Paramount Aerospace Systems, a subsidiary of Paramount Group, the global aerospace and technology company, provided upgrade and engineering support for Draken International’s first regenerated Mirage F1 that took to the skies on its maiden flight over Lakeland Linder International Airport, Lakeland, Florida.
The supersonic, radar-equipped F1 is part of a fleet of ex-military fighter aircraft currently being regenerated by Draken assisted by 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 USAF out of Nellis AFB.
Paramount Aerospace Systems and Draken signed a contract last year for the overhaul and ongoing engineering support of the fleet of Mirage F1’s. The Mirage F1’s are undergoing reassembly, restoration and airworthiness certification at Draken’s Lakeland, Florida maintenance facility.
Draken International’s first Mirage F1 aircraft, regenerated by Paramount Aerospace Systems, prepares for takeoff at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. Photo courtesy of Paramount Group
Steve Griessel, CEO of Paramount Group USA said: “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.”
Paramount Aerospace specializes in the modernization of fixed wing platforms including leading the previous modernization of the Mirage F1M while still in Spanish Air Force military service.