Patrick Experton was a test pilot who worked for the French aerospace company Dassault Aviation from 1978 until his retirement in 2002.
He then returned to France to Istres AB with the CEV where he conducted spin trials for the newly acquired Mirage F-1C.
He then commanded the EC 3/30 Lorraine squadron from 1976 to 1978 operating out of Reims AB, also one of the first unit equipped with the aircraft.
The aircraft was an attempt by Dassault to maintain its market share with existing Mirage III customers.
The project however never gained sufficient traction to clinch any significant domestic or foreign air force orders.