picture 191135

With digital technology still being in its infancy, classic photo-reconnaissance was still of crucial importance during Operation Allied Force. In addition to eight Mirage F.1CRs of ER.33, the primary French photo-reconnaissance platform of the time was the venerable Mirage IVP, three of which – all drawn from ERS.1/91 “Gascone” – are known to have flown at least three operational sorties over the FRY every day of the campaign from Solenzara AB in Corsica. All were painted in dark grey and dark green, applied to a standardised, wraparound camouflage pattern and seem to have had all of their unit insignia removed during the campaign. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)