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Product Description
The Dassault Mirage is one of the most successful French aircraft designs of the post-war era, and an outstanding third generation jet fighter. The Mirage III prototype first flew in 1956 benefiting greatly from the work done on the experimental Fairey FD-2 Delta. It entered service with the French Air Force in 1961.
The South African Air Force (SAAF) was an early export customer for the Mirage, purchasing the IIIB, IIIC, IIID, IIIE and IIIR variants. These served well during the Border War in South West Africa (now Namibia) between 1978-1988 and in the Congo. The Mirage fleet was heading to obsolescence and the government had few options for a replacement due to anti-apartheid sanctions.
In 1981, the SAAF issued a requirement for a modernization program to improve the Mirage IIIs. With covert assistance from Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), the local aviation company ATLAS Aircaft Corporation developed an upgrade package that included air to air refuelling capability, new avionics, flares and canards. This was based heavily on IAI’s work on the Kfir program, but retained the ATAR 9C engine. The General Electric J79 used in the Kfir was embargoed.
The first Cheetah was based on Mirage IIIDZ serial 845, and first flew in Israel in 1985. The first upgrade series was given the project name “Brahman”, with eight Cheetah D2 converted from IIID2Z airframes, plus five Cheetah B from Israeli supplied airframes. These was followed by “Project Cushion” delivering three Cheetah Ds based on surplus IIIDZs. ATLAS converted single seat IIIEZ airframes to Cheetah E standard at the same time.
The later “Project Recipient” added a modified undercarriage and the ATAR 9K engine.
The two seat Cheetah served with 89 Combat Flying School and 2 “Cheetah” Squadron from 1992 - 2008. It was replaced in service by the SAAB Gripen. Most of the remaining airframes were sold to Chile and Ecuador.
This kit includes three decal options from 2 Squadron. A later kit will include parts for a “Project Recipient” Cheetah.
We acknowledge the kind assistance of Piet van Schalkwyk during the preparation of the original kit.
ERRATA: step 5 in some versions of the instructions refers to part A13 not F6. F6 is correct
This kit now includes the revised wing & fuselage sprues with improved surface details.
Scale: 1:72
Materials: Plastic, Photo Etch Metal, Resin
Decal Options: SAAF x 3
Paint and cement not included. Suitable for ages 14 to Adult
