Mirage F1 AZ / CZ retirement.

F1 CZ retirement:

Due to Defence cut-backs and the withdrawal of South Africa from Namibia/Angola the Mirage F1CZ was the first to "go".

This was largely due to rationalisation in the SAAF. Although at the time Sqdn serviceability was 100%, with all the CZs in perfect working order. All the aircraft had the latest systems fitted and completed all the latest maintenance routines. On the day that the Sqdn closed down the personnel of 3 Sqdn still ensured that all 12 remaining CZs were in perfect working order and ready to face any crisis in a moments notice. This dedication by the men and women of 3 Sqdn was in stark contrast to that of the politicians who had so readily used them in times of crisis. On 30 September 1992, 3 Sqdn held its final parade at AFB Waterkloof, what could only be described as an emotional experience. Waterkloof was home to the CZ sqdn throughout its career of 17 years with the SAAF. To acknowledge this fact and as a final farewell, the Sqdn flew an immaculate 9 ship fly past over the base. After landing the final parade was held. Then Maj Rudi Mes, Maj Jeronkie Venter, Capt Leon Meech-Noyes and Capt Pietie le Roux took off for a four ship flypast followed by a two versus two simulated ACM display. The ACM display was as a special tribute to the maintenance personnel, who in all the years never saw their beloved aircraft in action. After landing, the four aircraft taxied back to the readiness platform, where the other four aircraft were already waiting with engines turning. All aircraft taxied slowly back to 3 Sqdn's readiness platform, where they were lined up and dressed by the right, by the proud ground crew. All aircraft increased power to a deafening roar to kick up a storm of dust. With a radio call all pilots shut down their engines simultaneously. The silence was broken only by the ticking sound of the cooling metal. Cmdt Willie ("Skillie") Hartogh, the last OC of 3 Sqdn, then thundered into the area to begin his spectacular low level display. After landing he taxied back to park his aircraft right in front of the crowd of spectators. There was not a single dry eye amongst the crowd. Not even the hardened politician and Honorary Colonel of 3 Sqdn, Mr Pik Botha could hide the tears when he walked forward to present "Skillie" with an olive branch to acknowledge for the last time, the men of 3 Sqdn.

However, two F1CZs (no 205 & 209) remained flying in South Africa as flying test-beds for the V3S & V3P missiles and other systems. Although 3 Sqdn was closed in 1992, two F1 CZs remained flying for another 4 years for project purposes. This stretched the service of the CZ to 21 years as part of the SAAF. The last flights were flown in 1996. A final farewell function was held at AFB Waterkloof, on 27 March 1996, to pay tribute to this remarkable aircraft. Present at the function were the many of pilots and ground crew involved with the aircraft over the years. These included Maj Gen Bossie Huyser (ret), Maj Gen Chris Lombard, Brig Jack Grundling and Col Mitz Maritz. The four started the F1 chapter in the SAAF and it was only fitting that all four attended when the final chapter was written. As part of the function Maj Mike Edwards (in no 205) gave a brilliant low level display to be the last official flight as part of the SAAF. The next day Maj Mike Edwards flew the aircraft to DENEL for storage. There are currently no flyable F1 CZs left in South Africa. Although a few are on static display at various venues around South Africa. See Serial Numbers.	CZ 205 used in the last system test flights. Note drone kill marking.
	Close-up of high speed drone kill marking. The pilot was Col. Des Barker, SAAF's chief test pilot at the time.
The last flight of the F1 CZ as part of the SAAF was flown on 27 March 1996.	Maj Mike Edwards after the last flight of the F1 CZ.

In January 1997, 1 Sqdn from the RAF paid a courtesy call to 1 Sqdn SAAF at AFB Hoedspruit.

F1 AZ retirement:

Originally, it was planned to keep the F1AZ flying until the SAAF's latest fighter arrived (South Africa selected the Gripen). However the axe fell far sooner due to down-sizing and the necessity to incorporate the many thousands of liberation force and former TBVC soldiers into the SANDF. This placed a large burden on the military budget and the SAAF experienced a number of budget cuts. The closure of 1 Sqdn was perhaps the heaviest blow to the SAAF as it was the most senior flying unit with more than 50 years of proud history. Fortunately for the aircraft enthusiasts, Mirage F1AZ no 229 flown by the last "Billy" of 1 Sqdn, Lt. Col J. Minnie gave the last public flying demonstration at the Silver Queen airshow on 20 September 1997 - AFB Swartkop.No 229 was for a number of years the "mascot" of 1 Sqdn and retained the original camouflage colour scheme. It was a sad feeling to watch this beautiful aircraft being put through its passes for the final time.

F1 AZ no 229 gave the last public flying demonstration at the Silver Queen air show, Swartkops AFB on 20 September 1997 - flown by the last Billy, Lt Col Jan Minnie.

The official retirement of the F1AZ and the disbandment of "the Billy Boys" was on 25 November 1997 - AFB Hoedspruit. It was done in typical SAAF style and was by invitation only - only fitting for such an aircraft. The ceremony started with a mock air refuelling display between two AZs and a Boeing 707, which transported the VIPs to Hoedspruit. This final in-flight refuelling was a tribute to the in-flight refuelling aircraft that assisted the AZ over the years - at first the Buccaneer and later the Boeing 707. A King-Air from 41 Sqdn flew the Parade Revue officer, Maj Gen Roelf Beukes to Hoedspruit. Lt Gen Willem Hechter was unable to attend as he was summoned by President Mandela for an urgent financial meeting.

The pilots that flew the last 5 ship formation: l-r Capt Spencer, Capt Williamsen, Maj Pretorius, Lt Col Potgieter, Capt Vasiljevic. Lt Col Potgieter is the SAAF's most experienced Mirage III pilot, with flying hours on all types.

The parade started with an immaculate 5 ship flypast. In his address, Lt Col Jan Minnie paid tribute to what became known as the F1 team - pilots, Squadron members, base personnel, the backup from Denel Aviation, Air logistics command and TFDC. The F1 team ensured, despite the aircraft's age, that they were in beautiful condition - almost as if they were delivered the previous day. On completion of the parade the five F1 AZs carried out a slow speed, dirty configuration fly-past. Before landing they carried out individual low level, high speed fly pasts. The aircraft taxied in to form a half circle around the saluting platform, where they carried out a synchronised shutdown. Lt Col Jan Minnie, then took off from the readiness shelter in a simulated scramble, before returning for an impressive low level display. His chosen aircraft was no 217 - the second F1AZ to fly in South Africa! After landing he taxied through the semi circle and finally stopped with his pitot almost touching the saluting base. Following AZs took part in the retirement ceremony 237, 236, 241, 220, 217, 225, 239 and 219. No 241 was one of two static aircraft with 217 the solo display aircraft.

The last Billy Lt Col Jan Minnie with his solo display aircraft - AZ no 217. Call sign Billy appeared in red the day before and in yellow on the day of the retirement ceremony, under the cockpit frame.

Who could blame them - No other aircraft represent the SAAF's ultimate goal as the Mirage F1 did - to protect her country..... and the Mirage F1 did this proudly for almost 22 years!

Lt Col Jan Minnie saying farewell to the beloved Mirage F1. No 241 one of two static AZs.

In both cases of the F1 namely the CZ and AZ, equipment and personnel were transferred to 2 Squadron - home of the Cheetah. To this day many believe the retirement of the Mirage F1 from the SAAF was unfortunate and premature. The "Billy Boys" were South Africa's oldest Squadron and it is hoped that when the Gripen enter service, the "Billy Boys" would once again thunder through the South African skies.....

Mirage 2000 or Rafale?

The SAAF operated both the Mirage III and F1 with exceptional success. One would therefore assume, the choice for the newest SAAF fighter would be from the same excellent fighter line. Rafale would be ultimate choice for South Africa, but prove too expensive. The Mirage 2000 was one of the "finalists" in the evaluation period, but ironically the choice went to the Gripen.

Mirage 2000 with 2 Sqdn SAAF badges as displayed during SAAF 75. Click on photo for Mirage 2000 gallery.

AZ takes to SA skies again:

AZ No 233 took to the SA skies again during September 2001.

With the Mirage F1 no longer a familiar sight at air shows in SA, the aviation enthusiast felt something lost forever. This aircraft is quite popular. It was therefore excellent news that an AZ would once again fly at the SAAF Museum Swartkops Open Day during September 2001. Aircraft was no 233 previously from TFDC and had an unusual fairing between the two ventral strakes. This aircraft is used as an avionics demonstrator in aid of the revived Super Mirage F1 AZ programme. At about the same time the Super Mirage F1 AZ no 216 was removed from static display at Swartkops, by Aerosud. The Russian engine was refitted to no 216 and started flight testing during 2002. SA spectators were treated to spectacular displays during African Aerospace & Defence 2002, repeated at Fighter Meet 2005 at AFB Makhado. See Super Mirage F1 AZ.