Mirage III, Mirage 5, 50 and Derivatives, From 1955 to 2000
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Planes and Pilots 6
Authors: Dominique Breffort & André Jouineau
Publisher: Histoire & Collections
ISBN: 978-2-35250-033-9
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 82
Few French aircraft are as iconic as the Mirage III/5 family, so it is surprising that there are not more good single-source references on this type (at least in English). This title from Histoire & Collections cures that, providing a thorough overview of the entire Mirage III, 5, 50 and its derivatives.
The book is laid out in a mostly chronological manner, beginning with the initial development of the Mirage from the Mystere and on into the specific variant differences. The text is quite detailed and does an excellent job of describing this development. Complementing this are several graphics that show how one Mirage variant evolved into the next. With individual chapters on the Mirage III, IIIE, 5/50, reconnaissance variants, two-seaters, and the foreign derivatives, the result is an excellent reference.
This book is not all words, though. Throughout the book are many excellent photographs, both black and white and in color, showing the Mirage in all its many colors. The Mirage III/5 family wore quite a few different camouflage schemes over the years, and while the photos provide a good glimpse into them, it is the color illustrations that really bring these to light. With dozens of illustrations covering all the types, there is bound to be something for everyone.
For those looking for a good Mirage reference, this is well worth the price. From the well written text to the interesting photos to the quality illustrations, this is an impressive piece of work. My thanks to Casemate Publishing for the review copy.