| Mirage 4000 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Mirage 4000 prototype | |
| Role | Prototype fighter aircraft |
| National origin | France |
| Manufacturer | Dassault-Breguet |
| First flight | 9 March 1979 |
| Status | Program cancelled in 1988 |
| Primary user | French Air Force (intended) |
| Number built | 1 |
| Developed from | Dassault Mirage 2000 |
The Dassault Mirage 4000 (sometimes called the Super Mirage 4000) is a French prototype twinjet fighter aircraft developed by Dassault-Breguet from their Mirage 2000.
The Mirage 4000 was noticeably larger and heavier than the single-engined Mirage 2000, the 4000 having two SNECMA M53-2 turbofans. [1] It also featured small canards above the engine air intakes and a true bubble canopy, compared to the Mirage 2000 and previous Mirages. Despite the changes, the two aircraft remained similar, sharing the delta wing design, semi-conical Oswatitsch-type air intakes, and general configuration.[ citation needed ]
The Mirage 4000 first flew on 9 March 1979. [1] It was financed as a private venture by Dassault. [1] The Mirage 4000 was comparable in size to the United States F-15 Eagle, and was designed to be both a long-range interceptor and a fighter-bomber.
In the early 1980s, Dassault ended the program shortly after the Royal Saudi Air Force ordered a large number of Panavia Tornado aircraft. Iran had been lost as a potential customer after the coup against the Shah in 1979. [2] The French Air Force preferred to concentrate on the Mirage 2000, leaving Dassault with no customers. Some of the expertise thus gained would later influence the Dassault Rafale. [3]
The prototype made a total of 336 flights, the last taking place on January 8, 1988. [4]
The only prototype moved to its final residence at the Musée de l'air et de l'espace (Paris Air and Space Museum) in November 1992. [5]
Data from Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1984–85, [6] Dassault Aviation [7]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
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