Hobby Master 1/72 Mirage 2000-SF: 10thAnniv

The Mirage 2000-5 is the second generation of the Mirage 2000. The French Armée de l’Air was replacing the older version of the Mirage 2000 and the manufacturer had hoped to sell the newer version to them but they had already committed to the Rafale. The manufacturer needed a sale to the ADA to help promote export sales so as a stopgap measure until the Rafale was delivered the ADA upgraded 37 of their early Mirage 2000’s to Dash 5 standards. The Dash 5 had new RDY radar, a new APSI (Advanced Pilot-System Interface) cockpit, MICA missiles and the ICMS Mk. 2 (integrated countermeasures system). The Dash 5 is the first production fighter aircraft ever to be equipped with LCD displays. France, Greece, India, Qatar and Taiwan are equipped with the Dash 5 version of the Mirage 2000.

The first major upgrade for the Mirage 2000C was the new cockpit displays, upgraded computers so the pilot could use targeting pods so various guided air-to-ground weapons could be dispensed. The radar also saw an upgrade making it possible to use MICA missiles. Mirage 2000-5F c/n 208 code 44, F-UGEE serial 2-EQ was constructed in 1988 as a “C” variant and was converted to a 2000-5F in 2002. In 2013 the aircraft was transferred to the Groupe de Chasse 1/2 Cigognes SPA103 Cigogne de Fonck.