1/72 Mirage IIIC ‘Armée de l'Air’

The Dassault Mirage III is one of France's most iconic and successful fighter aircraft, and has become a worldwide commercial hit. Its development began in the 1950s with the aim of creating a light interceptor capable of reaching high supersonic speeds.

The Mirage IIIC, which first flew in October 1960, was the first mass-produced version and the main fighter for the Armée de l'Air. It was a single-seat fighter-interceptor that achieved operational capability in 1961 as the first European aircraft capable of Mach 2 horizontal flight. This performance was achieved thanks to the powerful SNECMA Atar 9B afterburner jet engine. For extreme performance, the SEPR 844 auxiliary rocket engine could be installed in the fuselage instead of the auxiliary fuel tank.

The Mirage IIIC was designed primarily for air superiority and intercept missions. It was equipped with CSF Cyrano I radar and its fixed armament consisted of a pair of 30mm DEFA 552 guns (in a housing under the fuselage that replaced the rocket motor). In addition, it could carry anti-aircraft missiles such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder or the French Matra R.530 missile under the hull.

Although it was later replaced in France by more advanced versions of the Mirage III E and eventually by the Mirage F1, the Mirage IIIC remains a symbol of technologicalof Cold War progress and a key type that helped France achieve its status as a leading manufacturer of combat aircraft.

Description of plastic kit

Special Hobby 's 1/72nd scale Mirage IIIC 'Armée de l'Air' kit is a highly detailed model of the legendary French fighter. The kit is part of a series that has gained recognition for its accurate shapes and fine panel engraving.

The kit includes high quality grey plastic mouldings, a frame with clear parts for the cockpit overlay and a set of armament typical of the Mirage IIIC. Thanks to the use of modern plastic injection moulding technologies, you can enjoy a precision crafted delta wing, cockpit and landing gear details.

The 'Armée de l'Air' edition focuses on service in the French Air Force and features four attractive camouflage and markings schemes, including the metallic surfaces and early operational livery worn by the aircraft during service with the elite Escadres de Chasse units.

It is recommended to add accessories to the kit such as resin seats or masks for the cockpit overlay to enhance the final model.

⚠️ Please note: This plastic kit does not contain paint or glue. These items must be purchased separately.

• Period.

• Nationality: France 🇫🇷

• Type: Supersonic Interceptor