Flying & Fighting in Mirage IV: Interview with French nuclear bomber pilot
Weighing in at 33 and a half tons, capable of rocket-assisted take-offs, with a top speed of Mach 2.2 — and the ability to deliver a nuclear holocaust — few aircraft were as exciting as the Mirage IV strategic bomber.Combining hideous lethality with graceful lines, this Cold War warrior served France from 1964 to 2005. We spoke to former Mirage IV pilot Jean Copponnex to find out more.
“During a low-altitude bombing mission, an engine failure forced me to give the order to abandon the plane while we were at ultra-low over the sea and scorching along at 600 knots!”
What were your first impressions of the Mirage IV?
The largest armed warplane in the French Air Force, the plane could not be more impressive! Twice the size of the Mirage III, with an internal fuel capacity allowing for more than two hours of autonomy, the possibility of flying at Mach 2 for several tens of minutes and refuelling in flight. This plane was really revolutionary for a Mirage III pilot.
“Rare, unofficial confrontations with real fighters have shown that the Mirage IV probably would have been a formidable fighter.”
What was the best thing about it?
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I’d seen pictures of the Mirage III and IV, and I’d always assumed that the IV was just an upgrade of the III. I’d never seen a picture of them next to each other before, now the difference make sense!
Also, I’ve just thought of another question you might consider asking in these interviews: “What nicknames did you give the aircraft?”. I’d love to know what the French equivalent of “tin triangle” is.
Jean Copponnex refers to the “secretive world” of “Chasse B”. Did Mirage IV crews have to accept much more severe security restrictions than other military aircrew because of its key strategic role, and if so what impact did that have on their everyday life?
One of my favorite Cold War jets. Sadly the only one I have ever seen is in the museum at Le Bourget. Would have been something to see one fly.
I’d seen pictures of the Mirage III and IV, and I’d always assumed that the IV was just an upgrade of the III. I’d never seen a picture of them next to each other before, now the difference make sense!
Also, I’ve just thought of another question you might consider asking in these interviews: “What nicknames did you give the aircraft?”. I’d love to know what the French equivalent of “tin triangle” is.
I can just see Serge Dassault in the overcoat he never took off after the camps, stroking his chin and saying “…..needs more fin. More!”
Jean Copponnex refers to the “secretive world” of “Chasse B”. Did Mirage IV crews have to accept much more severe security restrictions than other military aircrew because of its key strategic role, and if so what impact did that have on their everyday life?
..I’ve translated an extract from Copponnex’ memoir ‘Pilote de combat’ here
https://falkeeinsgreatplanes.blogspot.com/2017/12/jean-copponex-pilote-de-combat-au-temps.html