Photo by: Draken International
Paramount Aerospace Systems, a subsidiary of aerospace and technology company Paramount Group, has provided upgrade and engineering support for US tactical flight services provider Draken International's first regenerated Mirage F1 that took to the skies on its maiden flight over Lakeland Linder International Airport, in Florida, earlier this week.
The supersonic, radar-equipped F1 is part of a fleet of former military fighter aircraft currently being regenerated by Draken, with assistance from Paramount Aerospace Systems.
The former Spanish Air Force F1 fleet will soon join Draken’s 13 A-4 Skyhawks and 23 L-159 Honey Badgers that currently support the US Air Force out of Nellis Air Force Base, in Nevada.
Paramount Aerospace Systems and Draken signed a contract last year for the overhaul and ongoing engineering support of the fleet of Mirage F1s. The Mirage F1s are undergoing reassembly, restoration and airworthiness certification at Draken’s Lakeland, Florida, maintenance facility.
“We are proud to support Draken’s Mirage F1 regeneration programme. Paramount has extensive capability on this aircraft with full airframe and engine overhaul capability, as well as the ability to upgrade and modernise avionics and mission systems.
"It is exciting to be working with Draken and this paves the way for a strong long-term relationship. The deployment of Paramount’s team in-country has proven the importance of having such expertise available on the ground to ensure we can provide the ultimate solution to our customers,” comments Paramount Group US CEO Steve Griessel.