The story
Dassault built its Mirage fighters around the delta wing, then broke its own rule: the F1 has a swept wing and a normal tail, for shorter takeoffs and better handling down low. It flew with air forces from France to Ecuador. Today, ex-French and ex-Spanish F1s fly in the US for private companies that play the bad guys in training, so American fighter pilots can practice against a real foreign jet.
The Mirage F1s you might catch in the US are owned by civilian companies, flying as hired adversaries for the US military.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Mirage F1?
Single engine, a swept wing mounted high on the fuselage, a tall tail and a long pointed nose, often with a refuelling probe beside the cockpit. Not a delta, which is how you tell it from other Mirages.
What does a Mirage F1 sound like?
A single Atar turbojet: a raw, ripping roar, and a hard crack when the afterburner lights.
How fast is the Mirage F1?
Top speed is Mach 2.2.
How many people does the Mirage F1 carry?
Typical configuration: Single pilot.
When did the Mirage F1 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1966.
How many Mirage F1s have been built?
720+ built.
How rare is a Mirage F1 in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first Mirage F1 catch is worth 250 points.
