| title (item) | field_cer_web | field_cer_navbox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dassault Mirage 5 |
The Mirage 5, produced by Dassault in the early 1970s, was an attack fighter powered by the SNECMA Atar 09C-3 engine. Specifically designed for air-to-ground roles, the Mirage 5 lacked the Cyrano II radar carried by the Mirage III, but its wide range of weapons and simplified maintenance made it a great export success. The Mirage 5 was Lisbon’s initial choice to re-equip the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) with a supersonic combat aircraft, and several contacts were made between Portugal and France to buy the Dassault fighter, but a lack of funds delayed the purchase. It was not until 1974 that Portugal obtained a South African loan to buy 32 Mirage IIIEPL fighters – a version specifically tailored to Portugal’s needs – but efforts to conclude the sale were halted after 25 April. (Artworks by Tom Cooper)