The Mirage III–V V/STOL Fighter

This paper describes the historical background of the French V/STOL fighter and gives requirements and explanation of the Balzac and Mirage V formulas. Development problems and their solutions, as devised by Generale Aeronautique Marcel Dassault, are reported fully. The author concludes that the Balzac lift engines and accessory installations make it easier to fly, assure safe operation even with one engine failure, and provide a V/STOL capable of takeoff from undeveloped airstrips.