Build #1 : AMD-BA Mirage F2000, EC 1/12 Cambresis

[Slerski]

Yes but on the pic, I haven't paint the light grey... And I paint her with a more straight separation 

[Slerski]

It's doooone  . Backstory written, need to do better pics but the project is complete. Here is a little poor pic (taken with my old camera)

[GTX]

Nice...now about that wallpaper on your laptop, I think we need to see a closer picture of that!

Regards,

Greg

[Slerski]

Ok, I'll send you by PM 

[GTX]

Ok, I'll send you by PM 

Good man!

Regards,

Greg

[philp]

Nice build and Greg isn't the only one interested in the wallpaper.

[NARSES2]

Lovely build, the lady looks quite nice as well 

[Taiidantomcat]

Great model, nice girl 

[Slerski]

Just for you, messieurs !!

Here is the lady.

[Slerski]

Mirage F2000

In the middle of the 70s, Dassault, strong of the experience acquired with the Mirage F1, bends over the future needs of foreign countries for the middle of the next decade. Not having a powerful plane, Dassault answers the demand by transplanting the new Atar 9 K 53 engine (renamed later Snecma M53) on a Mirage F1 cell, the objective being to propose the demonstrator of a simple combat aircraft at a moderate cost.

On December 18th, 1976, Dassault suggests to the Direction des Constructions Aéronautiques launching a market for this plane but the French Air Force, concentrated on the purchase of the Mirage 2000, intends to be equipped with the device only in ultimate case. Nevertheless, in June 1977, the French Air Force says itself interested in this Mirage F1, fitted with Atar 9 K 53 for all-weather attack missions.

At the same time, Snecma M53 is validated for the Mirage 2000, which makes its first flight on March 10th, 1978. On March 16th, the government brings its support for the development of the Mirage F1 M 53, by participating in the realization and the development of two prototypes, as well as by accelerating the Snecma M53's program so that the first prototype can fly in 1982.

The Mirage F1 M 53 derives directly from the Mirage F1 9 K 50 of which it keeps the pure aerodynamics. It differs from it essentially by its engine and by its weapon system as well as by its fuselage among which air inlets and back part are adapted to the new engine group. The foward fuselage is redrawn then finally modified on a design close to that of the Mirage 2000, including the RDM radar and an in-flight refuelling probe. The prototype's study begins on April 1st, 1978.

On December 22nd, F1 M 53 makes its first trial flight to Istres and demonstrates performances superior to the initial Mirage F1. Its combat range is only slightly increased but the more powerful engine improves its interception and fighting capacities (climbing up to Mach 1,7 to 40000 feet in 5 min 30 instead of 8 min).

In September, 1979, both trial prototypes are renamed Mirage F2000. They accumulate hours of flight during the end of the year and the first quarter 1980, demonstrating the future capacities of the plane. However the French Air Force delays. It is at present equipped with Mirage 2000 (the deliveries have to begin at the end of 1982) and sees hardly the interest of a "transition" plane, simple evolution of a plane which is in operational service since the 70s. After numerous hesitations and even a quasi-cancellation, the DCA confirms to Dassault whom the Ministry of Defence intends to acquire 60 Mirage F2000 by modification of 60 Mirage F1C with a great flight hours' potential.

The command is confirmed on May 8th, 1980 and on June 11th, 1980, five Mirage F1C, n° 6 to 10, enter the Dassault's factories. They will roll out in November, modified to the MF2000 standard. Aircrafts are fitted with the RDM radar and can fire the Super 530F missile. They are delivered to the EC 1/10 Valois, then based to Creil and in charge of the Paris air defense. New F2000 demonstrates clearly its superiority during feigned combat. At the end of 1980, 39 planes were modified. The Air Force intends then to modify every Mirage F1C (not including F1C-200) to the Mirage F2000 standard.

Two wings are equipped with the modified planes, the 10ème Escadre, based at Creil, and the 12ème Escadre, based at Cambrai. The first MF2000 are delivered with the RDM radar, which have restricted air-to-ground capacities. Emports are restricted too, planes making simple interception missions. The weapon system evolves with the addition, in March, 1982, of new threats detectors (the SERVAL suite) and with the deployment, in 1984, of the first RDI radars. This radar allows F2000 to increase the air-to-ground capacities, as well as the carrying of the Super 530D missile.

From their start, MF2000 shows a big operational availability, achieving detachments with no problem at all and emphasizing during the international exercises (in particular the NATO Tiger Meet). The success of the plane with the French Air Force incited a certain number of foreign countries to be interested in the device. We find some users of Mirage F1, but also new users.

The first country to be interested in F2000 is South Africa (for 26 planes), which was the first export customer of the Mirage F1, followed by Spain (48 planes) and by Greece (29 planes). The export radar is identical to the initial version of F2000, namely the RDM radar and the weapon system is slightly modified to include a better air-to-ground capacity. Iraq also asked for a modification of 29 of its Mirage F1, with an air-to-sea fighting capacity. Apart these modernizations, new customers appear, in particular Brazil, which acquires 12 ex-French F2000 and United Arab Emirates which buy 17 new F2000.

This plane is the Mirage F2000 n°33, which served with EC 1/12 Cambresis (12-YJ). The plane wears a special paint scheme, worn during the NTM '96.

[ChernayaAkula]

"Hard to be humble!!"
Must be. 'specially when you're lookin' that good!
Jolly nice work! 

[oliv30330]

it's a very good idéa, a very good work, and a very beautiful aircraft

[Slerski]

Thanks a lot, messieurs. It was just a little idea, born during a travel between Bordeaux and Paris.

[Geoff]

Excellent!

[ysi_maniac]

Absolutely right!!!