Mirage III-EA with Sidewinders & fuel tanks (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- Later Service: The IIIEA served with the 8th Air Group in Moreno before being withdrawn from service in the 2010s.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
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