The second combat jet to be produced in the acclaimed Mirage series, the Mirage V combined a simple design, ground attack capabilities, and long endurance into a cost-effective package. Originally intended to serve only with Israel, the Mirage V has been a massive export success in the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Europe, as well as France's Armee de L'air itself. The French air force operated no fewer than 50 Mirage VF models, all originally intended for Israel. This cheaper derivative of the Mirage IIIE all-weather strike fighter sacrificed avionics for range and load-carrying capacity, and was extremely practical for theatres with clear weather.
The Mirage IIIE was the fifth major base variant of the original Mirage III fighter, using its avionics systems to make it a versatile, efficient attack platform with a secondary fighter capability. Israel expressed interest in the aircraft, but inquired about the possibility of a cheaper variant more suited to the Middle-Eastern theatre. As conditions above Israel were usually clear, unlike in the wet European and South American theatres, the complex avionics added to the Mirage IIIE were less important than range and weaponry. Due to the volatility of the Middle East, Israel was constantly at war with neighboring states and a good endurance would allow aircraft to loiter for long periods of time over a battlefield to deal with any pending threats.
Although no major visible changes were made to the Mirage IIIE's airframe to produce what would become the Mirage V, the Cyrano radar and major avionics systems in the rear bay of the aircraft were entirely deleted. Internal fuel tanks were added and extended to dramatically increase the range. An extra two hardpoints were attached to the Mirage V, increasing its weapons carrying capacity. The nose was also extended, allowing for electronics to be added in future models. In 1967, the prototype first flew during the month of May. The flight went without incident, and production began. Less than half a month later, however, France placed an embargo on Israel banning all arms sales, which extended to the 50 Mirage Vs. By the time production ended, the sales ban still remained in place, and France refunded Israel for the aircraft, but drafted the 50 fighters into the Armee de L'air where they were designated the Mirage VF. After repeated attempts to gain hold of the aircraft, Israel undertook one of the largest espionage operations ever assembled, and managed to maintain the blueprints of the fighter. Although rumours that Dassault aided Israel in this feat have been circulated, they are unsubstantial and unconfirmed. Utilising their stock of Atar-9C engines, Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI) undertook unlicensed production of the Mirage V, which was named the Nesher (Eagle). Although the Nesher is largely similar to the Mirage V, Israeli and American systems were used instead of French ones (as they could not be obtained), and the Nesher had a secondary air-to-air capability. The Nesher was later developed into the far more capable IAI Kfir.
The base variant of the Mirage V was the ground attack variant. However, it was also the definitive variant, although very rarely were Mirage V's not upgraded or redesigned into even more capable aircraft. A four-piece glass canopy enclosed the cockpit, dominated by a Hispano license-built RM4 ejection seat. The SNECMA Atar 9C-3 engine was the powerplant of the aircraft, putting out 6000Kg of thrust. Above the engine was the aircraft's sole tailfin. Like other delta-winged Mirage-series fighters, the Mirage V lacked tailplanes, but could still maneuver quite well at high altitudes and speeds. The aircraft's high landing speed, however, was an issue, and many upgrade packages for the Mirage V offered canard foreplanes as a way to decrease speed quickly on landing.
The extended fuel tanks of the craft allowed for a relatively long range (for an attack aircraft of the time) of 4000km. The internal systems of the Mirage V were incredibly simple and easy to maintain since the entire rear avionics bay was removed. Efficient space use allowed mechanics to quickly maintain or service the aircraft, and it had a relatively low upkeep time. The Mirage V did not come with the avionics equipment of the Mirage IIIE as it was intended as a day-bomber but the extended nose allowed customers to add radars or avionics equipment if they so chose in the future. Belgium installed American built avionics systems into their aircraft to keep them in service until 2005. Other customers gave Mirage Vs interceptor-style radar systems for air combat capabilities. The Mirage V's signature ground attack weapons were dumb bombs, rockets, and the twin DEFA 30mm cannons mounted in the side intakes.
A total of around 575 Mirage Vs were produced in all variants. The baseline Mirage V (or Mirage 5) was the signature attack variant, and sold to over 9 customers. Despite a wide range of designations, all ground-attack Mirage Vs were the same platform, with a different array of electronics, if any, depending on customer request. Differences between the Mirage III variants and Mirage V variants fulfilling similar roles were purely internal. The Mirage VR came with cameras added in the nose, and with its more-than-sufficient range was an optimal photo-reconnaissance platform. The Mirage VD trainer had an extended tandem-style cockpit seating two, and was combat capable.
The Mirage 5 was further developed into the Mirage 50 multi-role fighter with a SNECMA Atar 9K-50 turbojet. Although it was only moderately popular with export customers, it was far more capable, with avionics suites, AAMs (Air-to-Air Missiles), and a wide range of ground-attack weapons. Israel further upgraded their Mirage 5s into the Kfir C1, shortly followed by the much improved C2, with multi-role capabilities. South Africa, also due to an arms embargo, modified their Mirage fighters beyond recognition into an almost entirely new aircraft. Manufactured by the Atlas/Denel corporations of South Africa and named the "Cheetah", it was widely acclaimed as the most potent development of the Mirage III/V series. The Enaer Pantera of the Chilean air force was another notable variant, and shared structural similarities with the IAI Kfir.
Written by: Pace51