331 Mira

When it comes to the prowess of their delta-

wing jets, the mantra of 331 Mira pilots is that
‘One way to respect the Mirage 2000-5 is
to fly it; the other way is to fly against it.’ An
autopilot derived from the Airbus A330 series
takes control of the flight profile when pilot
workload becomes an issue. All photos Ioannis
Lekkas unless stated

Greek Mirage 2000s single- 331 and 332 Mira, both based at Tanagra.
The Hellenic Air Force initially ordered 36 To bolster its offensive capabilities, the
Gs (seria l numb ers 210 to 245) and
seat Mirage 2000E HAF decided to order a further 15 new-build
to 204) to
four two-seat Mirage 2000DGs (serials 201 Mirage 2000-5 Mk2s and upgrade ten of
its
emen t its Mirag e F1s. Greek Mirag e 2000s are 2000-5
suppl earlie r aircra ft to the same stand ard. The
Exocet
unusual in that they are armed with the AM.39 Mk2 variant is very close to the 2000- 9 and Greece
with an internal,
anti-ship missile. They are also equipped received SCALP cruise missiles for its new
aircraft,
as the ICMS
fully integrated self-defence suite known thus creating a very potent conventional
deterrence
m Mk1), with
Mk1 (Integrated Counter Measures Syste force. The HAF Mirag e 2000- 5 Mk2s are equip ped with
on the fin-
another pair of super-heterodyne antennas NATO-compatible SATURN (Second-generati
on Anti-
onal wing tip anten nas and Spiral e chaff/ opping
top, additi jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO) frequency-h
fairings.
flare dispensers in the rear of the Karman encrypted radios and the ICMS Mk3 self-d efenc e
noise and
The ICMS Mk1 jammer is capable of both e 2000-
iques and its respo nse time is suite. The HAF ‘Dash 5s’ are designated Mirag
deception jamm ing techn seat).
divided between 5EG (single-seat) and Mirage 2000-5BG (two-
extremely short. HAF Mirage 2000s were

80 // May 2020 #386 www.Key.Aero

Theseus
Aegean
over the
Introduction of the Mirage 2000-5 Mk2 by the
Hellenic Air Force brought 331 Mira into a new
era. The type has since evolved into one of the
most important deterrents in the armed forces’
inventory, as Ioannis Lekkas discovers.

but the recruits are rewarded ultimately with ‘Dash 5’ in detail

their first real scramble to face enemy fighters. The most modern version of the Mirage 2000
A cool head and iron self-discipline are required in HAF service incorporates a number of assets
in peacetime operations, given that each Mirage that make it one of the most effective fighters
carries six live air-to-air missiles (AAMs) and in the region. The most significant of these is
dozens of 30mm cannon rounds to dissuade the RDY-2 radar integrated with the ICMS Mk3
enemy fighters from staking a claim on Greek electronic warfare suite. The radar is capable
airspace in what has become, to all intents of acquiring targets at a range of about 100
and purposes, a 21st-century Cold War. miles (160km), 24 of which may be represented

I
t is now more than ten years Flight crews undertaking QRA duties on the head-level display (HLD). The suite
since 331 Mira (331 Squadron) are briefed alongside the Ethnikó Kéntro evaluates the eight potentially most lethal
‘Theseus’ attained operational Aeroporikoú Elénchou (National Air Control threats – target prioritisation – enabling the pilot
readiness with the Mirage 2000-5 Mk2, Centre) and the ground control interception to release four BVR missiles simultaneously.
and the unit has reached a level of (GCI) staff, to establish every aspect of their For air combat, the radar’s basic operation
maturity. It has accumulated valuable mission. Once airborne after a scramble, the is track-while-scan (TWS), exploited in two
experience in the air superiority role, both formation falls under the control of the GCI modes: auto and manual. In the latter, the
as a result of the part it plays in everyday controller, but it’s up to the flight leader to RDY-2 searches the area for targets and, after
efforts to preserve Greece’s security and its determine how the interception will be executed revealing 24 track files, prioritises the eight
participation in major national and international and what tactics will be employed if the intruders most threatening. The pilot then switches
exercises. With a recent increase in Turkish indicate a willingness to enter into a within- to TWS auto and selects which targets will
‘provocations’, Elliniki Polemiki Aeroporia visual-range (WVR) confrontation. Peacetime be locked on to for missile release. Four
(Hellenic Air Force, HAF) pilots voice their rules of engagement (ROE) require the visual infrared-guided MICA IRs or radar-guided
enthusiasm for the delta-wing Mirage. With no identification (VID) of any ‘bandits’, so a merge MICA EMs can be released simultaneously.
margin for error, the unit’s pilots and ground of opponents is often unavoidable, resulting in a The MICA IR incorporates a valuable ‘silent’
crew train continuously, with realistic scenarios fierce dogfight. In a real-world conflict, however, BVR feature. Active radar missiles require
to counter potential threats from the east. without peacetime restrictions and having continuous illumination by their own seeker
One of the primary tasks for the squadron’s obtained official confirmation that an intruder after they become active (known as ‘Pitbull’)
leadership is to mentor newly arrived pilots was hostile, the Mirage pilot would launch until impact, and thus continue to give warning
with a view to undertaking quick reaction his MICA missiles from beyond visual range to the target that it has been fired upon. When
alert (QRA) missions as soon as possible. The (BVR), taking advantage of the full capabilities launched in BVR mode, the MICA IR leaves
physical and mental demands are considerable, of the RDY-2 multifunction fire-control radar. the rail with exactly the same parameters as

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331 Mira

A key advantage of the Mirage 2000-5 Mk2 is its MICA IR missile, which can be effectively employed for both close-range encounters and BVR engagements. From the
moment the MICA IR becomes ‘Pitbull’ and engages its own infrared seeker, the target aircraft typically has no warning of the missile’s approach.

an active radar missile, with initial guidance Defensive countermeasures Armed with six BVR missiles, the Mirage
provided via data link, and the Mirage’s RDY-2 Also of great value is the radar’s interoperability 2000-5 Mk2 has become a potent symbol
giving full warning on the target’s radar with the ICMS Mk3 integrated countermeasures of air superiority in the Aegean operational
warning receiver (RWR) equipment. However, it self-protection suite, which can be operated in two theatre. In particular, the fact that the
becomes fully passive after the Mirage’s radar modes. When operating autonomously, the smart MICA IR gives no warning when it goes
stops supporting the launch and the missile mode jams simultaneously with radar function ‘Pitbull’ is thought to be a major concern
now relies on its own (passive) infrared seeker. and a computer selects the method of electronic for the Turkish Air Force leadership.
Consequently, the target’s RWR stops warning attack. Back-up mode may be used when the pilot Another key feature of the Dash 5 is
of the missile threat unless the target carries selects either radar or electronic warfare (EW). its enhanced man/machine interface,
a missile approach warning system (MAWS). The central computer receives data from the incorporating five displays – four multifunction
This feature, enhanced by a data link, enables radar and the ICMS to calculate the appropriate displays (MFDs) and the head-up display (HUD)
a Mirage 2000 formation to face numerically attack parameters. Before each mission, Dash 5 – available to the pilot. On the lower, larger
superior forces – an invaluable asset in the pilots are able to upload specific data as briefed MFD 55 display (also known as the Tactical
combat air patrol (CAP) role over the Aegean. using the OPERA mission-planning system. Situation Display) all tactical information

Above: The Mirage 2000-5 Mk2 is an excellent BVR platform able to engage from distance thanks to superior
radar and missiles. Merging with a rival jet is not the pilot’s first priority and is normally avoided. Pictured are
Mirage 2000-5EG serials 535 and 536, both wearing the blue-and-white chequerboard fin flashes of 331 Mira.
Left: HAF Mirage 2000 pilots appreciate the jet’s crisp flying characteristics and highly intuitive navigation
aids. Their first encounters with rival jets over the Aegean should serve to expand their confidence as they
have a chance to evaluate ‘the enemy’ at firsthand.

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 ‘Theseus’ leader
Lt Col Christos Kontses, the 331 Mira commanding 331 Mira excelled in the Tactical Leadership Programme
officer, spoke to AFM about the squadron’s mission. courses in 2013 and 2018, acquiring first place in both;
“Since April 1988, 331 Mira has been on the front line ‘Theseus’ pilots were awarded the Best Warriors trophy,
of operations for the Hellenic Air Force. Throughout while all participants stated that, in an operational situation,
these years, the squadron’s pilots and ground personnel 331 Mira would be the best unit to have by their side.
have proved their high sense of responsibility and have “However, the squadron’s real accomplishment
made every possible effort to succeed in the tough task is not found in its operational presence nor in its
assigned to them by the country’s leadership. Over three daily operations. The great feat is that the squadron
decades of flight operations, the squadron has completed has an individuality and a certain focus. Personnel
tens of thousands of flight hours and taken part in at least live for their work, collaboration and teamwork
five operations in the defence of national airspace, flying regardless of rank and position, having fully
Above: A ‘Theseus’ weapons specialist checks over from Tanagra, Skyros, Heraklion, Santorini and Kasteli. acknowledged the significance of their mission.
a Mirage on night QRA duty. 331 Mira maintains a
“Proof of the international admiration the squadron enjoys After three decades, 331 Mira’s men and women are
QRA alert responsibility around the clock. From the
very first operational deployment in the late 1980s up may be found in its NATO Reaction Force [NRF] evaluation ready and more willing than ever to accomplish their
to the introduction of the ‘Dash 5’, QRA duties have in 2009, when it was graded as ‘Exceptional’. Furthermore, mission – to defend the values of the homeland.”
always been the main concern of Greek Mirage 2000
crews. Below: The cockpit of the Mirage 2000-5 Mk2
incorporates a pilot-friendly human-machine interface
suite that allows the crew to monitor only the desired
parameters in terms of flight or combat conditions. A
head-level display (HLD) is provided along with three
multifunction displays (MFDs).

Above right: View from the cockpit of a Mirage 2000-5

Mk2. Attending courses offered by the HAF’s Fighter
Weapons School at Andravida, 331 Mira aircrew
build confidence in air-to-air engagements as they
participate in composite air operations with other
Greek squadrons and practice dissimilar air combat
training. Below: A training scramble for Mirage
2000-5EG serial 549 as its afterburner lights up on
the Tanagra runway. They take off fully armed in all
weather, day or night, 365 days of the year.

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331 Mira

is shown, including targets and threats

(both aerial and ground), warnings, jamming
information and fighter area of responsibility
(FAOR) boundaries, plus navigation waypoints.
For the long-range attack mission, the release
point for the SCALP EG cruise missile is
displayed on an MFD. According to Dash 5
pilots, the information that can be displayed
is limitless, so extensive training is needed
to derive maximum benefit from the system.
The pilot usually selects an MFD 54 (the
two smaller displays left and right of the
larger MFD 55) to present flight data and
engine and stores information. Additional EW Right: If the situation demands it, 331
information is displayed on the right-hand Mira pilots will not avoid a dogfight
MFD, in addition to that shown on the lower and the French fighter remains one of
display. The fourth display incorporates the the most manoeuvrable jets around.
Traditionally the centre of Greek
HLD suite, dedicated to the radar equipment, interception duties, Tanagra gives
which discloses all track files and on which Mirage 2000 pilots the chance to
BVR missile releases may be managed. experience real-life scrambles from the
Uniquely, it is not mounted level and gives beginning of their operational careers.
Below: Final checks in the cockpit
the impression of depth, while being focused before Mirage 2000-5EG serial 555
to infinity so the pilot is able to glance into it taxies out for its next sortie. The time
quickly without needing to refocus their eyes in from shelter to taxi is low – typically
the ongoing air battle. One 331 Mira pilot told half that of comparable US-built
fighters, according to the HAF.
AFM that they use the HLD as a fundamental
air combat tool, including support of ‘Fox
Three’ (active radar-guided missile) launches.
The Dash 5’s comprehensive MFD suite is
fully compatible with night-vision aids and
has proven to be an indispensable asset of
the delta fighter. As well as tracking radar
returns, the HLD displays the location of the
formation members, enhancing the pilot’s
situational awareness without distracting
their attention from the battle; this is
known as precise participant location and
identification (PPLI). The Mirages’ locations
are provided via the Improved Data Modem
(IDM), a data link that connects all jets of
the same type. For example, a formation
of four Dash 5s can exchange information
without using voice communications over
a range of more than 400 miles (644km).

Cruise missile operations

A critical role assigned to 331 Mira is long-
range attacks employing the SCALP EG
strategic cruise missile, acquired largely
as a powerful deterrent in case of
Below: A Mirage 2000-5 Mk2 a significant crisis. The missile’s
fully loaded with six AAMs (four 992lb (450kg) BROACH warhead is
MICA EM and two MICA IR) plus
capable of destroying high-value
a SCALP EG. With the exception
of SCALP and Exocet missile assets such as energy production
release, HAF Mirage 2000 doctrine units, bridges, communication
doesn’t anticipate air-to-ground centres or heavily defended
operations. When undertaking a
control and command centres. The
long-range attack, the jet remains
fully capable of air-to-air combat. official range of the weapon is 155
Right: James Lawrence miles (250km), well within the 186-
mile (300km) limit set by the multilateral
Missile Technology Control Regime
(MTCR), although its real range is estimated
to be beyond 373 miles (600km). The SCALP
EG’s Microturbo TRI 60 turbojet engine gives a
top speed of Mach 0.8, while navigation to the
target is achieved via a combination of an inertial
navigation system (INS), GPS and terrain profile-
matching (TERPROM), leaving the imaging
infrared seeker for the terminal guidance.
Carrying the SCALP EG does not constrain
the type’s air-to-air capability, which remains
six missiles plus external fuel tanks. A
priority for 331 Mira’s leadership is training
all pilots to be fully SCALP-EG-capable. AFM

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