Des Mirage et des Hommes. Du Mirage F1 au Super Mirage 4000

The prestigious lineage of Dassault Aviation’s Mirage aircraft has left an indelible mark on the history of global military aviation over several decades. From the Mystère-Delta to the Mirage 4000, the ingenuity and exceptional technical skills of the engineers at the Saint-Cloud design office dominated a global market—a market where they competed against the best aircraft manufacturers from the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union. While delta-wing Mirages still fly in skies around the world, this book chronicles the technological journey of this fighter aircraft family. It also tells the story of the engineers, technicians, and test pilots who made their design and development possible, as well as the team at engine manufacturer Snecma, whose work was inextricably linked to that of Dassault.

Throughout the book, readers discover the various Mirage versions, lesser-known projects, and more "exotic" aircraft that—for nearly 30 years—impressed foreign manufacturers with their exceptional flight characteristics and combat capabilities.
Illustrated with numerous photographs (some previously unpublished) and three-view drawings, the book offers insight into the technical development process and the challenges faced by teams of young engineers—most of whom were fresh graduates from top aeronautical schools.

A former senior aerospace technician, aviation journalist, and pilot, André Bréand offers a fresh perspective on this family of aircraft and the men who designed them—men with whom the author worked, associated, and built lasting relationships throughout his career.