Hi,
I did the 2D drawings of the Mirage Mach III for "Le Fana de l'Aviation" (Jozef Gatial did the wonderful 3D illustrations). My friend Alexis Rocher did the article after lots of researches in the archives in Paris. This was not a fake, although it would have been a perfect candidate for an "April's Fool".
It is true, though, that this small 3 view plan you discuss about came for "old ages": it had been published in Aviation Magazine International at various times, it was even published in Air Enthusiast by Tony Butler, and everybody wondered what was this project.
During his research, Alexis showed the drawing to Bruno Revellin Falcoz, the head manager for Research and Developement at Dassault Aviation at that time. He was skeptical and did not recognize it, although it included some recognizable Dassault designs.
Anyway, the archives told the secret: notes, official letters, designs, derivatives, etc... everything was real. Had been real.
This "Fana de l'aviation" issue came to be the most successful issue of the year in terms of sales. It raised some interest amongst Dassault Aviation people. Sharkit produced a model of it whith great and inventive illustrations for the box. Even a hobby magazine did excellent "whatifs". It is strange: this Mirage Mach III brought lots of enthusiasm, fantasy, like if it would have been a "dream plane". Maybe Dassault should have produced it for good, after all.
Working on this article was an inspiring adventure for me, although my drawings could have been better, I admit it.
Should you have any questions on this article, please do not hesitate to ask.
Regards,
Alain
