Mirage Aircraft for Flight Simulator

FS Aircraft Review
Dassault Mirage IIIC
by Alpha Simulations

(Reviewed October 2001)

Alpha Simulations has just released their version of the aircraft it all started with -- the Mirage IIIC. The first major production model of the Mirage series, the Mirage IIIC, first flew in October 1960. 95 Mirage IIICs were produced for the Armée de l'Air, with initial deliveries in July 1961. The Mirage IIIC remained in service with the Armée de l'Air until 1988. A single example was exported to Switzerland as the Mirage IIICS, and 16 were sold to South Africa as the Mirage IIICZ. By far the most well know export version was the Mirage IIICJ, 72 being sold to Israel from 1961 through 1964. The Israelis were the first to score air-to-air "kills" in the Mirage and their use in the Six-Day War put the Mirage in the history books.

This new release from Alpha Simulations is based on a new FSDS rendered visual model by Colin Norwood. Colin is no stranger to the Mirage. He has several original, modified, and repainted versions available from this site. Besides capturing the subtle lines of the delta winged Mirage IIIC, a few of the many special features included are rolling wheels, 3D gear wells and intakes, working animated brake parachute, and complete virtual cockpit.

The aircraft is painted in the colors worn by Escadron de Chasse (EC) 1/5 "Vendée" of the Armée de l'Air. The markings include the fin chevrons typical of Mirage III interceptor units of this time period as well as unique unit insignia for the two flights of EC 1/5 on either side of the fin. The high resolution natural metal finish is really something to be seen, especially in the more realistic lighting found in CFS2 and now FS2002.

The flight model has been tuned for use in FS2000/FS2002 and CFS2. It includes very authentic flight dynamics. One new feature not found in the earlier versions of Alpha's Mirage offerings is an afterburner effect that provides a strong boost of power when needed. To give you an idea of how much boost is provided, this same feature was used on their Aeronavale Francaise Super Etendard to simulate carrier catapult launches. The included Mirage instrument panel by Phil Perrott is very well done.

A very extensive set of weapon loads, seven in all, is included for CFS2. Though the Mirage were initially designed as pure interceptors they could be readily used for bombing and strafing missions (as demonstrated quite well by the Israelis). The range of weapons loads included ranges from cannon only, to high altitude intercept, to ground pounding using iron bombs and Matra SNEB rocket pods.

Originally Payware, this aircraft is now available as a free download (panel not included).

An update to the above illustrated set of textures is available for download.
Also, additional markings are available for this aircraft. These contain only the effected texture files and require the Mirage IIIC be installed first. Complete installation instructions are included.

Mirage IIIC, aircraft No. 32 (10-SK), Armée de l'Air, l'Escadron de Chasse 1/10 "Valois", late 1970s.

Mirage IIIC, aircraft No. 30 (10-RE), Armée de l'Air, l'Escadron de Chasse 2/10 "Seine", early 1980s. Mirage IIICJ, aircraft No. 741, Israel Defence Force/Air Force, No. 101 Squadron, early 1970s.