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Icarus Decal 1/48 Hellenic Air Force Mirage F.1CGs

By Chris Banyai-Riepl

Lovers of Greek aviation, it's time to be happy again, as Icarus Decals has come out with a new sheet for a new Hellenic subject. This time it is the Dassault Mirage F.1CG that is covered, and like other releases by Icarus, it is covered quite well.  Greece first received their Mirage F.1 aircraft in 1975 and the type remained in the Hellenic Air Force for twenty-five years, with the last unit retiring the type in July 2000.  Throughout the Mirage's life with the HAF, it retained its initial camouflage of intermediate blue over silver, although there were some exceptions in the form of special schemes, as well as a couple finished in the HAF three-color wraparound 'ghost' camouflage scheme.

Since the Mirage F.1 retained the same basic camouflage throughout its life, this sheet is pretty simple, which means that more attention can be given to the details.  Icarus has done just that, with extensive stenciling and detail markings included alongside the individual markings.  Greece received forty aircraft, and it appears that this sheet includes numbers for all forty aircraft.  Additionally, there are both of the 'ghost' camouflaged aircraft included.  There are enough national markings and stenciling to complete two aircraft (only one of the 'ghost' schemes, though).

For options, there are several examples of island names that were carried on several aircraft.  Also included are several styles of overwing walkway outline markings, including the low-viz style found on the 'ghost' camouflaged aircraft.  Two styles of stabilizer markings are also included.  There are unit emblems provided, both large style for the vertical fin and a smaller one found on aircraft 136 (in full color) and aircraft 115 (in black outline).

If you have a couple of Mirage F.1s sitting in the closet waiting for some nice decals, these are just the ticket.  The high quality printing, coupled with the excellent research, will have you wanting to finish a Greek Mirage F.1CG in no time.  This sheet is also available in 1/72 (sheet 72011).  My thanks to Icarus Decals for the review sample.