Mirage 2000N - 1:72 Scale Model

The Mirage 2000N is the nuclear assault version of the Mirage 2000, designed to carry the ASMP (now the improved ASMP-A) mid-range air-to-surface missile. The two prototypes made their maiden test flights in 1983 and the Mirage 2000N became operational in 1988. It shares a similar fuselage with the Mirage 2000B, a two-seat training aircraft adapted to cover long distances at low altitude. Nuclear strike missions require a two-seat plane: a weapons system navigation officer (NOSA in French) is responsible for handling the navigation system, counter-measures and launching the nuclear missile. Dassault Aviation produced 75 of these aircraft. These aircraft were used by French Strategic Air Force squadrons EC 1/4 Dauphiné and EC 2/4 La Fayette at Airbase 116 Luxeuil Saint-Sauveur as well as EC 3/4 Limousin at Airbase 125 Istres Le Tubé. In the early 1990s, the plane also served in the 3rd Nancy fighter squadron at EC 2/3 Champagne. As well as serving in the permanent state of nuclear alert that has been in place since 1988, these squadrons distinguished themselves in aerial operations conducted from Cervia, Italy, in the former Yugoslavia (Operation Crécerelle, 1994). They were also deployed during Operation Harmattan in Libya in 2011, where Mirage 2000N aircraft flying from Souda in Crete took part in ground strike missions. With effect from Operation Chammal in August 2015, air crews from EC 2/4 La Fayette, the last remaining squadron flying the Mirage 2000N, operated out of Jordan on anti-terrorism missions in Iraq and Syria. These aircraft and crews withdrew from the theatre of operations on 25 August 2016 after more than 300 sorties. Subsequently, the Mirage 2000N took part alongside the Mirage 200D in operations in the Sahel, the most recent overseas deployment of EC 2/4 La Fayette. The Mirage 2000N was ultimately retired from service in summer 2018 after 30 years in French deterrence. 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/