1/72 Mirage IIIC ‘Southern Hemisphere Fighter’

The Dassault Mirage IIIC became the breakthrough type of the Western European aviation industry and the basis for the entire family of Mirage III, IIIE and Mirage 5 aircraft that remained in service for many decades. It was the first European aircraft to exceed Mach 2 in horizontal flight and quickly gained a reputation as a powerful interceptor. It made history, particularly in the colours of the Israeli Air Force, where it became a symbol of Israel's air superiority over its Arab neighbours.

Israeli Mirage IIICs took part in conflicts such as the Water Wars, the Six Day War, the Wear and Tear War and the Yom Kippur War. It was in these machines that many Israeli pilots achieved the status of air aces. However, Mirage IIICs also served in the French Armée de l'Air and were successfully exported to other countries. The South African Air Force (SAAF) operated fifteen of these machines and deployed them for many years in regional conflicts, despite an international embargo.

Another major user was Argentina, which faced an embargo after the Falklands War and purchased nineteen Mirage IIICs from Israel between 1982 and 1983. These machines served in the Argentine Air Force until 1990. The Special Hobby kit contains seven grey plastic frames and one with clear parts. The decals allow for the construction of three South African aircraft in different paint schemes and two Argentine machines in two camouflages from different units. The model can be further enhanced with available masks and detailed accessories. The package does not include the paint or glue needed for assembly.