Dassault Rafale C

Armée de l'Air EC 3/30 Lorraine, no. 30-GN Dark Tiger, France, NATO Tiger Meet 2019

Hobby Master 1:72 HA9619

The NATO Association of Tiger Squadrons was esablished in 1961 to promote solidarity between NATO air forces. Each year, it holds a "Tiger Meet" to give member nations an opportunity to train together in simulated battle over the skies of Europe. As well as being opportunities for NATO air forces to share ideas and experiences, the meets are also public relations exercises and participating squadrons often decorate their aircraft with elaborate tiger-striped paint schemes. At the NATO Tiger Meet 2019, held at Base Aerienne 118 Mont-de-Marsan in southwestern France, the French Air Force's Escadron de Chasse 3/30 unveiled a special livery on their Dassault Rafale C aircraft, dubbed "Dark Tiger." This striking paint scheme featured a predominantly black fuselage adorned with tiger motifs, including a cartoon-style tiger face on the tail, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the "Smoke Screen" operation during the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944.

Dassault Rafale C

Designed as a result of the ACX (Avion de Combat Experimentale) program prior to France's withdrawl from the EFA project, the Rafale was first flown on July 4th, 1986. The Rafale is multi-role fighter for the Franch Air Force and Navy, capable of handling missions from reconnaissance to air supremacy to nuclear deterrence. The Rafale built on Dassault's expertise with delta-winged fighter design, adding a forward canard to improve maneuverability and reduce approach speeds for carrier operations. The Rafale's advanced avionics and and limited stealth capabilities are expected to secure it as the primary combat aircraft for the French Air Force and Navy until at least 2040.

Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Molded metal construction with plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
• opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
• Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
• Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.