Mirage F1CT

This page is about the French jet fighter Mirage F1CT. For other versions, see Mirage F1 (Family).

Mirage F1CT

Mirage 5F

Mirage F1CT

Mirage 5F

France

VII Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
11.3	11.3	11.0

Class:

Fighter

Jet fighter

Research:350 000

Purchase:950 000

Show in game

Description

In July 1984, the new Mirage 2000 was starting to enter service with the French Air Force to replace the Mirage F-1C-200s in the frontline fighter role. As a result, the French Air Force was now left with a lot of leftover Mirage F1Cs to mothball, and in 1988 a program was launched to convert these F1Cs into a frontline ground attack aircraft to replace the ancient Mirage IIIEs and few Mirage 5s used by France in that role at the time. The Mirage F1CT program brought the avionics of the F1C up to the standard of the F1CR (reconnaissance variant), with the radar upgraded to the Cyrano IVM-R standard, adding a plethora of new air-to-ground modes for ground attack. In addition, an improved navigation/attack system outfitted with a laser rangefinder was installed under the nose for low-altitude interdiction, navigation, and the delivery of laser guided ordnance. The defensive suite was also overhauled with a new RWR, enlarged chaff/flare dispensers for SEAD missions, and modernized communication systems were also added. As a result, the Mirage F1CT also gained the ability to carry a variety of air-to-ground weapons, including rockets, cluster bombs and laser-guided bombs, all while retaining the original air-to-air armament of the F-1C fighter variant.

Introduced in Update "Danger Zone", the Mirage F1CT acts as the best Mirage F1 variant for air-to-air combat, despite being in the attacker line in the tech tree. This is due to having the better RWR system of all the Mirage F1s. The F1CT can also perform better at air-to-ground than the other models in-game, due to the larger bomb load, allowing it to carry more freefall ordnance. All in all, the F1CT acts as a nice sidegrade to the Mirage F1s in the other parts of the tree, or for people who want a Mirage F1 quickly, a more easily acquirable one from the shorter attacker line rather than the fighter line which the Mirage F1C is found in.

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 228 km/h

Turn time27 s

Max altitude16 000 m

EngineSNECMA Atar 9K-50

Type

Cooling systemAir

Take-off weight15 t

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	2,156	2,118	16000	28.3	28.8	128.6	122.6	750
Upgraded	2,300	2,228		26.2	27.0	183.9	155.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps	Take-off flaps	Landing flaps	Air brakes	Arrestor gear	Drogue chute
✓	✓	✓	✓	X	✓

Limits
Wings (km/h)	Gear (km/h)	Flaps (km/h)			Max Static G
		Combat	Take-off	Landing	+	-
1,457	444	575	549	416	~11	~5

Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons	Rudder	Elevators	Radiator
< 650	< 800	< 900	-

Engine performance

Engine			Aircraft mass
Engine name		Number	Basic mass		Wing loading (full fuel)
SNECMA Atar 9K-50		1	8,036 kg		458 kg/m2
Engine characteristics			Mass with fuel (no weapons load)				Max Gross Weight
Weight (each)	Type		13m fuel	20m fuel	30m fuel	44m fuel
1,590 kg	Afterburning axial-flow turbojet		9,058 kg	9,581 kg	10,354 kg	11,443 kg	16,635 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)			Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition	100%	WEP	13m fuel	20m fuel	30m fuel	44m fuel	MGW
Stationary	4,890 kgf	6,801 kgf	0.75	0.71	0.66	0.59	0.41
Optimal	5,917 kgf (1,200 - 1,400 km/h)	9,875 kgf (1,200 km/h)	1.09	1.03	0.95	0.86	0.59

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

Gear444 km/h

Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB2 777 → 4 068

RB8 167 → 11 964

SB8 357 → 12 243

Total cost of modifications299 000

464 000

Talisman cost3 000

Crew training270 000

Experts950 000

Aces3 200

Research Aces1 210 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

100 / 320 / 600 %

244 / 244 / 244 %

Modifications

Flight performance	Survivability	Weaponry
Compressor Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 390 New boosters Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 560 Wings repair Research: 15 000 Cost: 23 000 490 Engine Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 520	Fuselage repair Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 390 Airframe Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 560 G-suit Research: 15 000 Cost: 23 000 490 Cover Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 520	aden_belt_pack Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 390 Type 25C Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 390 Flares/Chaff Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 390 Type 21B Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 560 Matra R530 Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 560 Matra R530E aden_new_gun Research: 15 000 Cost: 23 000 490 Mk83 Research: 15 000 Cost: 23 000 490 Matra JL-100R Research: 15 000 Cost: 23 000 490 NVD Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 520 Mk84 Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 520 Matra LR F1 Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 520 Matra 530F Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 520

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns)	CCIP (Rockets)	CCIP (Bombs)	CCRP (Bombs)

Offensive armament

The Mirage F1CT is armed with:

• A choice between two presets:
  • 1 x 30 mm DEFA 553 cannon, belly-mounted (135 rpg)
  • 1 x 30 mm DEFA 553 cannon + 252 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

The Mirage F1CT can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
500 lb SAMP Mk 82 bombs		1	1, 2	1, 4	1, 2	1
250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs		1	1	1	1	1
250 kg SAMP Type 25 200 bombs		1	1	1	1	1
400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs		1	1	1, 4	1	1
400 kg SAMP Type 21 200 bombs		1	1	1, 4	1	1
1,000 lb SAMP Mk 83 bombs		1	1	1, 2	1	1
2,000 lb SAMP Mk 84 bombs			1	1, 2	1
SNEB type 23 rockets		18, 36	18, 36		18, 36	18, 36
Matra R530 missiles			1		1
Matra R530E missiles			1		1
Matra R550 Magic 2 missiles	1						1
Matra Super 530F missiles			1		1
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 950 kg

Default weapon presets

Without load 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets 144 x SNEB type 23 rockets 10 x 500 lb SAMP Mk 82 bombs (5,000 lb total) 5 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 200 bombs (1,250 kg total) 8 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (3,200 kg total) 8 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 200 bombs (3,200 kg total) 6 x 1,000 lb SAMP Mk 83 bombs (6,000 lb total) 3 x 2,000 lb SAMP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total) 2 x Matra R550 Magic 2 missiles 2 x Matra R530E missiles 2 x Matra R530 missiles 2 x Matra Super 530F missiles

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).

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Stock Magic 2 missiles
• Super 530F missiles
• Great manoeuvrability
• 252 countermeasures

Cons:

• Only one DEFA 553 cannon

History

The Mirage F1, a product of Dassault Aviation's innovation in the 1960s, emerged as a versatile and robust aircraft, complementing the capabilities of the delta-winged Mirage III. Opting for a traditional swept wing design, the Mirage F1 showcased improved range and performance at low altitudes, making its maiden flight in 1966. The aircraft was engineered for simplicity and ruggedness, able to conduct both air-to-air and ground-attack missions with efficiency.

The Mirage F1's combat debut occurred in the mid-1970s during the Western Sahara War, where French support was provided to Mauritania and Morocco against the Polisario Front rebels. The aircraft's versatility was further highlighted in the 1980s during the Chad-Libya conflict, where the French Air Force utilized it in ground-attack operations.

The Mirage F1 also played a significant role in the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s, being extensively employed by the Iraqi Air Force. It demonstrated its capabilities in both air-to-air combat and ground-attack missions, with Iraqi pilots claiming air-to-air victories against Iranian aircraft. However, the Gulf War in 1991 presented a challenging scenario for the Iraqi Mirage F1s, as they faced the overwhelming air superiority of the Coalition forces.

The Balkans conflict in the 1990s saw the Mirage F1s of the French Air Force in action once again, conducting reconnaissance and ground-attack missions. It was around this time that the need for a dedicated ground-attack variant became apparent, leading to the development of the Mirage F1CT. This variant was equipped with updated avionics and weapon systems tailored for ground-attack roles, and it participated in NATO operations over the former Yugoslavia.

By the dawn of the 21st century, the Mirage F1 was gradually phased out of frontline service in the French Air Force, with more advanced aircraft like the Rafale taking its place. Nevertheless, the aircraft found new life in other countries and in the private sector, where some were utilized as aggressor aircraft for training purposes. The Mirage F1's extensive service record across various global conflicts stands as a testament to its adaptability and enduring capabilities.

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the Mirage F1CT from live.warthunder.com.

See also

Related development

• Mirage F1C

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 4000	Mirage 4000
Export
M.D 450	M.D.450B Ouragan
Mystere	Mystere IVA
Super Mystère	Sambad · Sa'ar***
Mirage	Shahak
	*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