Following their well-received and dynamic flying display at RIAT 2015, the Ramex Delta tactical display team, flying two examples of the Dassault Mirage 2000N strike aircraft, returned to the show for 2016 and this was their display on the Saturday.
First flown in 1978, the Mirage 2000 has been in service with the Armée de l'Air since the early 1980s, in fighter and conventional strike versions as well as the nuclear-capable 2000N, which forms part of the backbone of France's Forces Aériennes Stratégiques (Strategic Air Forces). Its main weapon in the nuclear strike role is the ASMP medium-range air-to-surface nuclear cruise missile, but the 2000N can also drop conventional weapons, by day or night and in all weathers.
This version serves solely with France; other customers for the Mirage 2000 are Egypt, Greece, India, Peru, Qatar, the Republic of China and the UAE. The Ramex Delta team comes from Escadron de Chasse 2/4, the famous 'Escadrille Lafayette' of First World War fame.
Ramex Delta were the recipients of the RAFCTE Trophy, presented for the best flying demonstration by an overseas participant at RIAT 2016. The citation said that they put on "a superbly co-ordinated and choreographed pairs tactical demonstration". This was an emotional occasion for Ramex Delta, as RIAT was their final ever display - the team is being disbanded. One of the pilots, 'Pierrot', said afterwards: "We are very proud, because it was very special to attend this year's RIAT. This was our last airshow ever, and it was a great deal of pleasure for us to fly today. For us - the pilots, the team, the squadron - it's a special honour because this year is the 100th anniversary of our squadron, the 'La Fayette' squadron. It's a good ending to the incredible experience that was Ramex Delta."
There was a double success for Ramex Delta, as the Mirage 2000N they displayed in, which featured a special colour scheme to mark the 'La Fayette' squadron centenary, won the award for best livery as voted for by the Friends of the Royal International Air Tattoo (FRIAT).
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Copyright © 2015 Stephen Keeler
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