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Compared with the peruvian Mirage V, the Mirage F-1
from the Ecuadorian Air Force has a very much higher
aerodynamic efficiency, much greater maximum lift
drag ratio, and 40% greater internal fuel capacity
despite the fact that the external skin area is
considerably less, although the wing had a gross area
reduced from 35 m² (377 sq ft) to only 25 m²
(269 sq ft) it was so much more efficient, with
full-span leading edge drooping slats and powerful
double slotted trailing edge flaps, that approach
speed was reduced 25% and landing run by 35%, while
dog-fight manoeuvrability was greatly enhanced and
also escaped the severe loss of speed and energy in
turns suffered by the obsolete Mirage V from the
peruvian air force.
Thanks to integral tankage in the fuselage, internal
fuel capacity was raised from 2937 to 4300 liters and
further 4455 liters could be carried in three
external tanks. The Mirage F-I have enhanced
ground-attack capability, besides their interception
purpose.
On January 1981, the Fuerza Aérea Ecuatoriana once
again showed their superiority when got an engagement
with peruvians fighters, in which the Mirage
confronted the enemy making them turn back to their
bases. A Shafrir missile was launched by the Mirage
F-1 against the peruvian invaders but apparently had
been fired out of it's parameters, the peruvians were
very lucky.
The F-1 main close combat weapon is the Matra R.550 II
Magic missile, which has a range of up to three
miles.
The Magic is guided by detecting and homing in on
infrared radiation, or heat. once the missile has
detected and locked onto a target, it is ready to be
launched. There are 16 Mirages in service for the Ecuadorean Air Force today, next upgrade will soon take place.
One 15,8490 lb
thrust snecma atar
9K50 afterburning
turbojet.
MAX SPEED:
1,450 mph or MACH
2.2 at high
altitude.
INITIAL CLIMB RATE:
41,918 rpm
CEILING:
65,600 ft.
RANGE:
1,612 mi. With drop
tanks and light
combat load.
WEIGHTS:
Empty 16,280 lb; max
33.440 lb.
WEAPONS:
Two 30 mm DEFA 553
cannon with 270
rounds; two MATRA
SUPER 530 radar
missiles and or two
MATRA R.550 Magic
infrared missiles;
up to 7,986 lb.
of ordnance.
DIMENSIONS:
Span 27 ft.
Length 49 ft.
Height 15 ft.
Wing area 269 sq.ft.
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