[2022] Dassault Milan: The Flying Mustache

A lil somethin somethin: You can find the details for this event on the announcement page here.

The Milan is an experimental version of the famous Mirage jet fighter, jointly developed by French and Swiss engineers to improve the aircraft’s low speed handling characteristics. Soon, this exotic variant of the Mirage will make its way to the skies in War Thunder, arriving to the game as part of the next major update Danger Zone!

Briefly: An experimental version of the venerable French Mirage jet fighter, fitted with retractable canards which improve the aircraft’s handling at lower speeds.

Milan, jet fighter, France, premium, Rank VI
Features:

• Retractable canards
  
• Improved low speed handling
  
• Excellent air-to-air arsenal
  
• High energy loss during maneuvers

In War Thunder, the Milan will be a new jet fighter joining the top of the French aviation tree with the release of the next major update. Further expanding the Mirage family of jet fighters available in the game, the Milan will also offer its prospective pilots enhanced maneuverability as well as additional rewards to faster progress through the top ranks thanks to the aircraft’s premium status.



At its core, the Milan represents an experimental upgrade to the Mirage IIIE - a jet fighter already most familiar to seasoned French pilots. However, unlike the standard version, this experimental model possesses two distinct features which make it stand out from its close relative. The more obvious difference is the presence of a pair of retractable canards situated on the aircraft’s nose. While somewhat odd-looking, this additional pair of wings noticeably reduces the aircraft’s take-off distance and allow for a lower landing speed. Furthermore, they also vastly improve the Milan’s maneuverability during lower speeds - a handy upgrade for avid dogfighters among our pilots!

Fun Fact: The aircraft’s new retractable canards were often referred to as its ‘mustaches’.

The second, less notable, difference concerns the aircraft’s engine choice. Namely, the Milan is fitted with the more powerful SNECMA Atar 9K-50 turbojet engine, producing notably more thrust than the Atar 9C originally fitted to the Mirage IIIE. While this upgrade doesn’t directly result in an increased top speed, pilots will notice improvements in acceleration and climb rate, both being vital performance characteristics of jet fighters especially during heated engagements.



Apart from a pair of 30 mm DEFA cannons, the Milan’s arsenal can be further augmented by IR-guided air-to-air missiles, unguided rockets, an air-to-ground missile as well as bombs of 250 and 500 kg caliber. As a result, the Milan retains the Mirage’s high combat effectiveness and versatility as weapon loadouts are not just powerful, but also well suited for engaging a number of different targets during a sortie.



The Dassault Milan will make its way to player hangars upon the arrival of the next major War Thunder update Danger Zone. Be sure to get the special pre-order pack in our online store to be among the first to fly out in the Milan, get Premium account days, as well as obtain exclusive ingame content!