (RD-33 variant) brought dramatic improvements in flight performance compared to the original Atar 9K50. Tests with the prototype showed across-the-board gains in acceleration, climb, and sustained turn capability.
At 15,000 ft, acceleration time from Mach 0.3 to Mach 0.9 improved by 15%, while time from Mach 0.3 to Mach 1.3 improved by a remarkable 50%. Specific excess power at Mach 0.9 increased by 25%, directly translating into better maneuverability and sustained energy in dogfights. Climb performance also improved by 15%, making the aircraft significantly more competitive in high-altitude engagements.
In terms of raw acceleration under operational loads, the Super Mirage F1AZ showed substantial reductions in time to reach maximum speed. At 15,000 ft, acceleration was 50% faster than with the Atar 9K50. Even at higher altitudes—25,000 ft and 35,000 ft—the improvements remained notable, at 40% and 30% respectively.
These enhancements effectively transformed the Mirage F1AZ from a late-1960s design into a platform with performance characteristics closer to fourth-generation fighters of the 1980s and 1990s. The SMR-95’s higher thrust-to-weight ratio and improved fuel efficiency gave the aircraft greater agility, endurance, and tactical flexibility, while also allowing compatibility with modern weapons systems.
Atar 9K50 ≈ 15900 lbf
SMR-95 ≈ 18300-19000 lbf
A
Armement
The Air to Air armament for this aircraft included:
Up to 2 x V3A Kukri ≈ More manuverable AIM-9B
Up to 2 x Magic 1
Up to 2 x V3B Kukri ≈ Magic 1
Up to 2 x V3C Darter ≈ Magic 2
Up to 2 x V3S Snake = Licenced Python 3
Up to 2 x R-73E
For a max loadout of 4 x IR AAMs as some missiles can only be carried on certain pylons.
(Super F-1AZ with R-73E)
(F-1AZ with V3C and V3S. Note the Cat’s Eye HMCS visible on the helmet hung on the cockpit ladder)
The Air to Ground armament included:
68mm SNEB Rockets
SAMP 400kg Type 21
250kg Type 25
AS20 Nord
AS30 Nord
CB-470 Cluster Bomb
Mk 82 500lb Bomb
Mk 81 250lb Bomb
Mk20 Rockeye
Up to 3 x Raptor 1 Glide Bomb (H-2)
(Up to 3 H2s could be carried)
Countermesures
Spoiler
Since the Super F-1AZ never carried the Wing mounted RIMS dispencer, just the Ventral Fin mounted dispensers would be 30 Flares or 60 Chaff, or a mix of both. Due to the cartdridge size these would be considered large caliber countermeasures and would drop as singles as seen.
avionics
Since the Super F-1AZ was never truely finished some of the avionics used in the actual prototype may not match what is shown in the promotional material.
Spoiler
This text will be hidden
RWR
Spoiler
Since the Super F-1AZ was never truely finished some of the avionics used in the actual prototype may not match what is shown in the promotional material.
RWR
While I cannot find concrete evidence of the exact RWR in the SUPER MIRAGE F-1AZ, cockpit images would suggest it used the ALR-300(V2) the same RWR used in Spanish Mirage F-1M upgrade in which South African company ATE participated in. ATE being one of the primary contractors in the Super F-1AZ development and the company did the glass cockpit for both Spanish and South African F1s.
“Due to the delays that the Eurofighter program had, the Council of Ministers of June 30, 1995 authorized the modernization of fifty-three Mirage F.1, and for this purpose a tender was created that was won by Thomson’s radar subsidiary CSF (which subcontracted Sextant avionique, SABCA, ATE and EADS CASA for different jobs).”
FDRA - Fuerza Aérea: Cazabombarderos: Los Mirage F1 españoles hasta el F-1M
Super F-1AZ Cockpit
HUD
After some exhaustive reserch I narrowed down the HUD in the Super F-1AZ to the same model that is used Mirage F-1CT/CR, identified by the upfront control pannel.
Super F-1AZ
F-1CT/CR
The completed prototype was ment to use the Wide-angle collimator aviation indicator SHKAI
HMS
**
The Cat’s Eye Helmet Mounted Cueing System (HMCS) was developed for the South African Air Force during the 1980s, when the country faced international sanctions and had to rely heavily on local innovation to keep its combat aircraft competitive. Designed by Kentron, the Cat’s Eye HMCS gave SAAF fighter pilots a significant edge by allowing them to aim weapons simply by looking at the target, rather than pointing the entire aircraft toward it.
One of the Upgrades on the Super F-1AZ would have been the addition of a Russian HMCS similar to that of the MiG-29 and SU-27.
Radar
AIDA II
“This miniature lightweight system is designed for light interceptors and aircraft with restricted accommodation in the nose. It can also be installed in pods for under-wing mounting as seen in some versions of the Dassault Mirage V. The system automatically searches for, acquires and provides ranges of air or sea targets within a cone of 18°. The antenna is fixed and the pilot points the aircraft in the direction of the target. Used in conjunction with a gyroscopic gunsight it supplies all the information for interception and attack with guns, rockets, bombs or missiles. The operating frequency lies in the I to J band and the transmitter power is between 80 and 100 kW.”
(Janes Avionics 1987-88 P20)
how to implement
Spoiler
Since the Mirage F-1CZ and F-1AZ will most likely come to the standard UK tech tree I can only feasibly see the Super Mirage F-1AZ coming as a event or premium vehicle. As for the battle rating I can see best place being 12.3 as it has some advantages (Good performance and IR missiles) and disadvantages (No SARH and low countermeasure count (30 Flares). One option could be giving the MiG-21 Bison R-77s and having this aircraft take its place as the 12.3 premium.
Best possible loadout of 2 x V3C Darters (Magic 2s) and 2 x R-73Es for air to air and 2 x V3C Darters, 1 x R-73E, 1 x Datalink pod, 3 x H-2 Glide Bombs for air to ground.
OP opinion . Given the current precedent of billateral project (DF105 and clovis) it should be split into both russian and the comonwealth tree (and the french if you want to make me happy. As for how unique this plane is, it should either come as a premium or an event plane
gallery
(2 x V3B, 2 x V3S, 4 x Mk82, 2 x RP35 tanks)
(Fitting of the SMR-95)
(Running SMR-95)
(2 x V3B, 1 x RP35 Centerline)
(Next 3 are all Super F1AZs)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fforum.warthunder.com%2F&source_ve_path=MTY0NTA2&v=HRfe9EKdRhE&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUMDpTVP3Zo
Good footage from 3:40 onwards.
Source
Nongqai-vol-14-No-6c-Jacobus-de-
Villiers.zip|attachment (35.3 MB) publication from Kobus de Villiers head of the Super F1AZ project.
Russia/South Africa to offer Mirage upgrades | News | Flight Global
https://www.saairforce.co.za/pdf/Mirage%20F1%20Volume%201.pdf
https://www.saairforce.co.za/pdf/Mirage%20F1%20Volume%205.pdf
https://www.saairforce.co.za/pdf/Mirage%20F1%20Volume%204.pdf
https://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/aircraft/33/mirage-f1az
https://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/weapons/out-of-service
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VXa4WDLuRAs1p_wIseZM40BZqYhMQRz0/view
Mirage F1 in SAAF Service by Paul Dubois
https://www.paramountgroup.com/media/2171/paramount-mirage-f1-2023.pdf
revision log
Spoiler
Revision 1:
I got in contact with the author of the PDFs on the SAAF Mirage F-1s inquiring on the extent of the modifications applied to the Super F-1AZ. This is what he said:
“The Super F1 only had the SMR(-95) engine installed an updated Air Data System and R-73. Rest of the avionics were bog standard F1AZ (With project Nekwar refit).
“Project Nekwar, was the avionics upgrade we did in the mid 1990s which formed the base for the F1M upgrade with Cheetah C throttle, F1CT HUD, ALR-300, etc.”
Revision 2:
New source from Kobus de Villiers head of the Super F1AZ project.
Revision 3:
Changed description of V3C Darter.