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Mirage F.1 Supports Historic XB-1 Supersonic Flight Over Mojave
During Boom Supersonic’s historic XB-1 test flight over the Mojave Desert, aviation enthusiasts took note of an unexpected but fitting escort—a Mirage F.1. Operated by ATAC, this classic French fighter played a crucial role as the chase plane, highlighting its continued relevance in modern aerospace missions.
For the majority of its flight, the XB-1 was accompanied by two other supersonic jets, an ATAC Mirage F1 flown by A.J. “Face” McFarland, serving as primary safety chase, and a T-38 Talon performing photo chase duties. Screenshot from the BOOM Supersonic live broadcast
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Aviation history was made yesterday as the first civilian jet broke the sound barrier during a historic test flight over the Mojave Desert. Boom’s demonstrator aircraft, XB-1, successfully completed its first supersonic flight on January 28, 2025, at the Mojave Air & Space Port in California. Boom designed, built, and flew the world’s first independently developed supersonic jet—the first civil supersonic jet made in America.
The first civil supersonic jet made in America breaks the sound barrier in historic Mojave airspace. Photo via Boom Supersonic
Keen-eyed vintage aviation enthusiasts noted an interesting detail during the flight: the chase plane. For this historic mission, Boom enlisted the support of one of Airborne Tactical Advantage Company’s Mirage F.1 fighters. Aircraft N604AX and 601 AX departed from Naval Air Station Point Mugu near Oxnard, California, and flew to the Mojave Air & Space Port to support the XB-1’s milestone flight.
Screenshot from the BOOM Supersonic live broadcast.
Since its inception in 1994, ATAC has set the standard in contracted air services and the adversary air industry. With over 20 years of experience and more than 65,000 flight hours successfully completed, ATAC has an impressive legacy of aviation accomplishments. Other companies in the same industry include Draken International, Top Aces, and Tactical Air Support. In 2017, ATAC acquired 63 ex-French Mirage F1 fighters for 21 million euros. The Mirage F1, developed as a successor to the Mirage III, is a French fighter, attack, and reconnaissance aircraft. Unlike the Mirage III’s iconic delta-wing design, the Mirage F1 features a swept-back high-wing structure with leading-edge slats, improving its low-speed handling and air-to-air combat performance.
First entering service in 1973, the Mirage F1 was equipped with a Thomson-CSF Cyrano IV monopulse radar to meet the French Air Force’s requirements for an all-weather interceptor. It initially served as France’s primary air defense fighter before being superseded by the Mirage 2000. Later, the aircraft transitioned into reconnaissance (CR) and attack (CT) roles, receiving significant avionics and systems upgrades.
Mirage F1 Escadron de chasse 1/5 Vendée in 1975. Image via Wikipedia
The French Air Force was the largest operator of the Mirage F1, with 246 aircraft in service. The type saw action in 1984 during Operation Manta, a French intervention against the Libyan invasion of Chad. In total, 473 Mirage F1s were produced and delivered to air forces in South Africa, Libya, Ecuador, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Greece, Spain, and Morocco. The Mirage F1 is a supersonic, swept-wing fighter featuring leading-edge flaps, powered flight controls, an autopilot, a head-up display (HUD), radar warning receiver (RWR), GPS, and hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls. It is also capable of simulating infrared and radar-guided missiles. Powered by an ATAR 9K-50 afterburning engine, the Mirage F1 generates 16,000 pounds of thrust.
ATAC deploys the Mirage F1 across its mission spectrum. As a highly capable supersonic fighter with a robust ground-attack system, the Mirage F1 provides tactical flexibility for integrated training exercises. Its threat-representative capabilities make it an ideal platform for training today’s frontline fighter pilots.
ATAC’s Mirage F1s, serial number 510, now registered as N601AX. Photo via ATAC
The last Mirage F1 squadron in the French Air Force was Escadron de Reconnaissance 2/33 (ER 02.033) “Savoie.” This unit operated the Mach 2+ Dassault Mirage F1 in a primary tactical reconnaissance role, with ground-attack as a secondary mission. On June 13, 2014, ER 2/33, based at BA 118 Mont-de-Marsan, officially retired its Mirage F1 fleet and was disbanded. While there was speculation about a possible sale of the aircraft to the Moroccan Air Force, the deal never materialized. Instead, ATAC acquired several of these Mirage F1s, including aircraft serial number 510, now registered as N604AX.
The last flight in French colors of Fox One s/n 510 in May 2014. Photo Philip Stevens
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.