Dassault's Cold War Deltas in Japan

[ValAstur]

This thread is a follow-up to this one here:

https://combatace.com/forums/topic/101086-marcels-needle-nosed-bird-in-nihon/

 

In the aftermath of the diplomatic crisis with the US during the cuban missile crisis, Japan needed a new provider for weaponry and France was more than happy to step in, allowing the european country to set a foot in the far asian region.

As a first part of the signed contract for collaboration, Japan received the first tranche of Mirage IIIC (renamed into Mirage IIIJ) in 1965; directly integrating the aircraft into their fighter squadrons. The first squadrons to receive the model, which was later produced in Japan under license, were the 202nd to 204th. Though the country had an arms use ban imposed from the US government, they were allowed to use up the AIM-9Bs they still had in stock. This aided the JASDF to keep the aircraft on a high combat value, since the Matra Magic was not yet available until the middle 70s.

 

Mirage IIIJ, 202nd Hikotai, 1965

 

203rd Hikotai

 

204th HIkotai

 

At the end of the 60s, Japan implemented the upgraded version of the aircraft, the Mirage IIIE(J), with better electronics and avionics. The JASDF used this aircraft for CAS, recon and striking missions, entering service in the 305th and 501st Hikotai. But only until the Mirage 5J became available. Being replaced by the more capable aircraft for A/G-missions, the IIIEJs got relocated to fighter squadrons for the interception task.

 

Mirage IIIEJ, 305th Hikotai, 1969

 

501st Hikotai

 

 

With the appearance of the Mirage 5J in 1972, it became the main aircraft for recon and A/G-tasks, fully replacing the IIIEJ in the 305th and 501st Hikotai.

 

Mirage 5J, 305th Hikotai, 1972

 

501st Hikotai

Being fully satisfied with the capabilities of the Mirage planes, the JASDF ordered the F-1 for two squadrons for recon and maritime target destruction. The F-1 entered service in 1982 and kicked the 5J out of the 501st. The now free aircraft got relocated to different squadrons for different purposes (training, technical practices, weapon testing).

 

The IIIJ and IIIEJs, though being very popular among the pilots, were technically not considered not to be on par with current models of other countries in the middle of the 80s. So the administation under Nakasone Kasuhiro placed a contract for 60 aircraft of the current Mirage 2000C model, purchasing 54 single- and 6 double-seaters with the aim of replacing the aged III-models. Apart from the squadrons, that already had the III or IIIEJ, the 302nd Hikotai was also among the squadrons to receive the 2000CJ. Being impressed by the technical possibilities of this model; specially thrust and speed, let the JASDF also introduce the plane into the 8th HIkotai for quick reaction and maritime interception.

 

Mirage 2000CJ, 302nd Hikotai, 1989

 

8th Hikotai

 

The 4000 was a special case. Dassault wanted to stop the program because of cost matters and lacking interest among potential costumers. The JASDF showed great interest in this model and bought the license for production in Japan. Problems with frame stability and materials for the fuselage led to a serious delay of the maiden flight of both single- and double-seater. The first lift-off was intended to be at the end of 1996, but it was executed in early 1998.

After solving the problems and impressing the leading officers of the JASDF with the potential and capabilities of the plane, Mitsubishi received the order for 36 single-, but only 12 double-seaters (it was initially intended to buy 24 double-seaters). Reasons were the high-costs of procurement and maintenance.

The single-seated 4000J entered service in 2000 and replaced the Mirage 5J in the 305th Hikotai and got the prime model for the 6th Hikotai.

 

Mirage 4000J, 6th Hikotai, 2000

 

305th Hikotai

 

Tthe double-seated aircraft got allocated primarily to the aggressor squadron Hiko Kyodogun, where 8 of the 12 aircraft found a new home. The remaining four entered service in the 501st, finally taking the remaining 5Js out of service.

 

Mirage 4000DJ, 501st Hikotai, 2000

 

Serial 55-7742, Hiko Kyodogun, 2000

 

Serial 55-7743, Hiko Kyodogun, 2000

 

"Welcome fellow aviators...this is your captain speaking..."

[HvitiVikingurrin]

Cool! It's just a shame it's fiction.