NEW! SAM Publications MDFSD08 Dassault Mirage 2000 B/C/D/N and international versions by Andy Evans

MDFSD8 Scaled Down #8 Dassault_Mirage 2000B/2000C/2000D/2000N and international versions.

Dassault_Mirage 2000B/C/D/N The delta wing Dassault_Mirage 2000 is a French multirole, single-engine fourth-generation aircraft, designed in the late 1970s as a lightweight fighter based on the iconic Mirage III for the French Air Force (Armee de l'Air). Since then the Mirage 2000 evolved into a true multirole platform with several variants developed and has been sold to a number of nations. The variants include the Mirage 2000C fighter and Mirage 2000D and Mirage 2000N strike variants, and the improved Mirage 2000-5, and the proposed 2000-9. Over 600 aircraft were built, and it has been in service with nine nations. The Mirage 2000 has proven a capable performer under extreme combat conditions and has seen action across Europe, the Middle East and in North Africa as a part of the NATO contingent enforcing the 'No-Fly Zone' over Libya.

Despite the aircraft currently being replaced by the much more advanced Dassault Rafale, the Dassault_Mirage 2000 still plays a role in operations of the French Air Force today - and with other air forces around the world. Mirage 2000 fighters in currently operation with the French Air Force are the Mirage 2000C/B single seater the Mirage 2000N and the upgraded Mirage 2000NK3, designed for all weather nuclear penetration at low altitude and very high speed. Also in service is the Mirage 2000D, an upgraded version of the Mirage 2000N, for automated bombing using conventional and laser guided munitions, and the Mirage 2000-5, incorporating advanced avionics, new sensors and control systems. The Mirage 2000 has nine hardpoints for carrying weapon system payloads - five on the fuselage and two on each wing, and these include the BGL 1000 laser-guided bomb, AS30L, Armat anti-radar missile, AM39 Exocet anti-ship missile, Apache standoff weapon, and the stealthy cruise missile, the Storm Shadow/SCALP.

The aforementioned French Mirage 2000NK3 aircraft can also carry the ASMPA medium-range air-to-ground missile. ASMPA has a tactical nuclear warhead and replaced the ASMP missile. The single-seat version is also armed with two internally mounted, high-firing-rate 30mm guns. Air-to-air weapons include MICA air-to-air missiles, and the Magic 2 missiles, the MBDA Super 530D missile or the Sky Flash. The Mirage 2000 gained export success with sales to Greece, Brazil, Qatar, Peru, Taiwan, India, the UAE and Egypt. Brazil retired its Mirage 2000s in 2013, however, the type remains in service around the world with many being upgraded to new standards. The success of this iconic Dassault delta is lavishly brought to life in this new MDF Scaled Down book which will provide information and inspiration for the modeller and enthusiast alike.

By Andy Evans