War Thunder background
Dassault Milan: The Flying Mustache

The Milan is an experimental version of the famous Mirage jet fighter, jointly developed by French and Swiss engineers to improve the aircraft’s low speed handling characteristics. Soon, this exotic variant of the Mirage will make its way to the skies in War Thunder, arriving to the game as part of the next major update Danger Zone!

Briefly: An experimental version of the venerable French Mirage jet fighter, fitted with retractable canards which improve the aircraft’s handling at lower speeds.

Milan, jet fighter, France, premium, Rank VI

Features:

Pre-order - Dassault Milan Pack
The Kit Includes:
  • Dassault Milan (Rank 6, France);
  • 2000 Golden Eagles;
  • Premium account for 15 days;
  • Pre-order bonus: "War kite " title;
  • Pre-order bonus: Black kite decal.
  • Retractable canards
  • Improved low speed handling
  • Excellent air-to-air arsenal
  • High energy loss during maneuvers
History

Development of the Milan began in 1968 when Dassault, in cooperation with Swiss engineers, began working on a modification of the Mirage III, which became known as Milan or ‘Kite’. Unlike the standard variants of the Mirage, the Milan received a pair of retractable canards on its nose section in order to improve the aircraft’s low speed handling characteristics and shorten take-off distances. In addition, the aircraft was fitted with an uprated ATAR 9K-50 turbojet engine as well as a laser rangefinder.

Dassault manufactured a total of three Milans, basing them both on the Mirage III and Mirage 5. Tests of the various prototypes all showed notable improvements in the areas targeted by the aircraft’s modifications. However, the canards also caused issues with the normal operation of the air intakes as a result of their turbulence generation.

Regardless, Milan competed in the Swiss tender against both the A-7G as well as the G.91Y, but failed to impress the Swiss Air Force sufficiently to enter service, same as her competitors though. In 1972, Dassault stopped all further work on the Milan project and shifted its attention to the development which resulted in a more advanced version of the Mirage. The Dassault Milan undertook its final flight in March 1976.

image
image

In War Thunder, the Milan will be a new jet fighter joining the top of the French aviation tree with the release of the next major update. Further expanding the Mirage family of jet fighters available in the game, the Milan will also offer its prospective pilots enhanced maneuverability as well as additional rewards to faster progress through the top ranks thanks to the aircraft’s premium status.

At its core, the Milan represents an experimental upgrade to the Mirage IIIE - a jet fighter already most familiar to seasoned French pilots. However, unlike the standard version, this experimental model possesses two distinct features which make it stand out from its close relative. The more obvious difference is the presence of a pair of retractable canards situated on the aircraft’s nose. While somewhat odd-looking, this additional pair of wings noticeably reduces the aircraft’s take-off distance and allow for a lower landing speed. Furthermore, they also vastly improve the Milan’s maneuverability during lower speeds - a handy upgrade for avid dogfighters among our pilots!

Download Wallpaper:

The second, less notable, difference concerns the aircraft’s engine choice. Namely, the Milan is fitted with the more powerful SNECMA Atar 9K-50 turbojet engine, producing notably more thrust than the Atar 9C originally fitted to the Mirage IIIE. While this upgrade doesn’t directly result in an increased top speed, pilots will notice improvements in acceleration and climb rate, both being vital performance characteristics of jet fighters especially during heated engagements.

Fun Fact: The aircraft’s new retractable canards were often referred to as its ‘mustaches’.

Apart from a pair of 30 mm DEFA cannons, the Milan’s arsenal can be further augmented by IR-guided air-to-air missiles, unguided rockets, an air-to-ground missile as well as bombs of 250 and 500 kg caliber. As a result, the Milan retains the Mirage’s high combat effectiveness and versatility as weapon loadouts are not just powerful, but also well suited for engaging a number of different targets during a sortie.

The Dassault Milan will make its way to player hangars upon the arrival of the next major War Thunder update Danger Zone. Be sure to get the special pre-order pack in our online store to be among the first to fly out in the Milan, get Premium account days, as well as obtain exclusive ingame content!

Read more:
HQ17: Rockets in the Night Sky
  • 17 December 2024
Eurofighter Typhoon: Oncoming Storm!
  • 13 December 2024
Introducing the Tiger and Ostwind Pack!
  • 13 December 2024
Panzerhaubitze 2000: Best In Its Class!
  • 12 December 2024