Difference between revisions of "Shahak"

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{{About
 
−
| about = Israeli jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
| usage = other versions
 
−
| link = Mirage III (Family)
 
−
}}
 
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=mirage_3cj
 
|code=mirage_3cj
Line 11: Line 6:
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]].
+
The '''Shahak''' was the name given by IAF personnel to the French Mirage IIICJ in service. It was Israel's first Mach 2 capable fighter, and it was its main air superiority fighter for many years. It participated in the Six Days War and Yom Kippur War, as well as several border conflicts and skirmishes with Egyptian and Syrian forces. Its main opponent was the Soviet-made MiG-21 interceptor. For its pilots, the new missiles carried by the Shahak proved to be too unreliable and most pilots preferred to use the DEFA cannons equipped in the aircraft. Israel operated a total of 72 Mirage III fighters that were phased out soon after the Yom Kippur War in favour of the more modern IAI Kfir and F-4 Phantom II.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]], the Shahak is very similar in gameplay and BR to the French Mirage IIIC, at least in terms of flight performance. The Shahak however uses a very different missile loadout, using American-made AIM-9Ds instead of the short-range Matra Magic 1s used in the French variant. The Shahak is fast and very agile, like most delta wing fighters, however its design makes it so that it has very good agility and AOA but loses energy very quickly in any kind of manoeuvre. And because its acceleration is not the best at low speeds it is necessary to stay fast in order to survive, this is even more evident once you realize the Shahak has no countermeasures and staying fast is its best asset to avoid being hit with a missile.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 110: Line 107:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
Due to the size of the Mirage IIICJ, its survivability is rather low. The large engine that covers almost half the length of your fuselage is very vulnerable to enemy fire. Any damage which will significantly decrease your power output and the massive wings will lose a large amount of lift when damaged.
+
Due to the size of the Shahak, its survivability is rather low. The large engine that covers almost half the length of your fuselage is very vulnerable to enemy fire. Any damage which will significantly decrease your power output and the massive wings will lose a large amount of lift when damaged.
  
 
The plane includes an RWR (radar warning receiver), which can be rather helpful.
 
The plane includes an RWR (radar warning receiver), which can be rather helpful.
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{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|SAMP Type 25 (250 kg)|SAMP Type 21 (400 kg)}}
 
−
{{main|AIM-9D Sidewinder|Matra R530|Matra R530E|Shafrir 2}}
 
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* Without load
 
−
* 2 x Shafrir 2 missiles
 
−
* 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 1 x Matra R530 missile
 
−
* 1 x Matra R530E missile
 
−
* 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)
 
−
* 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)
 
−
 
−
==== Custom loadout options ====
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! !! width="15%" | 1 !! width="15%" | 2 !! width="15%" | 3
 
! !! width="15%" | 1 !! width="15%" | 2 !! width="15%" | 3
−
| rowspan="7" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
+
| rowspan="9" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[SAMP Type 25 (250 kg)|250 kg SAMP Type 25]] bombs
 +
| || 2 ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs
+
! [[SAMP Type 25 200 (250 kg)|250 kg SAMP Type 25 200]] bombs
 
| || 2 ||
 
| || 2 ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs
+
! [[SAMP Type 21 (400 kg)|400 kg SAMP Type 21]] bombs
 
| || 2 ||
 
| || 2 ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
+
! [[SAMP Type 21 200 (400 kg)|400 kg SAMP Type 21 200]] bombs
 +
| || 2 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9D Sidewinder]] missiles
 
| 1 || || 1
 
| 1 || || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Matra R530 missiles
+
! [[Matra R530]] missiles
 
| || 1 ||
 
| || 1 ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Matra R530E missiles
+
! [[Matra R530E]] missiles
 
| || 1 ||
 
| || 1 ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Shafrir 2 missiles
+
! [[Shafrir 2]] missiles
 
| 1 || || 1
 
| 1 || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! 880 l drop tanks
 +
| || 1 ||
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 +
* 1 x 880 l drop tank
 +
* 2 x Shafrir 2 missiles
 +
* 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 1 x Matra R530 missile
 +
* 1 x Matra R530E missile
 +
* 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 200 bombs (500 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 200 bombs (800 kg total)
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
Line 176: Line 185:
 
The aircraft also comes with the Matra R530E which is the infrared variant of the R530. It can be used at medium range at high altitude (preferable side-on) but it will be a missile that you rarely use since you have access to two AIM-9D missiles that are superior to the 530E. The R530E could then be traded for bombs or the regular R530 which also has all-aspect capabilities.
 
The aircraft also comes with the Matra R530E which is the infrared variant of the R530. It can be used at medium range at high altitude (preferable side-on) but it will be a missile that you rarely use since you have access to two AIM-9D missiles that are superior to the 530E. The R530E could then be traded for bombs or the regular R530 which also has all-aspect capabilities.
  
−
There is also the Shafrir 2 IR missile which, despite featuring a caged seeker head, has great manoeuvrability as well as a long motor burn time. However, the missile has a relatively short range, and has difficulty hitting targets going the same speed as you at low altitude.
+
There is also the Shafrir 2 IR missile which has great manoeuvrability, as well as a long motor burn time. However, the missile has a relatively short range, and can have difficulty hitting targets going the same speed as you at low altitude. the uncaged seeker helps this missile alot with turning targets by allowing you to lead the missile.
  
 
The AIM-9D is one of the longest-range missiles of the AIM-9 family, featuring a motor and aerodynamics almost identical to the AIM-9G/9H with an inferior seeker head and gimbal limits. It can effectively destroy aircraft 5-6 km rear aspect at ~5 km, ~3 mi altitude or more with the only drawback being that it is angled downwards with a caged seeker before launch making it slightly harder to use.
 
The AIM-9D is one of the longest-range missiles of the AIM-9 family, featuring a motor and aerodynamics almost identical to the AIM-9G/9H with an inferior seeker head and gimbal limits. It can effectively destroy aircraft 5-6 km rear aspect at ~5 km, ~3 mi altitude or more with the only drawback being that it is angled downwards with a caged seeker before launch making it slightly harder to use.
  
−
The aircraft itself features a powerful engine and a delta wing configuration which allow it to accelerate at a decent rate and have great maneuverability but the control surfaces become less responsive at higher altitudes.  
+
The aircraft itself features a powerful engine and a delta wing configuration which allow it to accelerate at a decent rate and have great maneuverability but the control surfaces become less responsive at higher altitudes.
  
 
In summary, a valid tactic is to start climbing at 20-25 degrees once you take off until you reach an altitude where your missiles can use their full range at the start of the battle, use your radar to lock on an enemy and fire your R530 missiles hopefully scoring a kill while avoiding sharp turns and doing your best to keep your speed high. Having high speed not only makes it harder for enemies to catch up to you or use their missiles to hit you, it also makes your missiles have an even longer range. Once you see that there are no more enemies at your altitude, there are most likely either a few running people on the enemy team left or there is a furball. In both cases you have the ability to sneak up on the enemy from your higher altitude and fire your missiles off scoring even more kills. One thing to keep in mind though is that the AIM-9D pulls too much lead when fired off from side-aspect so it will be easier to dodge.
 
In summary, a valid tactic is to start climbing at 20-25 degrees once you take off until you reach an altitude where your missiles can use their full range at the start of the battle, use your radar to lock on an enemy and fire your R530 missiles hopefully scoring a kill while avoiding sharp turns and doing your best to keep your speed high. Having high speed not only makes it harder for enemies to catch up to you or use their missiles to hit you, it also makes your missiles have an even longer range. Once you see that there are no more enemies at your altitude, there are most likely either a few running people on the enemy team left or there is a furball. In both cases you have the ability to sneak up on the enemy from your higher altitude and fire your missiles off scoring even more kills. One thing to keep in mind though is that the AIM-9D pulls too much lead when fired off from side-aspect so it will be easier to dodge.
Line 191: Line 200:
 
* Greatly manoeuvrable
 
* Greatly manoeuvrable
 
* Good air-to-air missiles
 
* Good air-to-air missiles
−
* 30 mm DEFA cannons are deadly at close ranges  
+
* 30 mm DEFA cannons are deadly at close ranges
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 197: Line 206:
 
* Bleeds speed fairly quickly in sharp turns
 
* Bleeds speed fairly quickly in sharp turns
 
* No countermeasures (no flares or chaff)
 
* No countermeasures (no flares or chaff)
 +
* Low ammo pool for the cannons
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->[[File:Shahak.jpg|thumb|Israeli Shahak in display]]
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
Shahak was the name given by the Israelis to their operated Dassault Mirage IIICJ. Israel placed an order for several aircrafts in 1959 to combat the new Mig-21 Mach 2 fighters fitted by many Arab nations. The Mirage fighters given to Israel had a couple of modifications, the Mirage was intended to be a high altitude bomber interceptor but Israel needed a fighter jet capable of air superiority missions.
 +
 
 +
Therefore Israeli Mirages included extra fuel tanks instead of takeoff rockets and two DEFA cannons not present in the original French Mirages. The first Mirage fighters arrived to Israel in 1962 and were subsequently given to the 101 "First Fighter" Squadron. 24 fighters were initially ordered but that purchase was increased to 72 in 1961. Later in 1962 the 117th squadron started to operate the Mirage, and finally the 119th Squadron was the last receiver of the new purchase.
 +
 
 +
Israel operated mainly the Mirage IIIC, but it also operated the Mirage IIIB two seat variant that lacked the interception radar. The Shahak was called that way because of it's new armament, but the new air to air missiles like the Shafrir 2 and Matra 530 proved too unreliable and pilots usually just used the DEFA cannons for air to air combat. During the early 1960s the Shahak was involved in fights in Syria with Mig-17s and Mig-21s were the missiles used by both sides proved unsatisfactory, however two Mig-21s were shot down with cannon shots.
 +
 
 +
The Shahak was present in several more conflicts, it saw extensive use in the Six Days War were it was Israel main air superiority fighter. After that it participated in several skirmishes with Egyptian and Syrian Mig-21s over border disputes, however it also saw combat against Soviet pilots flying over the Sinai Peninsula. During the Yom Kippur War the Shahak was down to less than 40 examples and saw most of it's use in patrols and flying reconnaissance. Since the IAF had more modern and capable F-4 Phantoms and IAI Nesher fighters in service. It still was used with success against Egyptian strike aircrafts and Syrian Mig-21s in several situations.
 +
 
 +
The Shahak was quickly faced out in favour of more capable fighters after the Yom Kippur War and it's number just kept decreasing. More capable and modern versions of the American F-4 Phantom II and the IAI Kafir made the Shahak obsolete.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 206: Line 224:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
 +
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mirage_3cj Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mirage_3cj Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
Line 217: Line 236:
  
 
;Related development
 
;Related development
 +
 
* [[Mirage III (Family)]]
 
* [[Mirage III (Family)]]
  

Latest revision as of 17:07, 21 June 2024

Shahak
mirage_3cj.png
GarageImage Shahak.jpg
Shahak
Israel flag.png Israel
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.0 10.0 10.3
Class:
Research:260 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:710 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Shahak was the name given by IAF personnel to the French Mirage IIICJ in service. It was Israel's first Mach 2 capable fighter, and it was its main air superiority fighter for many years. It participated in the Six Days War and Yom Kippur War, as well as several border conflicts and skirmishes with Egyptian and Syrian forces. Its main opponent was the Soviet-made MiG-21 interceptor. For its pilots, the new missiles carried by the Shahak proved to be too unreliable and most pilots preferred to use the DEFA cannons equipped in the aircraft. Israel operated a total of 72 Mirage III fighters that were phased out soon after the Yom Kippur War in favour of the more modern IAI Kfir and F-4 Phantom II.

Introduced in Update "Winged Lions", the Shahak is very similar in gameplay and BR to the French Mirage IIIC, at least in terms of flight performance. The Shahak however uses a very different missile loadout, using American-made AIM-9Ds instead of the short-range Matra Magic 1s used in the French variant. The Shahak is fast and very agile, like most delta wing fighters, however its design makes it so that it has very good agility and AOA but loses energy very quickly in any kind of manoeuvre. And because its acceleration is not the best at low speeds it is necessary to stay fast in order to survive, this is even more evident once you realize the Shahak has no countermeasures and staying fast is its best asset to avoid being hit with a missile.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 12 000 m2 160 km/h
Turn time28 s
Max altitude16 000 m
EngineSNECMA Atar 9B
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight11 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 12,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 2,084 2,042 16000 29.6 30.2 108.9 96.9 750
Upgraded 2,240 2,160 26.5 28.0 173.4 140.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X X X ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1,460 426 - - - ~12 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 920 < 750 < 650 -

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
SNECMA Atar 9B 1 6,340 kg 258 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 8m fuel 20m fuel 28m fuel
1,333 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 6,900 kg 7,673 kg 8,206 kg 10,950 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 8m fuel 20m fuel 28m fuel MTOW
Stationary 4,230 kgf 6,090 kgf 0.88 0.79 0.74 0.56
Optimal 5,118 kgf
(1,200 - 1,400 km/h) 		8,253 kgf
(1,400 km/h) 		1.20 1.08 1.01 0.75

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear426 km/h

Due to the size of the Shahak, its survivability is rather low. The large engine that covers almost half the length of your fuselage is very vulnerable to enemy fire. Any damage which will significantly decrease your power output and the massive wings will lose a large amount of lift when damaged.

The plane includes an RWR (radar warning receiver), which can be rather helpful.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 182 → 4 279 Sl icon.png
RB11 211 → 15 078 Sl icon.png
SB9 280 → 12 481 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications226 000 Rp icon.png
351 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 000 Sl icon.png
Experts710 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 380 / 600 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
30 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
30 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
aden_belt_pack
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Type 25C
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9D
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
aden_new_gun
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
30 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Type 21B
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
Matra R530E
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: DEFA 552A (30 mm)

The Shahak is armed with:

  • 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons, belly-mounted (125 rpg = 250 total)

Suspended armament

The Shahak can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3
Hardpoints Shahak.png
250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs 2
250 kg SAMP Type 25 200 bombs 2
400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs 2
400 kg SAMP Type 21 200 bombs 2
AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles 1 1
Matra R530 missiles 1
Matra R530E missiles 1
Shafrir 2 missiles 1 1
880 l drop tanks 1
Default weapon presets
  • 1 x 880 l drop tank
  • 2 x Shafrir 2 missiles
  • 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
  • 1 x Matra R530 missile
  • 1 x Matra R530E missile
  • 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)
  • 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 200 bombs (500 kg total)
  • 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)
  • 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 200 bombs (800 kg total)

Usage in battles

In Air RB, it is recommended to climb and use your decent radar and Matra R530 SARH missiles against unsuspecting aircraft (such as Harriers, A-5C, F-5C, MiG-21S and more). The R530 missile has pretty good range and can hit opponents coming head-on even when launched from the maximum range (~12 km or 7.5 mi at ~5 km or ~3 mi altitude or more) while also being agile enough to hit targets that try to manoeuvre at higher altitudes.

The aircraft also comes with the Matra R530E which is the infrared variant of the R530. It can be used at medium range at high altitude (preferable side-on) but it will be a missile that you rarely use since you have access to two AIM-9D missiles that are superior to the 530E. The R530E could then be traded for bombs or the regular R530 which also has all-aspect capabilities.

There is also the Shafrir 2 IR missile which has great manoeuvrability, as well as a long motor burn time. However, the missile has a relatively short range, and can have difficulty hitting targets going the same speed as you at low altitude. the uncaged seeker helps this missile alot with turning targets by allowing you to lead the missile.

The AIM-9D is one of the longest-range missiles of the AIM-9 family, featuring a motor and aerodynamics almost identical to the AIM-9G/9H with an inferior seeker head and gimbal limits. It can effectively destroy aircraft 5-6 km rear aspect at ~5 km, ~3 mi altitude or more with the only drawback being that it is angled downwards with a caged seeker before launch making it slightly harder to use.

The aircraft itself features a powerful engine and a delta wing configuration which allow it to accelerate at a decent rate and have great maneuverability but the control surfaces become less responsive at higher altitudes.

In summary, a valid tactic is to start climbing at 20-25 degrees once you take off until you reach an altitude where your missiles can use their full range at the start of the battle, use your radar to lock on an enemy and fire your R530 missiles hopefully scoring a kill while avoiding sharp turns and doing your best to keep your speed high. Having high speed not only makes it harder for enemies to catch up to you or use their missiles to hit you, it also makes your missiles have an even longer range. Once you see that there are no more enemies at your altitude, there are most likely either a few running people on the enemy team left or there is a furball. In both cases you have the ability to sneak up on the enemy from your higher altitude and fire your missiles off scoring even more kills. One thing to keep in mind though is that the AIM-9D pulls too much lead when fired off from side-aspect so it will be easier to dodge.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Greatly manoeuvrable
  • Good air-to-air missiles
  • 30 mm DEFA cannons are deadly at close ranges

Cons:

  • Bleeds speed fairly quickly in sharp turns
  • No countermeasures (no flares or chaff)
  • Low ammo pool for the cannons

History

Israeli Shahak in display

Shahak was the name given by the Israelis to their operated Dassault Mirage IIICJ. Israel placed an order for several aircrafts in 1959 to combat the new Mig-21 Mach 2 fighters fitted by many Arab nations. The Mirage fighters given to Israel had a couple of modifications, the Mirage was intended to be a high altitude bomber interceptor but Israel needed a fighter jet capable of air superiority missions.

Therefore Israeli Mirages included extra fuel tanks instead of takeoff rockets and two DEFA cannons not present in the original French Mirages. The first Mirage fighters arrived to Israel in 1962 and were subsequently given to the 101 "First Fighter" Squadron. 24 fighters were initially ordered but that purchase was increased to 72 in 1961. Later in 1962 the 117th squadron started to operate the Mirage, and finally the 119th Squadron was the last receiver of the new purchase.

Israel operated mainly the Mirage IIIC, but it also operated the Mirage IIIB two seat variant that lacked the interception radar. The Shahak was called that way because of it's new armament, but the new air to air missiles like the Shafrir 2 and Matra 530 proved too unreliable and pilots usually just used the DEFA cannons for air to air combat. During the early 1960s the Shahak was involved in fights in Syria with Mig-17s and Mig-21s were the missiles used by both sides proved unsatisfactory, however two Mig-21s were shot down with cannon shots.

The Shahak was present in several more conflicts, it saw extensive use in the Six Days War were it was Israel main air superiority fighter. After that it participated in several skirmishes with Egyptian and Syrian Mig-21s over border disputes, however it also saw combat against Soviet pilots flying over the Sinai Peninsula. During the Yom Kippur War the Shahak was down to less than 40 examples and saw most of it's use in patrols and flying reconnaissance. Since the IAF had more modern and capable F-4 Phantoms and IAI Nesher fighters in service. It still was used with success against Egyptian strike aircrafts and Syrian Mig-21s in several situations.

The Shahak was quickly faced out in favour of more capable fighters after the Yom Kippur War and it's number just kept decreasing. More capable and modern versions of the American F-4 Phantom II and the IAI Kafir made the Shahak obsolete.

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Dassault Aviation
WW2* 
Fighters  M.B.152C1 · M.B.157
Bombers  M.B.162 · M.B.174A-3 · M.B.175T
Jet Aircraft 
M.D 450  M.D.450B Barougan · M.D.450B Ouragan
Mystère  M.D.452 IIA · M.D.452 IIC · Mystere IVA
Super Mystère  Super Mystere B2
Étendard  Etendard IVM
Super Étendard  Super Etendard
Alpha Jet  Alpha Jet E**
Mirage 
Mirage III  Mirage IIIC · Mirage IIIE · Milan
Mirage V  Mirage 5F
Mirage F1  Mirage F1C · Mirage F1C-200 · Mirage F1CT
Mirage 2000  Mirage 2000-5F · Mirage 2000C-S4 · Mirage 2000C-S5 · Mirage 2000D-R1 · Mirage 2000D-RMV
Mirage 4000  Mirage 4000
Export 
M.D 450  M.D.450B Ouragan
Mystere  Mystere IVA
Super Mystère  Sambad · Sa'ar***
Mirage  Shahak · ▄Mirage 5BA · ␗Mirage 2000-5Ei
  *The company was named "Société des Avions Marcel Bloch" before being renamed in 1947
  **Jointly manufactured with Dornier Flugzeugwerke
  ***Israeli Super Mystère refitted with new avionics and an American engine
See also  SABCA

Israel jet aircraft
  Kfir Canard · Kfir C.2 · Kfir C.7 · Nesher
Britain 
Meteor  Meteor NF.13 · Meteor F.8
France 
Vautour  Vautour IIA · Vautour IIN
Super Mystere  Sambad · Sa'ar
Mirage III  Shahak
Other  M.D.450B Ouragan · Mystere IVA
USA 
F-84  F-84F
A-4  A-4H · A-4E Early (M) · A-4E · Ayit
F-4  Kurnass · Kurnass 2000
F-15  Baz · Baz Meshupar · F-15I Ra’am
F-16  Netz · F-16C Barak II · F-16D Barak II

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