MIRAGE F-1 - DODANE TYPE 11

THE CLOCK

This Dodane Type 11 is one of the last mechanical clocks specifically designed for aircraft. All "Type 11" clocks, including those made by Breguet and other manufacturers, are equipped with a Valjoux 551 movement.

This particular clock displays the time and features a chronograph function with a 15-minute counter. The outer bezel can be rotated to record takeoff time.

I wish to thank Laurent Dodane at

www.dodane1857.fr

for their support and collaboration in the restoration of this clock.

THE PLANE

The Mirage F1 is a French air-superiority fighter and attack aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation.

As a successor to its Mirage III, it was built without the delta-winged in order to improbe take off and landing performance.

In June 1975 Spain bought 15 aircraft renamed C-14 and they were bound to Albacete 14 th wing.

In June 1975, with tension growing with Morocco, Spain decided to strengthen its Air Force and bought 15 Mirage F1C that were bound to Albacete AB. In mid-1976 there was still some tension with Morocco and Algerian and Libyan MiG-25 flights on the Mediterranean, which would made Spanish Air Force to purchase ten more Mirage F1C and two years later order 48 Mirage F1C and F1E. They have also bought 12 F1EDA/DDA's from Qatar.

In 2013, they were replaced by the Eurofighter Typhoons. The aircraft were sold to Draken International at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. After modifying various electronic warfare systems, data links, and warning systems, they are used as AGGRESSORS.

THE COCKPIT

The cockpit is agonizingly small. The most notable feature was the throttle, which incorporates the hypersustentators.

Activating them allows the slats and half-flaps to extend below a certain speed. The throttle also has another control to retract them if the pilot decides to dive and gain speed quickly. When used correctly, this control provides unbeatable low-speed maneuverability.

It was the first fighter in Spain with VOR and ILS, autopilot with ILS, LOC, HDG, HDG CAP ("capa fiche") and ALT modes.

In the lower photo, you can see the pilot's cockpit painted on the belly of the aircraft. This is intended to prevent the enemy pilot in combat from knowing which way the aircraft is turning, losing a few decisive seconds in a engagement.

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