Original article by N. Scheltema, former AZ driver and AZ display pilot. Additional J. van Zyl, D. Cooke, A. Dyason.

Mirage F1 AZ / CZ Modelling Notes:

If you intend building a model kit of the Mirage F1 as used by the SAAF, please observe the following:

All the SAAF F1s have larger intake cone centre half bodies. Fortunately the 48 model kits are correct for the SAAF version. Note that the intake cone also protrude further forward than on the other F1s. Also the spacing in the centre between the cut outs on the SAAF airbrakes is larger than on the other F1s. Fortunately the 48 kits offer a reasonable example of this. All the F1 were fitted with the advanced combat flap during November 1979. The 48 kit seems to be correct. During 1998, all the F1s received RWRs. A total of five were fitted, two on either side of nose, two on trailing edge near the top of the tailfin and one on the starboard front under carriage door. Although a number of reports suggest, the SAAF fitted Martin Baker Mk 10L seats to the F1, I could find no evidence of this. It was however part of the spec, of the new avionics cockpit layout. But the SAAF didn't select this upgrade. All F1 were fitted with the slightly wider, with reduced span, ventral strakes to house the chaff & flare dispensers.

AZ:

The F1 AZ has a completely different nose compared to the F1 CZ. See 48 F1 AZ article, below. This nose also contains an integral refueling probe, which is not fitted to the CZ. The pitot is below the nose. The VHF antennas on top of the spine remained in this area throughout the aircraft's service life. Cockpit differs, with a smaller joystick and a rolling map display. For the 14 bomb configuration the undercarriage on the AZ was strengthened, but for model purposes basically similar to the original under carriage. On some of the AZs the AS 30 antenna was removed at times. A small hardpoint was added between the fuselage and inner wing pylon, to house additional chaff/flare and/or EW countermeasures.

CZ:

Std French nose cone, with no integral or any other refueling probe. Pitot in std position. Initially the VHF antenna was carried below the cockpit on the bottom of the aircraft. Later this was moved to the spine in the same position as the F1 AZ. The repositioning was needed due to the RWRs fitted to the aircraft. The RWRs also let to the bottom two dynamic pressure sensors, on either side of the nose, being moved to a position under the nose. The top dynamic pressure sensor and AOA sensor remained in the original position. Only the CZ has a second landing light in the port intake fairing. The CZ cockpit contains a radar scope on the right hand side, with the joystick larger than the one found in the AZ.

Other:

The technology demonstrator aircraft (AZ 233 & AZ 235) are equipped with a non SAAF fairing between the ventral strakes. Also new types of RWRs are fitted to the aircraft. No 235 is fitted with night navigation, low light formation lights. On the Super F1 AZ the tail cone is lengthened to house the Russian SMR-95 engine.

1 / 48 Scale:

Modelling the Mirage F1 AZ in 1/48 scale.

By N. Scheltema (former AZ Driver & AZ Display pilot). Additional A. Dyason.

The original ESCI Mirage F1 AZ kit no 4069.