The Mirage IVA c/n 31, coded ‘BD’, was the aircraft of Commandants Jacky Morel and Jules Mérouze during Operation Tobus, on 18 February 1986. Prior to that highly sensitive reconnaissance mission, all external markings and serials were overpainted in order to deny any means of recognition. As well as the usual RP.20 drop tanks (released over northern Sudan and not shown here), the aircraft carried only the giant CT.52 reconnaissance pod installed under the centreline (with the upper part of this pod being inside the aircraft) and a full load of chaff & flares for ALKAN dispensers installed in the bottom of the rear fuselage (not visible from this aspect). As usual for all Mirage IVs before the 1990s, it was camouflaged in blue grey (FS35164) overall and dark green grey on upper surfaces and sides, but wore no unit insignia. Inset is the crest of ERI 1/328. (Tom Cooper)