Mirage 2000-5 Le Vieux Charles - 1:72 Scale Model

The Mirage 2000-5 was the last addition to the Mirage 2000 family of combat aircraft.It was designed as a multirole aircraft, building on the development work and experience gained with the other Mirage 2000s (Mirage 2000C, Mirage 2000N and Mirage 2000D). The aircraft is equipped with specially adapted versions of the latest weapons and equipment.It is powered by a 9.8 tonne SNECMA M53-P2 turbofan engine with afterburner thrust, optimised for the effective fulfilment of all combat missions in a very extensive flight envelope (60,000 ft / 18,000 m, Mach 2.2).The Mirage 2000-5 is available in single-seat and two-seat versions. The two-seater has all the operational capabilities and performance of the single-seater. It can also be used for advanced pilot training. The two-seat version has been ordered for export (Taiwan, Qatar, and Greece). The aircraft entered service in the French Air Force with squadrons EC 1/2 Cigognes and EC 2/2 Côtes d’Or at Dijon air base in 1999. The Mirage 2000-5 aircraft operated by the French Air and Space Force now belong to the 2nd Fighter Squadron stationed at Airbase 116 Luxeuil Saint-Sauveur.They form part of Squadron EC 1/2 Cigognes. Some aircraft are assigned to the Military Air Expertise Centre (CEAM) in Mont-de-Marsan for experimental use.It was chosen by the Air and Space Force to honour the air aces during the ceremonies held to commemorate the Great War in 2017. Airbase 116 “Lieutenant-Colonel Tony Papin” and the EC 1/2 Cigognes fighter squadron chose to honour Ace of Aces Charles Guynemer, who was lost in action on 17 September 1917. Thanks to the creative spirit of Régis Rocca, the spirit of the “Vieux Charles” (Old Charles) Spad VII piloted by Captain Guynemer was replicated in the lines of the Mirage 2000-5.Important Notice: This is a detailed scale model intended for adult collectors. It is not a toy. Please note: this model may contain small pieces and sharp edges. Not suitable for children under the age of 15. For more detailed information about the Mirage 2000, visit the official Dassault Aviation website at https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/customer-support/operational-aircraft/mirage-2000/