The Dassault Mirage IV was France’s front line nuclear deterrent from 1963 until the 1970s and retained their nuclear capability into the 1980s. Several remained in service as reconaissance platforms at the end of the century.

Design of a French nuclear strategic bomber began in 1954 and Dassault had settled on an enlarged version of the Mirage III in 1956.

The first Mirage IV flew on 17 June 1959 and three pre-production bombers began flying in October 1961.

Sixty-two production versions were constructed between December 1963 and November 1966, they began entering service with the Armee de l’Air in 1964 where they were operated by nine squadrons each with one ready to take off on a moment’s notice.

This model represents the first production Dassault Mirage IVA, No 4, c.1970s

Heller 1:72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in September 1999.