Dassault Rafale-C, Belgian Air Force.
1 Wing, 350 squadron, Florennes AB, 2025.this is aircraft number 2 in my 1/144 sub-build theme "Belgian Air Force 2025".
in RealWorld, the Rafale is being concidered as one of the contenders to replace the F-16.
but i dont think this will happen as the Rafale is incompatible with the mostly American systems used by most other NATO nations.
this model depics a Rafale-C, Flown by 350 Squadron "Ambiorix", based at Florennes AB in Wallonia.
the paintscheme is the same as that currently used by the F-16.
the model is a Revell Rafale-M, converted to a C-model by removing the tailhook, and replacing the nosewheel with that modified from a DML Tornado GR4.
armament consists of 2 MICA's, 2 Scalp-EG/Storm Shadow's (from DML Dragon Tornado GR4) and 2 GBU-12 LGB's (spares)
the FLIR targetting pod is from a Revell F-18D, fitted on a scratchbuild pylon.
Decals are from the kit (stenciling) and DIY (markings).
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Dassault Rafale-C, Force Aerienne Wallonie
1e Escadrille, Florennes AB, 2012When Neighbouring Flanders decided to order 9 new Eurofighter Typhoons in 2007, the Force Aerienne Wallonie (Wallonian Air Force) decided to upgrade its fighter force aswell.
after the seperation of Belgium in 2006, Wallonia leased 6 Mirage 2000C fighters from France to provide the FAW with a air defence/strike capability.
but the lease contract was only a temporary sollution, when financian resources finally became available in februari 2008, the FAW placed an order for 7 Rafale-C fighters from France, a few month later, a second deal was signed for 3 2-seat Rafale-B's.
the first Rafales was delivered to Wallonia in november 2010 and were integrated into 1e Escadrille at Florennes AFB near Dinant.
the model:
model is a Revell Rafale-M, converted to Rafale-C. only this time the nosewheel came from the sparesbox, but it appears a bit shorter drooping the nose down a bit (but it looks better IMO).
weapons are from the kit, Decals are from the kit (stencilling) and DIY (markings)
for the paintsheme i decided to with the 2-tone camo from the Rafale-B prototype.
