SMB-2 Super Mystère 'Sa’ar "Israeli Storm"
SH48238
Special Hobby
1:48
The type was a development of Dassault's previous successful jet fighters such as the Ouragan or Mystere IV and a number of prototypes.
The first of 180 aircraft built flew for the first time on February 26, 1957.
The aircraft were assigned to Nos. 10, 12 and 5 Squadrons of the Armée de l'Air and also served at the CEV and CEAM test centers and in flight schools.
Later machines were equipped with more powerful Atar 101G-2 or G-3 engines.
The type served in fighter squadrons until 1977, when the last remaining SMB2s of No. 12 Escadron were replaced by more modern Mirage III jets.
As the main operator of the type outside France, the Israeli Air Force uses the type - its SMB2s have taken part in a number of clashes, conflicts and wars between Israel and its Arab neighbors. The SMB2s, known locally as Sambad, were delivered in two batches of 24 and 12 airframes.
Seven more of these were later delivered to make up for losses sustained during service
. Shortly after the delivery of the Sambads, Israel also acquired the excellent Mirage IIICs, which became its primary front-line fighter aircraft.
Therefore the Sambads were only commissioned with one Tayeset or squadron (the 105th) and flew primarily as fighter-bombers. Due to the spare parts problems caused by the French arms embargo, Israel's Aircraft Industries (IAI) proposed equipping the already fairly worn out airframes with the US-built J52 turbofan.
Although these engines lacked the afterburner, they were 25% lighter, had lower fuel consumption, and provided thrust almost comparable to their French counterparts.
Performance remained almost the same except for acceleration and initial climb rate.
In addition, the type could carry many more weapons under the wings, had a much greater range and could operate in the combat area for much longer.
A total of 26 airframes were converted and known in the IAF as "Sa'ar" or "Storm" in Hebrew. In a short time they had the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities in the 1973 Yom Kippur War and excelled in the ground attack role. In 1975, the 105th Tayeset received its new F-4 Phantom IIs and the already obsolete Sa'ars were finally retired.
Plastic model kit
- 3D printed components (made in collaboration with Mini Craft Collection:
- Ejection seat
- Air brakes
- 250kg bombs
- Shafrir missiles
- The decal sheet includes three Israeli machines in different color schemes
unbuilt / unpainted
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