MISSILE MATRA R530 WITH LAUNCHER FOR MIRAGE IIIC / IIIE

Missile MATRA R530 with LAUNCHER.

This model has been tested in fit and dimensions on the 1/32 scale Italeri Mirage III E and R (reconnaissance version).

The MATRA R530 was designed in France in the late 1950's with a solid fuel rocket. Its design is very practical and intelligent as it consists of a single booster part to which 2 different guidance head alternatives can be attached. One with radar and the other with infrared system.

It was widely used by the entire Mirage and F-8 Crusader fighter-bomber family. Although the latter had them attached to launchers on the fuselage sides, which is not the type of launcher included in this model for the Mirage III and IIIE.

There is some criticism of its low hit rate. But it was not so different from other missiles such as the American AIM9 missile. With the difference that the R530 was heavier because of its long range, and therefore there was no backup on the Mirage IIIC and IIIE in case of failure.

Pieces

It consists of 2 or 3 pieces depending on the version purchased. Since the infrared version includes the additional transparent dome. The other 2 pieces are the launcher and the missile, in addition to the decals.

Does not include the Mirage III model.

Assembly

It only requires painting and gluing between the pieces and the airplane.

Scratch

This part does not require scratch work. It is ready for painting and assembly on the Mirage IIIC or IIIE/R model.

Additional information
 

As can be seen in the photographs, this is an exceptional piece. It has an extraordinary detail work where you can appreciate even details of the optical system closure. The thickness of the wings and rudders respects the aerodynamic line of the real model. It is thicker in the central part and thinner at the borders.

In this model the launcher is sold with the fairing closed, as it would be ready for takeoff and flight. The decals include different numbering for the radar, infrared and the special experimental infrared version used on the Mirage IIIC models.
 

The decals include several of the indications in English or French, and several alternative letters as part of the missile numbering, so that it can be adapted to the country to which the Mirage model being built belongs.