Dassault Aviation Balzac V 001 Limited edition Sharkit ; 1/72 scale. Price 50euros Below: Balzac by Andre ROY News page---- illustrated catalog----back to Sharkit home page ---- order this kit or e-mail me SingleSeat V/STOL Proof-of-Concept Aircraft . Converted from the conventional Mirage III 001, the Balzac was a Vertical Take-Off & Landing (VTOL) and Short Take-Off & Landing (STOL) concept aircraft designed to test the lift and control systems intended for the Mirage III V. The plane's first free flight occurred in October 1962, with the plane successfully making the transition from vertical to horizontal flight in March 1963. The Balzac's demise occurred in September 1965 when a test pilot, USAF Major Neale, forgot to transfer carburant from one tank to another. This error, combined with a deficient ejection seat, caused the plane to crash and the pilot to be lost. At this time, the prototypes of the Mirage III V were already under construction, so the Balzac was not repaired. This is an advanced kit and not for the beginner. The upper and lower doors of the eight hover engines have been designed to be displayed open. Engine air intakes and exhausts are visible when the doors are open. The kit also features a detailed cockpit and clear canopies. "Balzac" logo decals and all the markings are provided, but you have to get the national rounds insignas and the "warning ejection seat" triangle from any other French plane model. order this kit or e-mail uss