Laser Bomber Over Libya

Mirage F.1CT Tail Number 223, 118-QX, October 2011.

- Yoav Efrati

In 1988 the Armeede l'Air found itself with Mirage F.1C-200 airframes made surplus with the introduction of the Mirage 2000 to the air superiority role. The Mirage F.1CT program was initiated, where early airframes were upgraded with new avionics, radar and the installation of a laser range finder under the nose. The F.1CT was fitted with a Martin Baker Mk 10 ejection seat and underwing chaff/flare dispensers. The first converted airframe flew on 3rd May 1991, with a further fifty five airframes converted in the air force's Clermont Ferrand depot facility by the end of 1995. The laser bomber capable Mirage F.1CT participated in air operations over Afghanistan, Liberia, Libya and Mali until the type's final retirement on 13th June 2014. The subject of this Special Hobby Mirage F.1 build is an October 2011 Libyan Liberation laser bomber F.1CT. For the external load and markings required to depict the aircraft in this article, Olimp’s 1/72 Mirage F.1 CR/CT From Libya to Mali update set ORA72-32 was necessary.

Construction