Mirage IIIDS HB-RDF Final Flight
Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2023 7:22 pm
https://www.europeanairshows.co.uk/gall ... RpgClp69aQYesterday the only privately flying Mirage III in the world the ex-Swiss Air Force Dassault Mirage IIIDS HB-RDF (ex J-2012) performed its very last flight.
J-2012 was deployed with the Swiss Air Force from 1983 to 2003. Starting in 2008, the machine was privately operated by the Clin d'ailes in Payerne and was available for passenger flights. Unfortunately, due to the age of the engine and certain parts, the flight permit was no longer extended by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation, the Swiss civil aviation agency.
On Thursday, May 25th the Mirage performed two final flights, a check flight in the morning and a final farewell flight in the afternoon which included a short tour of Switzerland. On return, HB-RDF was joined by the French Air & Space Force Mirage 2000-5 from Luxeuil - Saint-Sauveur Air Base and four Swiss Air Force Hornets for a special flypast.
She will now join the Aviation Museum in Payerne where she will be on permanent static display.