Dassault Mirage F-1C RAAF ARDU "Fanta Can"

[zenrat]

Dassault Mirage F-1C RAAF ARDU

When the RAAF purchase new types of aircraft an example is assigned to the ARDU (Aircraft Research & Development Unit) for appraisal.
A high visibility paint scheme is applied when it is deemed necessary to aid with observations.  The white/orange variation is commonly known as "Fanta Can" after a popular brand of sugar water.
Mirage F-1C024 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr
Mirage F-1C009 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr
Mirage F-1C021 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr
Mirage F-1C003 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

The Model:
Hasegawa Dassault Mirage F-1C
Aftermarket decals (intended for Mirage III)
Kit built OOB apart from removing the  wingtip rocket rails and drilling holes in the airbrakes.
Painted with Vallejo acrylics and DIY warehouse rattle can enamel.

[Weaver]

That looks mighty fine - nice one! 

[PR19_Kit]

A super looking model of a super looking aeroplane! 

That scheme makes the 'Needle Nose' look of the F1 look even 'Needlier'! 

[Dizzyfugu]

Pretty! And so clean...

[loupgarou]

Pretty and nosy| 

[NARSES2]

A stunner mate - well done 

[KiwiZac]

That looks great! I've never paid much attention to the F.1 before but this is very cool. Top notch job!

That said, Fanta Can makes anything good ;-)

[zenrat]

Thanks folks.

[Scotaidh]

Very nice!  I've always liked the F.1 - such a design-departure for Dassault, and they nailed it.  I mean, their try at a "conventional-winged" fighter, and to me it typifies the "French Fighter" look - neat & tidy, elegant, looks fast & deadly sitting still.  I have a mental image their design shop getting the brief, shrugging, "If we must - here you go, monsieur - can we go back to delta wings now?"

So, per your write-up, the RAAF does that for all aircraft under consideration?  If so, then you've got justification for a shed-load of aircraft - whatever you want, really!  Much more than a six-pack!    I can see it now - an An-225 Mriya (Cossack) next to an F-23 Black Widow 'Redback' (re-named for Aussie service because of local mods to suit local operational requirements, much in the way Israel has modded the F-16).


I don't suppose they have a set of "fanta" Ground Support Equipment, just to handle these aircraft?

[comrade harps]

 

[Doug K]

That looks great

[manuel]

  
I'm on regular blue Mirage but yours  it's great.
Manuel

[TomZ]

Great!!

TomZ

[rickshaw]

Good,  Indeed, excellent.   You need to change the serial though, mate.  A3 refers to the Mirage III family in RAAF service... 

[Glenn]

Great stuff...about time we got the Mirages back!
Glenn