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Super Etendard
The naval single-seater combat aircraft, Dassault Super-Etendard, is a modernized version of the Etendard IV M. Main modifications include updating of the weapons system through the installation (a first for a French production aircraft) of a modern navigation and combat management system. The aircraft prototype made its maiden flight 28 October 1974 at Istres (the Bouches-du-Rh�ne region of France).
The Super Etendard is a carrier-based single-seat strike fighter first introduced into service in 1978. It is an updated version of the Etendard IVM. Based on experience gained during the Korean war (1950-53), French authorities drew up specifications for a light interceptor. This definition was rapidly assimilated into a program for a light tactical bomber that could also fulfil an air superiority mission. At the same time, NATO published its requirements for the LWTSF (Light Weight Tactical Strike Fighter). In response, the Dassault company presented its Mirage and Etendard aircraft.
To meet the needs of both national and NATO programs, Dassault carried over the aerodynamic design of its Super-Myst�re, applying it to smaller aircraft equipped with power plants that could reach transonic speeds without afterburners. This led to the design of the Myst�re XXII (Etendard II), Myst�re XXIV (Etendard IV) and Myst�re XXVI (Etendard VI), developments which were remarkable for improving lift so that take-off and landing became possible at reduced speeds.
The Etendard IV M was the first naval aircraft developed by Dassault. The Etendard IV M made its maiden flight 21st May 1958 at Melun-Villaroche (the Seine-et-Marne region of France). The wings of the aircraft are mid-mounted, swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips there are sawtooth in the leading edges. There is one turbojet engine inside the body. There are semicircular air intakes below the canopy and a single exhaust. The fuselage has a long, pointed nose. The body bulges at the air intakes and tapers to the rear. There is a bubble canopy well forward on the nose. The dorsal spine extends from the cockpit to midbody. The tail is large, swept-back, and tapered tail fin with curved tip. The flats are low- to mid-mounted on the tail fin, swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips.
Between 1961 and 1965, the French Navy took delivery of 69 Etendard IV M's and 21 Etendard IV P's. The Etendard IV M continued in service in the French Navy until July 1991. These aircraft logged a total of 180,000 flying hours and made 25,300 carrier landings. Even today, there are still several Etendard IV P's and IV PM's in service.
Specifications | ||
| Country of Origin | France | |
| Builder | DASSAULT-BREGUET | |
| First flight | May 1958 Etendard IV October 1990 (Upgraded Super Etendard) | |
| In-service in the French Navy |
1964 Etendard IV June 1993 (Upgraded Super Etendard) | |
| Similar Aircraft | | |
| Crew | One | |
| Role | | |
| Span | 31 ft, 6 in / 9.60 meters | |
| Length | 47 ft / 14.31 meters | |
| Height | 3.85 meters | |
| Range | 750-1080 nautical miles | |
| Endurance | 1h45 to 2h15 with r�servoir suppl�mentaire | |
| Speed | | |
| Ceiling | 45,000 feet / 13700 meters | |
| Weight | 11.90 tonnes (6.25 � vide). | |
| In-Flight Refueling | Yes | |
| Internal Fuel | 2612 kg | |
| Payload | 2100 kg w/full int fuel | |
| Power plant / Thrust | SNECMA 8 K50 jet engine / 5 t | |
| Armament |
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| Systems |
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| Special equipment | 6 Om�ra 31 cameras (100, 150, 200 and 600 mm) | |
| Drop Tanks | ||
| Engine | 1 SNECMA 8K50 @ 5 tonnes thrust | |
| Sensors | Agave radar, RWR, ballistic bombsight | |
| User Country | ||
| Number of units produced | 85 (all types of Super Etendard included) | |
| French Navy inventory |
52 Super Etendard in two squadrons 5 Etendard IV P | |
