Mystère IV

The Dassault MD.454 Mystère IV was an evolutionary development of the earlier Mystère II aircraft. Although bearing an external resemblance, the Mystère IV was a new design incorporating aerodynamic improvements tailored for transonic flight. The prototype first flew on 28 September 1952, and the aircraft entered service in April 1953.

Design

The aircraft was primarily powered by the French-built Hispano-Suiza Verdon 350 turbojet engine, a derivative of the British Rolls-Royce Tay. However, the initial 50 production aircraft, designated Mystère IVA, were powered directly by the Rolls-Royce Tay.

Armament

The Mystère IVA was equipped with two 30 mm DEFA cannons, each with 150 rounds. For air-to-air engagements, it could carry 55 rockets in a retractable pack. The aircraft featured four external hardpoints allowing for a total payload of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). This capacity could be utilized for ordnance, including bombs and rockets, or alternatively, drop tanks.

Operational History

The Mystère IV saw deployment with the air forces of France, Israel, and India. France, the primary operator, utilized the aircraft in six squadrons, many of which were obtained through a United States Offshore Procurement contract. French Mystères were involved in the 1956 Suez Crisis and remained in service into the 1980s. Israeli Mystère IVs were utilized during the Arab–Israeli wars, including the 1967 Six-Day War where they flew 610 sorties, predominantly in ground attack roles. India procured 104 aircraft in 1957, employing them in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 in both air-to-air and ground attack missions before being phased out by 1973.

Variants

Main Variants:

• Mystère IV: The initial prototype, powered by a Rolls-Royce Tay 250 engine, served as the basis for subsequent developments.

• Mystère IVA: The primary production fighter-bomber variant, with 421 aircraft built, initially powered by the Rolls-Royce Tay 250 and later by the Hispano-Suiza Verdon.

• Mystère IVB: An upgraded version featuring either Rolls-Royce Avon or SNECMA Atar 101 afterburning engines and a radar ranging gunsight, though the project was not fully developed.

• Mystère IVN: A proposed two-seat, all-weather interceptor version equipped with AN/APG-33 radar, powered by a Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet, and armed with Matra rockets, which did not enter production.