Difference between revisions of "Mirage IIIE"

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{{About
 +
| about = French jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
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| link = Mirage III (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=mirage_3e
 
|code=mirage_3e
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]]. Contrary to its older sibling, the Mirage IIIC, the Mirage IIIE represents a (successful) attempt to integrate air-to-ground capabilities into the Mirage III line of aircraft. These capabilities are achieved by the addition of a ballistic computer to aid in the destruction of ground assets with guns, bombs, and rockets. The aircraft also receives numerous improvements, such as a new version of the Atar 9 engine, which is not only slightly more powerful, but also much more responsive. An RWR system and a countermeasure dispenser is also installed.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was designed to be closer to a multirole fighter compared to the interception-focused [[Mirage IIIC]]. It featured a British-made pulse-Doppler navigation radar located below the cockpit, as well as increased fuel capacity, a more modern SNECMA ATAR 09 turbojet engine, and improved avionics located directly behind the cockpit. A total of 192 aircraft were built by Dassault for the French Air Force, by 1971 it had become the most widely produced variant of the Mirage III.
 +
 
 +
It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]]. Contrary to its older sibling, the Mirage IIIC, the Mirage IIIE represents a successful attempt to integrate air-to-ground capabilities into the Mirage III line of aircraft. These capabilities are achieved by the addition of a ballistic computer to aid in the destruction of ground assets with guns, bombs, and rockets. The aircraft also receives numerous improvements, such as a new version of the Atar 9 engine, which is not only slightly more powerful, but also much more responsive. An RWR system and a countermeasure dispenser is also installed.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 2,231 || 2,157 || 26.2 || 28.0 || 169.8 || 139.2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~11 || ~4
+
| 1,460 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || - || - || ~11 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 920 || < 750 || < 650 || N/A
+
| < 920 || < 750 || < 650 || -
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Engine performance ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine
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! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 +
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel, no booster)
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="2" | SNECMA Atar 9C || 1
 +
| colspan="2" | 7,360 kg || colspan="2" | 291 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 +
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load, no booster) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
 +
|-
 +
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 +
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 28m fuel
 +
|-
 +
| 1,450 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
 +
| 7,929 kg || 8,686 kg || 9,256 kg || 10,950 kg
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 +
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP, no booster)
 +
|-
 +
! Condition || 100% || WEP
 +
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 28m fuel || MTOW
 +
|-
 +
| ''Stationary'' || 4,210 kgf || 6,110 kgf
 +
| 0.77 || 0.70 || 0.66 || 0.56
 +
|-
 +
| ''Optimal'' || 5,389 kgf<br>(1,200 km/h) || 8,603 kgf<br>(1,200 km/h)
 +
| 1.09 || 0.99 || 0.93 || 0.79
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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The entirety of the AA missile armament of the Mirage IIIE is stacked in a single line. The AIM-9B missile will be of moderate help. The Matra 530 will be of better efficiency.
 
The entirety of the AA missile armament of the Mirage IIIE is stacked in a single line. The AIM-9B missile will be of moderate help. The Matra 530 will be of better efficiency.
  
−
The Mirage IIIE being the end of the Dassault line-up, each components are pricey in research points, costing up to 32,000 RP for the 4th tier.
+
The research of the countermeasures should as well be a priority. This component alone is probably the most impactful addition to the Mirage IIIE, compared to the IIIC.
 +
 
 +
Other than that, the G suit is also an important module, because it allows the pilot to remain conscious during a full Immelmann, split-S, or barrel roll. This phenomenon is due to the high speed reduction of the delta design.
 +
 
 +
All other components can be researched at the user's discretion.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
The Mirage IIIE comes with a pair of DEFA 552A canons, with 125 round per gun, for 250 rounds total. These guns output a moderate shell velocity (but high rate of fire), but the DEFA shells are extremely destructive, and can blow a wing off of even the sturdiest aircrafts, such as the [[F-4E Phantom II]]. The Air targets belt composes only of HE, incendiary, tracers. Overall, the best pick of shells one could want for air-to-air combat. The Ground targets belt can pierce moderate armour, and are nothing to write home about. They will shred APCs and IFVs, but not MBTs.
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=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
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<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
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 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 15 x large calibre countermeasures
 +
* 30 x countermeasures
 +
 
 +
At this battle rating, proper usage of countermeasures is next to mandatory. The sheer amount of missiles in the air at every instant, and the fact that the Mirage IIIE is a top-tier aircraft, makes the flares the most important part of the Mirage IIIE's self preservation. As for quantities and type, it is recommended to always carry chaffs as well, SARH and ARM missiles being sometimes used at such BRs. Full flare composition is permissible when in a downtier match, where such missiles are much rarer. It is also notable that missiles encountered at such BRs can and will discriminate the jet from its flares. Ample usage of flares and afterburner cutoff must therefore be performed to ensure a successful evasion.
 +
 
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|SAMP Type 25 (250 kg)|SAMP Type 21 (400 kg)|SNEB type 23|DEFA 552A (30 mm)}}
 
−
{{main|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AS-30 Nord|Matra R530|Matra R530E|Matra R550 Magic 1}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons (125 rpg = 250 total)
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
+
|-
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile
+
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile
+
| rowspan="16" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
+
|-
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
+
! [[DEFA 552A (30 mm)|30 mm DEFA 552A]] cannons (125 rpg)
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
+
| || || || || 2 || ||
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets
+
|-
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets
+
! [[SAMP Type 25 (250 kg)|250 kg SAMP Type 25]] bombs
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
+
| || || || 2 || || ||
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
+
|-
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets
+
! [[SAMP Type 25 200 (250 kg)|250 kg SAMP Type 25 200]] bombs
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets
+
| || || || 2 || || ||
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x AS-30 Nord missile + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets
+
|-
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x AS-30 Nord missile + 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets
+
! [[SAMP Type 21 (400 kg)|400 kg SAMP Type 21]] bombs
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)
+
| || || || 2 || || ||
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)
+
|-
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)
+
! [[SAMP Type 21 200 (400 kg)|400 kg SAMP Type 21 200]] bombs
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)
+
| || || || 2 || || ||
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)
+
|-
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)
+
! [[FZ49]] rockets
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)
+
| 7 || || || || || || 7
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)
+
|-
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)
+
! [[SNEB type 23]] rockets
−
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)
+
| || 18 || || || || 18 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| 1 || || || || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[AS-30 Nord]] missiles
 +
| || || || 1 || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Matra R530]] missiles
 +
| || || || 1 || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Matra R530E]] missiles
 +
| || || || 1 || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missiles
 +
| 1 || || || || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! SEPR 844 rocket booster
 +
| || || 1* || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! SEPR 844 tank
 +
| || || || || 1* || ||
 +
|-
 +
! 1,700 l drop tanks
 +
| || 1 || || || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="10" | * The SEPR 844 oxidiser tank must be carried when equipping the SEPR 844 rocket booster
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 
 +
* 2 x 1,700 l drop tanks + 1 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannon (250 rpg)
 
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
 
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
 
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
 
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
 +
* 1 x Matra R530 missile
 +
* 1 x Matra R530E missile
 +
* 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 200 bombs (500 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 200 bombs (800 kg total)
 +
* 14 x FZ49 rockets
 +
* 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets
 +
* 1 x AS-30 Nord missile
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
 +
 +
The Mirage IIIE comes with a pair of DEFA 552A cannons, with 125 round per gun, for 250 rounds total. These guns output a moderate shell velocity (but high rate of fire), but the DEFA shells are extremely destructive, and can blow a wing off of even the sturdiest aircrafts, such as the [[F-4E Phantom II]]. The Air targets belt is composed only of HE, incendiary, tracers. Overall, the best pick of shells one could want for air-to-air combat. The Ground targets belt can pierce moderate armour, and are nothing to write home about. They will shred APCs and IFVs, but not MBTs.
 +
 +
Equipping a loadout that doesn't include the 30 mm cannons allows use of the rocket booster, totalling 105 seconds of thrust.
  
 
As with most aircraft of this level, the Mirage is as good as the missiles it carries. The AIM-9B is an IR seeker missile of the very first type. It pulls few Gs, cannot orientate its seeker head and is very easily distracted by flares. Still, some kills can be expected on unsuspecting enemies, or enemies engaged with another aircraft in a turnfight, and low on energy.
 
As with most aircraft of this level, the Mirage is as good as the missiles it carries. The AIM-9B is an IR seeker missile of the very first type. It pulls few Gs, cannot orientate its seeker head and is very easily distracted by flares. Still, some kills can be expected on unsuspecting enemies, or enemies engaged with another aircraft in a turnfight, and low on energy.
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The Matra R530 is a radar guided, medium range missile. Only one can be carried, but it is one of best SARH missiles in the game. As a counterpart, the Cyrano radar of the Mirage IIIE is quite small, with range rarely exceeding 20 km. Inside this range, the missile has good range and manoeuvrability during the entire flight time. A good addition to the Mirage IIIE's arsenal. The SARH capability of the missile can be traded for the IR seeker of the Matra R530E, making it the biggest IR seeker of the game. This version does not require radar lock, but cannot be fired in front aspect, and can be distracted by flares, where the Cyrano radar guiding the R530 can only be disturbed by chaff, which is used much more rarely.
 
The Matra R530 is a radar guided, medium range missile. Only one can be carried, but it is one of best SARH missiles in the game. As a counterpart, the Cyrano radar of the Mirage IIIE is quite small, with range rarely exceeding 20 km. Inside this range, the missile has good range and manoeuvrability during the entire flight time. A good addition to the Mirage IIIE's arsenal. The SARH capability of the missile can be traded for the IR seeker of the Matra R530E, making it the biggest IR seeker of the game. This version does not require radar lock, but cannot be fired in front aspect, and can be distracted by flares, where the Cyrano radar guiding the R530 can only be disturbed by chaff, which is used much more rarely.
  
−
As a tier 4 modification, the Mirage IIIE receives the dreaded Matra 550 Magic. This IR seeking missile of second generation is an excellent weapon, being both extremely manoeuvrable (pulling 30Gs, sometimes more), very light and reactive, and quite resilient to flares. Under two kilometres, and launched in appropriate conditions at subsonic speeds, this missile is virtually inescapable. It is to be noted that this missile, thanks to its canted launch rail, can be launched under significant G-load. Its only two drawbacks are its short range, and the limited number of units carried under the Mirage wings, with only two of the type. Comparatively, the F-4 Phantom series can carry 4 IR missiles, and 4 to 6 for the MiG-21 series, J35 Draken, and F-104 series.
+
As a tier 4 modification, the Mirage IIIE receives the dreaded Matra 550 Magic. This IR seeking missile of second generation is an excellent weapon, being both extremely manoeuvrable (capable of pulling 35Gs), very light and reactive, and quite resilient to flares. Under two kilometres, and launched in appropriate conditions at subsonic speeds, this missile is virtually inescapable. It is to be noted that this missile, thanks to its canted launch rail, can be launched under significant G-load. Its only two drawbacks are its short range, and the limited number of units carried under the Mirage wings, with only two of the type. Comparatively, the F-4 Phantom series can carry 4 IR missiles, and 4 to 6 for the MiG-21 series, J35 Draken, and F-104 series.
  
 
As for ground attack, the Mirage III E carries the usual load of post-war French ordnance, in the form of 250/400 kg SAMP bombs, SNEB HEAT rockets, and the AS-30 missile. The deployment of these weapons can be aided by the ballistic computer.
 
As for ground attack, the Mirage III E carries the usual load of post-war French ordnance, in the form of 250/400 kg SAMP bombs, SNEB HEAT rockets, and the AS-30 missile. The deployment of these weapons can be aided by the ballistic computer.
  
 
The AS-30 Nord missile is a MCLOS, AS-20 derived, heavy warhead HE missile. Only one can be carried, and it is quite hard to use, but the damage output on ground targets in mixed battles is enormous. It is not uncommon to score two kills with one missile.
 
The AS-30 Nord missile is a MCLOS, AS-20 derived, heavy warhead HE missile. Only one can be carried, and it is quite hard to use, but the damage output on ground targets in mixed battles is enormous. It is not uncommon to score two kills with one missile.
 +
 +
With the introduction of laser-guided weaponry, French nation players usually prefer the Jaguar A for the ground attack role.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
The Mirage IIIE is an improvement over the Mirage IIIC in nearly every aspect. Its delta wing permits high-G, speed bleeding manoeuvres, and should be sued to force an opponent to overshoot, and give it chase with missiles or guns.
+
The Mirage IIIE is an improvement over the Mirage IIIC in nearly every aspect. Its delta wing permits high-G, speed bleeding manoeuvres, and should be used to force an opponent to overshoot, and give it chase with missiles or guns.
  
 
The missile load of the Mirage III E is quite light, with only 3 missiles, but the missiles are excellent, and should rarely miss. The addition of the flare dispenser is also of excellent help against the very dangerous IR seeking R-60 missile, which does not perform well with the saturation of its target with flares. Note that flares are mostly inefficient when afterburner is on, and turning it off for mere seconds can be the difference between life and death.
 
The missile load of the Mirage III E is quite light, with only 3 missiles, but the missiles are excellent, and should rarely miss. The addition of the flare dispenser is also of excellent help against the very dangerous IR seeking R-60 missile, which does not perform well with the saturation of its target with flares. Note that flares are mostly inefficient when afterburner is on, and turning it off for mere seconds can be the difference between life and death.
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For ground attack, the Mirage IIIE is of moderate use. While it can still carry bombs, it is a fighter by essence. It is to be noted that the Mirage IIIE can carry its entire AA armament, plus two air-to-ground weapons, on two extra hardpoints.
 
For ground attack, the Mirage IIIE is of moderate use. While it can still carry bombs, it is a fighter by essence. It is to be noted that the Mirage IIIE can carry its entire AA armament, plus two air-to-ground weapons, on two extra hardpoints.
 +
 +
Since the addition of BR 11.3, the Mirage IIIE finds itself in a new position, where its playstyle changes, based on the game's BR. As a top-tier jet, the Mirage IIIE fulfills prefectly its air domination role by itself. When uptiered, it is recommended to take a more support-oriented approach to combat, and to pierce through furballs at great speed, launching a missile or two.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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* Excellent missile armament
 
* Excellent missile armament
−
* Slim airframe
+
* Small airframe
−
* Powerfull canons
+
* Powerful cannons
−
* Added multirole capability over the Mirage IIIC
+
* Added multi-role capability over the Mirage IIIC
−
* Flare/chaff dispenser, for 60 slots
+
* Flare/chaff dispenser, can carry 60 countermeasures in total, as well as RWR
−
* RWR equipped
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Low missile count
+
* Below average acceleration
−
* Moderate power engine
+
* Bleeds speed fast in turnfights, and reaches a very low manoeuvrability at low speeds.
−
* Considered a priority target by enemies
+
* Responsiveness suffers at low speeds
−
* Much heavier than its predecessor while being given negligible thrust increase which results in a more sluggish aircraft
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->=== Post-war French aviation===
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
Back in the 1940s, after the Second World War, although France was still in ruins at this time, the French aviation design team had never stopped their research work. The first design built by France after the Second World War was the famous VB.10 fighter, which completed its first flight mission in 1947, though the original design work was started in 1940 and interrupted by the German invasion. Even though the French designers are full of enthusiasm for serving their motherland, the government still couldn't provide enough money and resources to help them achieve their design dream, so the French Air Force was still equipped with American F-84 Thunderjets and British Vampires at the beginning of the Cold War. The SNCASE company also chose to buy the production license for de Havilland Vampire fighters, naming it "Mistral".
+
{{main|Mirage_IIIC#History|l1=History of the Mirage IIIC}}
  
−
Those early American and British designs helped the French designers learn about jet fighters, so they were able to launch a series of successful works such as the SO.4050 Vautour, MD.452 Mystère II, MD.454 Mystère IVA, and Super Mystère B.2 in the 1950s. But on the other hand, when the American F-100 Super Sabre and Soviet MiG-19 fighter entered into service in 1954 and 1955, the French Air Force only has subsonic designs, even the latest Super Mystère B.2 could only break the speed of sound in a dive, so they had to buy North American F-100D fighters in the 1950s, while the US Air Force received their first F-104A Starfighter.
+
The Mirage IIIE is a multirole fighter version of the Mirage III series of attack aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation for the French Air Force. The aircraft was a follow-up to the earlier Mirage IIIC, featuring a fuselage extension, countermeasures and increased weapons capabilities. The first Mirage IIIE was built in 1964 and would quickly become the most popular variant of the Mirage in French service: the last Mirages would not be retired from French service until 1994.
  
−
But the French designers wouldn't be beaten a second time. Marcel Ferdinand Bloch, designer of the famous MB.152 piston fighter, had been captured by Germans during the Second World War because of his Jewish identity, but was saved by the US Third Army in 1945. After that, since his brother had participated with the French guerrillas during World War II and changed his name to Char D'Assaut, to commemorate his brother's achievements, Bloch also changed his name to Dassault. In 1947, Dassault company received their first order from French Air Force to build three prototype planes, and the first of them successfully flew in 1949. The duration of the entire development work was only 18 months, it was named MD.450 Ouragan fighter which was introduced into service in 1952.
+
Compared to the earlier Mirage IIIC, the Mirage IIIE featured numerous improvements: notably, the fuselage was stretched by 30 cm (12 in) to accommodate additional avionics and fuel tanks. It was updated with the CSF Marconi Navigation computer used on the Mirage IV nuclear bomber. The new version of Cyrano II fire control radar added some new air-to-ground modes like ground-mapping of air-to-ground ranging. Also, the most obvious change in external characteristics was the pod under the nose which contain the CSF Marconi Doppler Navigation radar. Besides, a Thomson BU radar warning receiver was fitted in the tail-fin which can provide warning information for the pilots. The Head-Up-Display unit was also changed from CSF95 to the new CSF97 which added the air-to-ground capacity too. Thanks to the new structural strength design into the airframe, the Mirage IIIE fighter could carry 4,000 kg payload in total.
  
−
Their second product, MD.452 Mystère II was based on their previous fighter design and used swept-wing to improve the flight performance. MD.454 Mystère IVA was one of the most famous products made by Dassault company during the 1950s, which was used by the Israel Air Force during the Suez Canal War in 1956 and successfully beaten the Egyptian MiG-15 fighters.
+
The Mirage IIIE was the most common Mirage III type in service with the French air force, with a total of 183 aircraft delivered, compared to 95 Mirage IIIC and 70 Mirage IIIR aircraft. The last Mirage III would not retire from the French air force until 1994, at which point it was replaced by the Mirage 2000 and later the Dassault Rafale. The Mirage IIIE was the most popular version of Mirage III family, with 523 being built and delivered to both France and customers around the world, the Swiss and Pakistani versions can equip Chaff/Flare dispenser in to the bottom of the fuselage too. The Mirage III would see extensive service in numerous wars for several air forces; notably, the Israeli air force used Mirages during the Six-day war and Yom Kippur War, while Argentina employed its Mirage IIIEAs against British forces during the Falklands war.
−
=== The tale of "Mirage"===
 
−
In response to the challenge of the Soviet Union's new Mach 2 fighter called MiG-21 which would enter into service in 1960, Dassault's answer was the MD.550 Mystère-Delta program which was usually misunderstood by the public as a design born on the basis of the Super Mystère B.2 fighter, but in fact it was born based on an improved version of the Mystère IV fighter, and there was no direct relationship between it and the Super Mystère B.2. Initially competing with Dassault's MD.550 project were Nord 1500 Griffon, SE-212 Durandal, and SO.9050 Trident II projects, unsurprisingly, the Mystère-Delta stood out and soon received an order from the French Air Force to manufacture two prototypes.
 
  
−
In 1956, after the first design changes, the Mystère-Delta prototype was renamed as Mirage I fighter, it only had one air-to-air missile as its primary weapon, and only achieved Mach 1.6 during the flight test even after it opened the rocket motor. To achieve the goal of reaching Mach 2 speed in level flight, Dassault changed the main design again, including a change in fixed air intake design to the variable air intake design and introduced area rule design on the Mirage I fighter. The Mirage I design was abandoned at last, and the Mirage II fighter was a design that used Turboméca Gabizo afterburning turbojets along with a pair of the SEPR rocket motors, but it was cancelled and never built.
+
== Media ==
−
 
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
The final design which truly entered into service in 1961 was called Mirage III, and the first truly mass production version was called Mirage IIIC because the A version of the Mirage III family was only used for research propose, and Mirage IIIB was the training version of Mirage IIIC fighter. The basic weapon used on the Mirage IIIC fighter was two DEFA 552 30 mm cannons which could carry 250 rounds in total, also Dassault company introduced the Matra R.530 radar or infrared-guided medium-range air-to-air missile into their product, which had a maximum firing range of 18 km and maximum manoeuvring overload of 12G. The Mirage IIIC fighter could also carry two AIM-9B Sidewinder infrared-guided short-range air-to-air missile for WVR combat in the 1960s too. In 1975, the famous Matra R.550 Magic 1 infrared-guided short-range air-to-air missile with maximum manoeuvring overload of 35G successfully entered into service, both the Mirage III fighter and the Mirage F.1 fighter were upgraded to have Magic missile launch capabilities during this period.
 
  
−
=== The Mirage IIIE variant ===
+
;Skins
−
In 1965, Mirage IIIE fighter successfully entered in to service and soon become the most produced Mirage variant. It is a multi-purpose role version of Mirage III fighter family, which is updated with CSF Marconi Navigation computer used on the Mirage IV nuclear bomber, the new version of Cyrano II fire control radar added some new air-to-ground modes like ground-mapping of air-to-ground ranging, also the most obvious change in external characteristics is the pod under the nose which contain the CSF Marconi Doppler Navigation radar, besides, A Thomson BU radar warning receiver was fitted in the tail-fin which can provide warning information for the pilots, also the Head-Up-Display unit has been changed from CSF95 to the new CSF97 which added the air-to-ground capacity too. Thanks to the new structural strength design into the airframe, the Mirage IIIE fighter could carry 4000 kg payload in total. The Mirage IIIE was the most popular version of Mirage III family, with 523 being built and delivered to both France and customers around the world, also the Swiss and Pakistani versions can equip Chaff/Flare dispenser in to the bottom of the fuselage too.
 
  
−
The Mirage IIIE was the most common Mirage III type in service with the French air force, with a total of 183 aircraft delivered, compared to 95 Mirage IIIC and 70 Mirage IIIR aircraft. The last Mirage III would not retire from the French air force until 1994, at which point it was replaced by the Mirage 2000 and later the Dassault Rafale. The Mirage III would see extensive service in numerous wars for several air forces; notably, the Israeli air force used Mirages during the Six-day war and Yom Kippur War, while Argentina employed its Mirage IIIEAs against British forces during the Falklands war.
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mirage_3e Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
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== Media ==
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;Images
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
 
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
 
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
 
File:Mirage IIIE hangar.png|A Mirage IIIE, equipped with its full anti-air armament, of two Magics and one Matra R530
 
File:Mirage IIIE hangar.png|A Mirage IIIE, equipped with its full anti-air armament, of two Magics and one Matra R530
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* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
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{{AirManufacturer Bloch}}{{France jet aircraft}}
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{{AirManufacturer Dassault}}
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{{France jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 17:08, 21 June 2024

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This page is about the French jet fighter Mirage IIIE. For other versions, see Mirage III (Family).
Mirage IIIE
mirage_3e.png
GarageImage Mirage IIIE.jpg
ArtImage Mirage IIIE.jpg
Mirage IIIE
France flag.png France
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 10.7 11.0
Class:
Research:150 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Mirage IIIE was designed to be closer to a multirole fighter compared to the interception-focused Mirage IIIC. It featured a British-made pulse-Doppler navigation radar located below the cockpit, as well as increased fuel capacity, a more modern SNECMA ATAR 09 turbojet engine, and improved avionics located directly behind the cockpit. A total of 192 aircraft were built by Dassault for the French Air Force, by 1971 it had become the most widely produced variant of the Mirage III.

It was introduced in Update "Ixwa Strike". Contrary to its older sibling, the Mirage IIIC, the Mirage IIIE represents a successful attempt to integrate air-to-ground capabilities into the Mirage III line of aircraft. These capabilities are achieved by the addition of a ballistic computer to aid in the destruction of ground assets with guns, bombs, and rockets. The aircraft also receives numerous improvements, such as a new version of the Atar 9 engine, which is not only slightly more powerful, but also much more responsive. An RWR system and a countermeasure dispenser is also installed.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 12 000 m2 160 km/h
Turn time28 s
Max altitude16 000 m
EngineSNECMA Atar 9C
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight11 t

Overall, the Mirage IIIE is flown like the Mirage IIIC. The key feature of the Mirage airframe is its delta wing. Delta winged aircraft present tremendous manoeuvrability, at the cost of energy bleeding. The Mirage is no exception. While capable of supersonic flight, even at low altitude, and loaded with its air-to-air armament, high-G manoeuvres provokes as much deceleration as using a giant airbrake. This is, in fact, what a delta wing becomes, under high incidence angle, due to its very high vortex lift.

In general, the Mirage IIIE is nimble and fast, but it lacks the engine power of its contemporaries, such as the MiG-21bis or the F-104 series. Getting up to speed, or regaining it will be a bit longer. A trade-off for the Mirage IIIE's manoeuvrability.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 12,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 2,092 2,053 16000 29.8 30.5 111.6 100.4 750
Upgraded 2,231 2,157 26.2 28.0 169.8 139.2

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X X X ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1,460 426 - - - ~11 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 920 < 750 < 650 -

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel, no booster)
SNECMA Atar 9C 1 7,360 kg 291 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load, no booster) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 8m fuel 20m fuel 28m fuel
1,450 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 7,929 kg 8,686 kg 9,256 kg 10,950 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP, no booster)
Condition 100% WEP 8m fuel 20m fuel 28m fuel MTOW
Stationary 4,210 kgf 6,110 kgf 0.77 0.70 0.66 0.56
Optimal 5,389 kgf
(1,200 km/h) 		8,603 kgf
(1,200 km/h) 		1.09 0.99 0.93 0.79

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear426 km/h

Being a very light aircraft, the Mirage IIIE does not bear any sort of armour. It is to be noted that it has a very fragile rudder, which is mandatory to fly. Even as little as losing its moving actuator is enough to make the Mirage IIIE uncontrollable. The wings, being built upon titanium longerons, are quite sturdy and can sometimes survive hits.

The lack of armour on the Mirage can be compensated by the very small size of the aircraft.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 148 → 4 234 Sl icon.png
RB10 283 → 13 830 Sl icon.png
SB8 954 → 12 043 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications261 000 Rp icon.png
405 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training240 000 Sl icon.png
Experts830 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 000 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 140 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 350 / 600 % Sl icon.png
238 / 238 / 238 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
550 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
550 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Type 25C
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
aden_belt_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
LAU-32
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
Matra R530E
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Type 21B
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
Matra JL-100R
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
aden_new_gun
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
550 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Nord AS.30
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
550 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
Matra R550 Magic 1
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
550 Ge icon.png

The entirety of the AA missile armament of the Mirage IIIE is stacked in a single line. The AIM-9B missile will be of moderate help. The Matra 530 will be of better efficiency.

The research of the countermeasures should as well be a priority. This component alone is probably the most impactful addition to the Mirage IIIE, compared to the IIIC.

Other than that, the G suit is also an important module, because it allows the pilot to remain conscious during a full Immelmann, split-S, or barrel roll. This phenomenon is due to the high speed reduction of the delta design.

All other components can be researched at the user's discretion.

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs)
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png

Offensive armament

The Mirage IIIE is armed with:

  • 15 x large calibre countermeasures
  • 30 x countermeasures

At this battle rating, proper usage of countermeasures is next to mandatory. The sheer amount of missiles in the air at every instant, and the fact that the Mirage IIIE is a top-tier aircraft, makes the flares the most important part of the Mirage IIIE's self preservation. As for quantities and type, it is recommended to always carry chaffs as well, SARH and ARM missiles being sometimes used at such BRs. Full flare composition is permissible when in a downtier match, where such missiles are much rarer. It is also notable that missiles encountered at such BRs can and will discriminate the jet from its flares. Ample usage of flares and afterburner cutoff must therefore be performed to ensure a successful evasion.

Suspended armament

The Mirage IIIE can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Hardpoints Mirage IIIE.png
30 mm DEFA 552A cannons (125 rpg) 2
250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs 2
250 kg SAMP Type 25 200 bombs 2
400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs 2
400 kg SAMP Type 21 200 bombs 2
FZ49 rockets 7 7
SNEB type 23 rockets 18 18
AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles 1 1
AS-30 Nord missiles 1
Matra R530 missiles 1
Matra R530E missiles 1
Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles 1 1
SEPR 844 rocket booster 1*
SEPR 844 tank 1*
1,700 l drop tanks 1 1
* The SEPR 844 oxidiser tank must be carried when equipping the SEPR 844 rocket booster
Default weapon presets
  • 2 x 1,700 l drop tanks + 1 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannon (250 rpg)
  • 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
  • 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
  • 1 x Matra R530 missile
  • 1 x Matra R530E missile
  • 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)
  • 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 200 bombs (500 kg total)
  • 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)
  • 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 200 bombs (800 kg total)
  • 14 x FZ49 rockets
  • 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets
  • 1 x AS-30 Nord missile

The Mirage IIIE comes with a pair of DEFA 552A cannons, with 125 round per gun, for 250 rounds total. These guns output a moderate shell velocity (but high rate of fire), but the DEFA shells are extremely destructive, and can blow a wing off of even the sturdiest aircrafts, such as the F-4E Phantom II. The Air targets belt is composed only of HE, incendiary, tracers. Overall, the best pick of shells one could want for air-to-air combat. The Ground targets belt can pierce moderate armour, and are nothing to write home about. They will shred APCs and IFVs, but not MBTs.

Equipping a loadout that doesn't include the 30 mm cannons allows use of the rocket booster, totalling 105 seconds of thrust.

As with most aircraft of this level, the Mirage is as good as the missiles it carries. The AIM-9B is an IR seeker missile of the very first type. It pulls few Gs, cannot orientate its seeker head and is very easily distracted by flares. Still, some kills can be expected on unsuspecting enemies, or enemies engaged with another aircraft in a turnfight, and low on energy.

The Matra R530 is a radar guided, medium range missile. Only one can be carried, but it is one of best SARH missiles in the game. As a counterpart, the Cyrano radar of the Mirage IIIE is quite small, with range rarely exceeding 20 km. Inside this range, the missile has good range and manoeuvrability during the entire flight time. A good addition to the Mirage IIIE's arsenal. The SARH capability of the missile can be traded for the IR seeker of the Matra R530E, making it the biggest IR seeker of the game. This version does not require radar lock, but cannot be fired in front aspect, and can be distracted by flares, where the Cyrano radar guiding the R530 can only be disturbed by chaff, which is used much more rarely.

As a tier 4 modification, the Mirage IIIE receives the dreaded Matra 550 Magic. This IR seeking missile of second generation is an excellent weapon, being both extremely manoeuvrable (capable of pulling 35Gs), very light and reactive, and quite resilient to flares. Under two kilometres, and launched in appropriate conditions at subsonic speeds, this missile is virtually inescapable. It is to be noted that this missile, thanks to its canted launch rail, can be launched under significant G-load. Its only two drawbacks are its short range, and the limited number of units carried under the Mirage wings, with only two of the type. Comparatively, the F-4 Phantom series can carry 4 IR missiles, and 4 to 6 for the MiG-21 series, J35 Draken, and F-104 series.

As for ground attack, the Mirage III E carries the usual load of post-war French ordnance, in the form of 250/400 kg SAMP bombs, SNEB HEAT rockets, and the AS-30 missile. The deployment of these weapons can be aided by the ballistic computer.

The AS-30 Nord missile is a MCLOS, AS-20 derived, heavy warhead HE missile. Only one can be carried, and it is quite hard to use, but the damage output on ground targets in mixed battles is enormous. It is not uncommon to score two kills with one missile.

With the introduction of laser-guided weaponry, French nation players usually prefer the Jaguar A for the ground attack role.

Usage in battles

The Mirage IIIE is an improvement over the Mirage IIIC in nearly every aspect. Its delta wing permits high-G, speed bleeding manoeuvres, and should be used to force an opponent to overshoot, and give it chase with missiles or guns.

The missile load of the Mirage III E is quite light, with only 3 missiles, but the missiles are excellent, and should rarely miss. The addition of the flare dispenser is also of excellent help against the very dangerous IR seeking R-60 missile, which does not perform well with the saturation of its target with flares. Note that flares are mostly inefficient when afterburner is on, and turning it off for mere seconds can be the difference between life and death.

Overall, sticking close to the ground, at high speed, and making missile passes on opponents is a good way to reach victory. Dogfights should be engaged only if the target position is advantageous, and the Mirage IIIE cannot just bleed out of energy and re-accelerate away.

The Mirage IIIE can be equipped with the SEPR 941 booster rocket if the guns are dismounted. This strategy is considered as to be avoided, the loadouts permitting the removal of the guns are very restrictive. The booster gives an output of 1.5 extra ton of thrust, and can burnt for 105 seconds before running dry.

For ground attack, the Mirage IIIE is of moderate use. While it can still carry bombs, it is a fighter by essence. It is to be noted that the Mirage IIIE can carry its entire AA armament, plus two air-to-ground weapons, on two extra hardpoints.

Since the addition of BR 11.3, the Mirage IIIE finds itself in a new position, where its playstyle changes, based on the game's BR. As a top-tier jet, the Mirage IIIE fulfills prefectly its air domination role by itself. When uptiered, it is recommended to take a more support-oriented approach to combat, and to pierce through furballs at great speed, launching a missile or two.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent missile armament
  • Small airframe
  • Powerful cannons
  • Added multi-role capability over the Mirage IIIC
  • Flare/chaff dispenser, can carry 60 countermeasures in total, as well as RWR

Cons:

  • Below average acceleration
  • Bleeds speed fast in turnfights, and reaches a very low manoeuvrability at low speeds.
  • Responsiveness suffers at low speeds

History

Main article: History of the Mirage IIIC

The Mirage IIIE is a multirole fighter version of the Mirage III series of attack aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation for the French Air Force. The aircraft was a follow-up to the earlier Mirage IIIC, featuring a fuselage extension, countermeasures and increased weapons capabilities. The first Mirage IIIE was built in 1964 and would quickly become the most popular variant of the Mirage in French service: the last Mirages would not be retired from French service until 1994.

Compared to the earlier Mirage IIIC, the Mirage IIIE featured numerous improvements: notably, the fuselage was stretched by 30 cm (12 in) to accommodate additional avionics and fuel tanks. It was updated with the CSF Marconi Navigation computer used on the Mirage IV nuclear bomber. The new version of Cyrano II fire control radar added some new air-to-ground modes like ground-mapping of air-to-ground ranging. Also, the most obvious change in external characteristics was the pod under the nose which contain the CSF Marconi Doppler Navigation radar. Besides, a Thomson BU radar warning receiver was fitted in the tail-fin which can provide warning information for the pilots. The Head-Up-Display unit was also changed from CSF95 to the new CSF97 which added the air-to-ground capacity too. Thanks to the new structural strength design into the airframe, the Mirage IIIE fighter could carry 4,000 kg payload in total.

The Mirage IIIE was the most common Mirage III type in service with the French air force, with a total of 183 aircraft delivered, compared to 95 Mirage IIIC and 70 Mirage IIIR aircraft. The last Mirage III would not retire from the French air force until 1994, at which point it was replaced by the Mirage 2000 and later the Dassault Rafale. The Mirage IIIE was the most popular version of Mirage III family, with 523 being built and delivered to both France and customers around the world, the Swiss and Pakistani versions can equip Chaff/Flare dispenser in to the bottom of the fuselage too. The Mirage III would see extensive service in numerous wars for several air forces; notably, the Israeli air force used Mirages during the Six-day war and Yom Kippur War, while Argentina employed its Mirage IIIEAs against British forces during the Falklands war.

Media

Skins
Images

  • A Mirage IIIE, equipped with its full anti-air armament, of two Magics and one Matra R530

  • Closeup view of the Mirage IIIE AA armament. Note the canted Magic launch rails, allowing fire under G stress

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Dassault Aviation
WW2* 
Fighters  M.B.152C1 · M.B.157
Bombers  M.B.162 · M.B.174A-3 · M.B.175T
Jet Aircraft 
M.D 450  M.D.450B Barougan · M.D.450B Ouragan
Mystère  M.D.452 IIA · M.D.452 IIC · Mystere IVA
Super Mystère  Super Mystere B2
Étendard  Etendard IVM
Super Étendard  Super Etendard
Alpha Jet  Alpha Jet E**
Mirage 
Mirage III  Mirage IIIC · Mirage IIIE · Milan
Mirage V  Mirage 5F
Mirage F1  Mirage F1C · Mirage F1C-200 · Mirage F1CT
Mirage 2000  Mirage 2000-5F · Mirage 2000C-S4 · Mirage 2000C-S5 · Mirage 2000D-R1 · Mirage 2000D-RMV
Mirage 4000  Mirage 4000
Export 
M.D 450  M.D.450B Ouragan
Mystere  Mystere IVA
Super Mystère  Sambad · Sa'ar***
Mirage  Shahak · ▄Mirage 5BA · ␗Mirage 2000-5Ei
  *The company was named "Société des Avions Marcel Bloch" before being renamed in 1947
  **Jointly manufactured with Dornier Flugzeugwerke
  ***Israeli Super Mystère refitted with new avionics and an American engine
See also  SABCA

France jet aircraft
Fighters  M.D.450B Ouragan · M.D.450B Barougan · M.D.452 IIA · M.D.452 IIC · Mystere IVA · Super Mystere B2
  ▄F-86K · ▄F-100D · ▄F-8E(FN)
  Mirage IIIC · Mirage IIIE · Milan · Mirage 5F · Mirage 2000C-S4 · Mirage 2000C-S5 · Mirage 2000-5F · Mirage 4000
  Mirage F1C · Mirage F1C-200 · Mirage F1CT
Strike aircraft  ▄F-84F · F-84F IAF · ▄F-84G-26-RE
  Etendard IVM · Super Etendard · Alpha Jet E
  Jaguar A · Jaguar E · Mirage 2000D-R1 · Mirage 2000D-RMV
Bombers  S.O.4050 Vautour IIA · Vautour IIA IDF/AF · S.O.4050 Vautour IIB · S.O.4050 Vautour IIN · S.O.4050 Vautour IIN (late)
Belgium  ▄Meteor F Mk.8 · ▄Mirage 5BA · ▄F-104G · ▄F-16A · ▄F-16AM
Netherlands  ◘Sea Hawk Mk.50 · ◘Hunter F.6

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