HDL 48024 & 72054 Mirage F-1 EQ/BQ: Iraq & Iran

[Diego]

We are proud to announce a new sheet, this time covering a French aircraft in exotic colors - The Mirage F.1:

48024 & 72054 Mirage F.1 BQ/EQ

The Iraqi Air Force (IrAF) Mirage F.1s were very active during the Iran-Iraq War (1st Gulf War) 1980-88, and were used with great success in the interceptor, strike and recce roles.

The IrAF F.1s shot down many IRIAF Tigers, Phantoms and even several Tomcats during the 8 years long conflict.

The maritime strike versions F.1EQ-5 and -6 lauched the deadly AM-39/40 Exocet missile against many sea targets during the "Tanker War".

During "Desert Storm" in January 1991, 24 IrAF Mirages F.1 flew to Iran.

The Iranian Air Force (IRIAF) started to use these aircraft in 1993. Based at TFB.14 Mashad, the Mirages were used operationally against Pakistani and Afghan drug smugglers, as well against the Taliban crossing the Afghan-Iranian border. During one of such missions, an IRIAF F.1BQ two seat Mirage was shot down by a portable SAM, with the lost of the crew.

During overhauls in the mid 1990s as well as early 2000s many IRIAF Mirages F.1s received new paint schemes. Finally, the Iranian F.1s were retired from active service during 2007, but several examples are still flying during official presentations.

The new HDL sheet will contain markings for two representative Iraqi AF Mirages:

- F.1EQ-1 - beige & khaki scheme and several kill markings

- F.1EQ-5 - naval dark grey & white camo

as well as 5 Iranian Air Force Mirages, with different camo schemes:

- F.1EQ - beige & khaki IrAF scheme and full IRIAF markings

- F.1EQ - naval grey & white IrAF camo and full IRIAF markings

- F.1EQ - blue & grey IRIAF air superiority scheme IRIAF

- F.1EQ - "Asia Minor" green/brown/sand IRIAF camo

- F.1BQ - sand & brown IRIAF desert camo (twoseater)

The decal sheets should be available in early September and will be released in 1/72nd as well in 1/48th scales.

Recommended kits are:

in 1/72 - Hasegawa F.1C and Heller F.1 CT.

in 1/48 - Italeri F.1CR/CT or F.1C as well as Fonderie Miniature F.1B two seat version.

Greetings

Diego / HDL

Edited June 21, 2011 by Diego