Lovely pictures guys, especially like the RMAF pic’s !
The idea behind the SAAF “Super Mirage” and the Avionics Demonstrator was the SAAF requirement for a new fighter. Due to sanctions, the SAAF started this project with Russia. It is not exactly the same RD-33 engine, but a modification of this engine which is called the SMR-95. Aerosud have lengthened the engine and have also used a new gearbox. The airframe accessory drive gearboxes are different for the Cheetah and the F1 and are therefore designed to be part of the airframe. The main drawback of the Cheetah is the fuel guzzling ATAR 9K-50. Again due to sanctions, the J-79 engine could not be supplied as part of the “Kfir/Cheetah” package. The SMR-95 was sought as an alternative. Being 350kg lighter than the ATAR and offering 10% more thrust, whilst consuming less fuel. The Avionics Demonstrator brought the F1 in line with the Cheetah. This part of the project was used on Spain’s F1’s. The changes in performance was far greater for the Cheetah, than for the F1. For example the take-off mass for the F1 improved by one ton, but for the Cheetah this was by 2,6 tons!
The biggest drawback of the Russian engine is the poor Mean Time Between Failures. Russian engines aren’t built to last! The projected costs were also rising at the same time that the SAAF was facing severe budget cuts. The Arms Embargo against SA came to a close and due to budget cuts the SAAF decided to opt for a single fighter type. The Mirage F1 was withdrawn from service and modifications were developed for improving the performance of the ATAR 9K-50, which was deemed suitable as an alternative until the Gripen becomes operational. Thus the Super Mirage project came to a close. Although this package is still offered to anyone wishing to purchase the SAAF Mirages. At this stage Libya still appears a likely buyer.
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