Mirage III-EA with Sidewinders (Argentine Variant)
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The Dassault Mirage IIIEA was the Argentine Air Force's specialized variant of the Mirage IIIE fighter-bomber, delivered in the early 1970s. As part of the Mirage III family, this delta-wing aircraft was designed for supersonic interception and strike missions, notably featuring improved avionics and a more powerful Atar 9C engine compared to earlier models. Argentina utilized these aircraft during the 1982 Falklands War.
Development and Features
- Origin: The IIIE variant (specifically, the "E" indicating Électronique) was developed to meet the need for a multi-role fighter, with its prototype first flying in April 1961.
- Design Improvements: The Mirage IIIE featured a 30 cm (approx. 1 foot) longer fuselage to house new avionics, including a navigation computer and Doppler radar, which were optimized for low-altitude, all-weather ground attack missions.
- Performance: It was powered by the Snecma Atar 9C turbojet and could achieve speeds exceeding Mach 2.
Argentine Service History (IIIEA)
- Acquisition: Argentina purchased 17 Mirage IIIEA fighters and two IIIDA two-seat trainers, with deliveries beginning in 1972.
- Falklands War (1982): The Mirage IIIEAs were deployed by the Argentine Air Force to maintain air superiority. On May 1, 1982, they engaged in high-altitude, high-speed patrol missions over the islands, but due to low fuel capacity and the need for aerial refueling, their effectiveness was limited against British Sea Harriers.
- Later Service: The IIIEA served with the 8th Air Group in Moreno before being withdrawn from service in the 2010s.
Context within the Mirage III Family
The Mirage III was a highly successful French-built, delta-winged interceptor that first flew in 1956. Due to its, versatility, it was adopted by numerous countries, including Israel, South Africa, and Switzerland, with the IIIE being the most common multi-role variant.
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