2008 NATO Tiger Meet
This model is a HobbyBoss 1/72 Dassault
Rafale B from French Air Force squadron 5/330 Cote d'Argent at
Mont de Marsan AB. This unit is an evaluation unit which uses a
variety of different French air force jets (Rafale B/C, Mirage 2000 B/D/N/5F, Mirage F1CR,
AlphaJet). This squadron is very popular for these special schemes at NATO Tiger
Meet. This plane coded 330-EC was present for Ocean Tiger Meet 2008 at
Landivisau French Navy AB. All decals are from the box, I followed
HOBBYBOSS instructions regarding colors, the camouflage is grey FS36375
Gunze acrylic H308. I added a light weathering on the paint scheme to show
time wear and the beautiful engraved panel lines of the kit. It is my first time with
this brand, as an Hasegawa addict I think this kit is really good (engraved and
accuracy parts, clear parts for the cockpit, good instruction sheet and package,
awesome decal). I just saw two mistakes one on the kit (the flash light on top
of the tail is not present on the real plane, and the date of this scheme on the
instruction is wrong 2006 instead of 2008).
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images below to see larger images
To enhance the model I
opened the canopy and I decided to add some fake armaments two exercise MICA
air-air missiles, one IR guided on left end wing, one radar guided on
right end wing. I also added two 1250 liters fuel tanks.
I hope you will like my model, this kit is very easy to mount and detailed,
I found enough pictures of the real plane on the web to help me. I like the
final aspect and colors are very impressive. I'm very proud of this plane it
represents the head of the spear of France technology and defence and received
its baptism under fire in Serpentaire operation French part of Enduring freedom operation
in Afghanistan. I hope Dassault could sell this very polyvalent fighter/bomber
on the export market (perharps Brazil, Koweit or UAE).
TIGER!! TIGER!!
Jean-Charles GODDET
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images below to see larger images
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