Dassault Mirage IIIS
Dassault / RUAG (licence) · Switzerland · first flew 1966 · fighter
The Mirage IIIS is the Swiss Air Force's highly modified variant of the Dassault Mirage III, distinguished by its Hughes TARAN 18 fire-control radar system integrated in place of the French Cyrano.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 15.03 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- Swiss Air Force Mirage III variant with Hughes TARAN fire-control radar
- Tailless delta with ogival leading edge
- Optional JATO bottles for short-field takeoff
Visually nearly identical to other Mirage III variants — tailless delta, pointed intake centrebody, and area-ruled fuselage. Swiss examples carried distinctive Swiss Air Force roundels and grey camouflage or bare metal finishes.
Specifications
- The Dassault Mirage IIIS has a length of 15.03 m (49 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.22 m (27 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 2350 km/h (1460 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Switzerland procured 36 Mirage IIIS aircraft in the 1960s, assembled by the Swiss federal aircraft factory (later RUAG). The aircraft were fitted with American Hughes TARAN radar for better compatibility with Swiss defence requirements and carried a mix of US and European weapons. They served the Swiss Air Force for over three decades.
Variants
Related Swiss variants include the Mirage IIIRS reconnaissance aircraft and the Mirage IIIBS two-seat trainer. The IIIS itself remained unique to Switzerland with its TARAN radar.
Where you'll see it
Served exclusively with the Swiss Air Force from 1966 until retirement in the 1990s, replaced by the F/A-18 Hornet. Several are preserved in Swiss aviation museums.
Related aircraft
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