Dassault Mystère
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1929 |
| Founder | Marcel Dassault |
| Headquarters | Saint-Cloud , France |
| Products | Military aircraft |
The Dassault MD.452 Mystère represents a French fighter-bomber from the 1950s, evolving directly from the acclaimed Dassault Ouragan.
Development
Building on the Ouragan's achievements, Dassault introduced the MD.452 Mystère I, which took to the skies for the first time in early 1951. This model incorporated a 30-degree swept wing and an altered tail design, powered by the Rolls-Royce Tay 250, a licensed and enhanced variant of the Rolls-Royce Nene engine, delivering thrust.
The initial three Mystère I prototypes were followed by two Mystère IIA prototypes equipped with four Hispano cannon. Subsequently, four Mystère IIB prototypes replaced these weapons with two DEFA cannon. Notably, a Mystère IIA became the first French aircraft to surpass Mach 1 in controlled flight during a dive on 28 October 1951.
Eleven preproduction Mystère IIC units were constructed; nine powered by the SNECMA Atar 101C axial-flow turbojet rated at thrust, and two fitted with afterburning Atar 101F engines generating greater thrust.
Operational history
The French Air Force placed an order for 150 Mystère IICs, initiating production in June 1954 with deliveries commencing in October of the same year. These aircraft featured twin DEFA cannon, an Atar 101D turbojet providing thrust, increased tail sweep angle, redesigned intake ducts, and enhanced internal fuel capacity. Maximum speed reached at low altitude. The external loadout was probably similar to that of the Ouragan.
By 1957, delivery of the final Mystère IIC was completed; however, it was already being relegated to advanced training duties due to rapid advancements in aviation technology. The more advanced Dassault Mystère IVA had entered service by then. Primarily serving as an interim platform, the Mystère IIC continued training roles until 1963.
No international customers acquired this model; although Israel initially intended to purchase 24 Mystère IIs, it ultimately chose the Mystère IVA. The Mystère II did not participate in any combat operations.
Variants
- MD 452 Mystère I
- The original prototype resembling the Ouragan but featuring a 30-degree swept wing and altered tail surfaces, powered by a centrifugal-flow turbojet, the Rolls-Royce Tay 250.
- MD 452 Mystère IIA
- Two prototype aircraft with Tay powerplants, armed with four Hispano 20 mm cannon.
- MD 452 Mystère IIB
- Four prototypes that substituted the four Hispano cannon with two DEFA cannon.
- MD 452 Mystère IIC
- The primary production variant for the French Air Force, with a total of 150 units delivered starting June 1954. Eleven preproduction models tested both the SNECMA Atar 101C axial-flow turbojet and afterburning Atar 101F engines.
- MD 453 Mystère IIIN
- A single prototype featuring lateral air intakes and a two-seat cockpit configuration, utilized for ejection seat testing after cancellation of MD 451 development. The second and third prototypes were not completed.
Operators
Bibliography
- Carbonel, Jean-Christophe. French Secret Projects 1: Post War Fighters. Manchester, UK: Crecy Publishing, 2016