The French Dinky S.N.C.A.S.O. Vautour Bomber In 1957, the French Dinky catalogue announced the introduction of its new aviation series, 60A-E, with the “Vautour” (Vulture) designated model 60B. Strangely, the Meccano magazine identified the model as both the third and fourth in the series. The 1/190th scale of the ‘Vulture’ resulted in a length of 92mm and a wingspan of 80mm. In the silver-grey livery of the French Air Force, the model cost 235 old francs, about 4/8. In 1959, French Dinky renumbered the ‘Vulture’, 801, and updated identification of the manufacturer as, Sud-Aviation. The model was withdrawn in 1964.

Modelled on the Sud-Aviation 4050 B, they produced three variants of the ‘Vulture’ for the French Air Force; an all- weather fighter (N), a tactical support fighter (A) and the bomber (B). The French Air Force also envisaged a photo-reconnaissance version. The 15m length of the aircraft matched its 15m wingspan producing a weight of 15 tonnes, rising to 20.7 when armed. The SNECMA, twin, jet engines produced 3,500 kg of thrust and with the aircraft’s swept back wings enabled it to attain a take-off speed of 60m/s over a distance of 800m and super-sonic speeds around Mach 0.9 or 1100 km/h. The rate of climb enabled a ceiling height of 13,000m to be reached. On a servo-assisted, hydraulically retractable undercarriage, four sets of landing wheels could be raised and lowered by the pilot. Equipped with CSF radar and 4 canons, the aircraft could also be adapted to carry up to 300 rockets.Cost 235 old fr available in silver finish at 1:90 scale. French Dinky in detail...