Heller 1/48 Mirage 2000C
The origins of the Mirage 2000 could be traced back in the early 70's when Avions Marcel Dassault-Breguet Aviation (AMD-BA) decided to develop a secondary fighter project named “Delta 1000”, as a more affordable alternative to the interdictor Mirage G8, then envisioned as the "Avion de Combat Futur" (ACF) of the Armée de l'Air.
Armée de l'Air wanted a fighter and not an interdictor aircraft incapable of dogfighting, as was the Mirage G8, with Dassault deciding to redesign it into the twin-engine Super Mirage G8A, which in turn proved to be too ambitious, expensive and over-engineered, especially compared to the F-16 that had just won orders from a number of European countries.
Consequently, during a meeting of the National Defense Council on 18 December 1975, it was decided to cancel the Super Mirage project and instead offer to the Armée de l'Air the single engine and more affordable Mirage 2000 that had originated from the “Delta 1000”.
The type was further developed to the 2000N and 2000D nuclear and conventional strike variants respectively, whereas from roughly the start of the 90's the vastly upgraded Mirage 2000-5 version became available.
A total of 601 machines were built, before the production line was shut down in 2007, the last machine being the s/n 555 Mirage 2000-5 Mk.2, delivered to the Hellenic Air Force.
This is the venerable Heller mold of the famous French fighter, a kit that somehow lacks the refinement of modern kits, and presents a degree of challenge at places in building it.
The kit was built through Chuck Villanueva's @uscusn Desert Shield / Desert Storm Informal GB.
Should you wish to read the full build review, you may do so by visiting my beloved site Modelingmadness:
https://modelingmadness.com/review/mod/fr/penm2c.htm
Happy modelling!
Hi Spiros, another great build off your seemingly continuously running production line. I love delta wings and this Mirage really looks the part. Heller made some fantastic kits back in the day, I have fond memories of their Mk 2 Escort rally car, ah, those were the days. Anyway, you’ve brought their Mirage bang up to date.
Thanks my friend @chinesegeorge! Indeed, there is something very "right" in every Heller kit, deeming its practically irresistible.
Excellent build Spiros
Thanks my friend @blackmopane!
Classic build for a classic bird. Well done!
Thanks my friend @gwskat!
@fiveten
One of the finest models I’ve seen of this kit Spiros, truly good work overall, particularly the camo spray. Thumbs up!
Thanks my friend @holzhamer!
Hi Spiros @fiveten, what a beautiful 2000C, you know my attraction to them and I'm so pleased to see this result this DELTA deserves it! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks my friend @yann!
Great job! The extra effort with the control surfaces really paid off. Would you rate this kit above the monogram one?
Thanks my friend @eydugstr! Never built the Monogram offering, but I believe the Heller kit is more accurate, so I rate it higher. In fact, despite more modern offerings, I still believe the elderly Heller is the most accurate 1/48 Mirage 2000.
Excellent build / paint ,
Love the look of delta wing aircraft
Thanks my friend @piet!
@fiveten - Absolutely beautiful camouflage, Spiros. Another winner!
Thanks my friend @eb801!
Great rendition of this old and difficult kit. Typical French AF camouflage colors looked perfect to me. Bravo!
Thanks my friend @stelaire!
Like it a lot spiros,all the best!
Thanks my friend @mvtb!
All the best to you!
Another great looking model, Spiros (@fiveten). The improvements you made really make this Heller kit shine. Didn't the HAF fly these also? Anyway, well done.
Thanks my friend @gblair! Yes, HAF flies them also, got two other kits stashed and a nice HAF decal sheet 🙂
What, no Greek markings? 😀
For a Heller kit you did great work, turned out nice!
Thanks my friend @grimreaper! I am saving my Greek decal sheet for my two stashed Heller kits 🙂
Beautiful work on this Mirage, Spiros @fiveten
The lowered flaps give it a much better look.
The chosen scheme is looking superb on it.
Well done.
Thanks my friend @johnb!
Another nice one! Love the delta Mirage family of aircraft in all their permutations!
Thanks my friend @gkittinger!
Another great tribute to Heller and The Mirage.
Nice work Spiros. When’re you buying an airport ?
Thanks my friend @bernardbedeur!
I am in the (hard) negotiation phase with my wife for adding a "showcase section" to the guest room 🙂
Nice work, Spiros. Always good to see a Delta Mirage.
Thanks my friend @j-healy!
Beautiful job on your Mirage, Spiros! Nice work with the camouflage scheme.
Thanks my friend @georgeswork!
@fiveten, I love it Spiros! One of my favorite jet fighters and you've nailed it sir! 😀
Thanks my friend @garybrantley!
A real beauty! @fiveten
Thanks my friend @roofrat!