Jump to content

Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Jclavel (talk | contribs)
17 edits
mNo edit summary
 
(507 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Attack aircraft by Dassault}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2013}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
{{Infobox aircraft
|name=Super Étendard
|name= Super Étendard
|image=File:Super Etendard 070412-N-8157C-307.JPEG
|image= File:Super Etendard - RIAT 2005 (cropped).jpg
|caption=A Super Étendard performs a [[touch-and-go landing]] on the flight deck of the {{USS|John C. Stennis|CVN-74}}.
|caption= A Super Étendard at [[RIAT]] in 2005.
|type= [[Strike aircraft]]
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
|national_origin= France
|type=[[Attack aircraft]]
|manufacturer=[[Dassault Aviation|Dassault-Breguet]]
|manufacturer= [[Dassault Aviation|Dassault-Breguet]]
|designer=
|designer=
|first flight=28 October 1974
|first_flight= 28 October 1974
|introduced=June [[1978 in aviation|1978]]
|introduction= June 1978
|retired=
|retired= July 2016 (French Navy)
|status=Active
|status=
|primary user=[[French Navy]]
|primary_user= [[French Naval Aviation]] (historical)
|more users=[[Argentine Navy]] <br>[[Iraqi Air Force]]
|more_users= [[Argentine Naval Aviation]] (historical) <br />[[Iraqi Air Force]] (historical)
|produced=1977–1983
|produced= 1974–1983
|number built=85
|number_built= 85
|developed_from= [[Dassault Étendard IV]]
|unit cost=
|variants=
|developed from=[[Dassault Étendard IV]]
|variants with their own articles=
}}
}}
|}


The '''[[Dassault Aviation|Dassault-Breguet]] Super Étendard''' (Étendard is [[French language|French]] for "[[battle standard]]") is a [[France|French]] [[aircraft carrier|carrier-borne]] [[strike fighter]] aircraft designed for service with the [[French Navy]]. The aircraft entered service in June 1978 and was first used in combat by [[Argentina]] during the 1982 [[Falklands War]].
The '''Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard''' (''Étendard'' is French for "[[War flag|battle flag]]", cognate to English "standard") is a French [[carrier-based aircraft|carrier-borne]] [[attack aircraft|strike fighter]] aircraft designed by [[Dassault Aviation|Dassault-Breguet]] for service with the [[French Navy]].


The aircraft is an advanced development of the [[Dassault Étendard IV|Étendard IVM]], which it replaced. The Super Étendard first flew in October 1974 and entered French service in June 1978. French Super Étendards have served in several conflicts such as the [[Kosovo War|Kosovo war]], the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|war in Afghanistan]] and the [[2011 military intervention in Libya|military intervention in Libya]].
==Design and development==
The Super Étendard is a development of the earlier [[Dassault Étendard IV|Étendard IVM]] that was originally to have been replaced by a navalised version of the [[SEPECAT Jaguar]] (the Jaguar M), until this plan was stalled by political problems, together with problems with operating the Jaguar aboard ships, including the inability to land back on a carrier after an engine failure. Instead, Dassault proposed an improved version of the Étendard IVM, with a more powerful engine, a new wing and improved avionics. This proposal was accepted by the French Navy in 1973 as the Super Étendard.<ref name="Spearhead p40"> Grolleau 2003, p.40.</ref>


The Super Étendard was also operated by Iraq (on a temporary lease) and Argentina, which both deployed the aircraft during wartime. [[Argentine Navy|Argentina's Navy]] use of the Super Étendard and the [[Exocet]] missile during the 1982 [[Falklands War]] led to the aircraft gaining considerable popular recognition. The Super Étendard was used by Iraq to attack [[oil tanker]]s and merchant shipping in the [[Persian Gulf]] during the [[Iraq-Iran War]]. In French service, the Super Étendard was replaced by the [[Dassault Rafale]] in 2016.<ref name="Super Etendard retired">{{cite news | language = fr | url = http://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/les-super-etendard-francais-retires-du-service |title = Les Super Etendard français retirés du service |trans-title=The French Super Etendard retires from service | publisher = Mer et Marine |date = 13 July 2016}}</ref>
The Super Étendard is a small, single-engined, mid-winged aircraft with an all metal structure. Both the wings and [[tailplane]] are swept, with the folding wings having a sweepback of about 45 degrees, while the aircraft is powered by a non-afterburning [[SNECMA Atar|SNECMA Atar 9K-50]] [[turbojet]] with a rating of 49&nbsp;kN (11,025&nbsp;lbf). It is fitted with a [[Thomson-CSF]] Agave radar, closely integrated with the new air-launched version of [[Aérospatiale]]'s anti-shipping missile, the [[Exocet|AM 39 Exocet]], which forms the main anti-ship armament of the aircraft. French Étendards could also carry tactical nuclear weapons.<ref name="Spearhead p40"/><ref name="Janes 82 p65-6"/>

==Development==
The first of three prototypes, a IVM modified with the new engine and some of the new avionics,<ref name="Spearhead p40"/> made its maiden flight on 28 October 1974.<ref name="Janes 82 p65">Taylor 1982, p.65.</ref> The French Navy initially ordered 60 of the new model, with options for a further 20, but budget cuts lead to only 71 being purchased in the end, with deliveries starting in June 1978, while the Argentinian Navy ordered a further 14.<ref name="Janes 82 p65"/> Production was completed in 1983.<ref name="Janes up 94 p56"> Michell 1994, p.65.</ref>
The Super Étendard is a development of the earlier [[Dassault Étendard IV|Étendard IVM]] which had been developed in the 1950s. The Étendard IVM was originally to have been replaced by a navalised version of the [[SEPECAT Jaguar]], designated as the Jaguar M; however the Jaguar M project was stalled by a combination of political problems and issues experienced during trial deployments on board carriers. Specifically, the Jaguar M had suffered handling problems when being flown on a single engine and a poor throttle response time that made landing back on a carrier after an engine failure difficult.<ref name= "WAPJ11 p77">Jackson 1992, p. 77.</ref> In 1973, all development work on the Jaguar M was formally cancelled by the French government.<ref>Bowman 2007, p. 26.</ref>

There were several proposed aircraft to replace the Jaguar M, including the [[LTV A-7 Corsair II]] and the [[Douglas A-4 Skyhawk]]. Dassault pulled some strings with the French government and produced its own proposal to meet the requirement.<ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=TCTpu1UVFsYC | title = An Embarrassment of Aeroplanes | newspaper = New Scientist | volume = 56 | issue = 824 | date = 14 December 1972 | pages = 660–61 | publisher = Reed Business Information | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160416144828/https://books.google.com/books?id=TCTpu1UVFsYC | archive-date = 2016-04-16 | url-status=dead }}.</ref> According to [[Bill Gunston]] and Peter Gilchrist, Dassault had played a significant role in the cancellation of the Jaguar M with the aim of creating a vacancy for their own proposal – the Super Étendard.<ref name = "bomber 169">Gunston and Gilchrist 1993, p. 169.</ref> The Super Étendard was essentially an improved version of the existing Étendard IVM, outfitted with a more powerful engine, a new wing and improved avionics. Dassault sold its plane as the only fully French-made candidate, and as cheaper than the other contestants, using modern technology already proven in existing Dassault planes. Dassault's Super Étendard proposal was accepted by the French Navy in 1973, leading to a series of prototypes being quickly assembled.<ref name = "Spearhead p40">Grolleau 2003, p. 40.</ref>

The first of three prototypes to be built, an Étendard IVM which had been modified with the new engine and some of the new avionics,<ref name = "Spearhead p40" /> made its maiden flight on 28 October 1974.<ref name = "Janes 82 p65">Taylor 1982, p. 65.</ref><ref>Polmar 2006, p. 330.</ref><ref name = "bomber 170"/> The original intention of the French Navy was to order a total of 100 Super Étendards, however the order placed was for 60 of the new model with options for a further 20; further budget cuts and an escalation in the aircraft's per unit price eventually led to only 71 Super Étendards being purchased.<ref name = "bomber 170">Gunston and Gilchrist 1993, p. 170.</ref> Dassault began making deliveries of the type to the French Navy in June 1978.<ref name="Janes 82 p65"/><ref>Friedman 2006, p. 159.</ref>

In the first year of production, 15 Super Étendards were produced for the French Navy, allowing the formation of the first squadron in 1979. Dassault produced the aircraft at a rough rate of two per month.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1978/1978%20-%202717.html "France's Aerospace Industry – Programme by Programme."] ''Flight International'', 4 November 1978. p. 1647.</ref>

The [[Argentine Navy]] was the only export customer. Argentina placed an order for 14 aircraft to meet their requirements for a capable new fighter that could operate from their sole aircraft carrier.<ref name="Janes 82 p65"/> In 1983, all manufacturing activity was completed, the last delivery to the French Navy taking place that year.<ref name = "bomber 170"/><ref name="Janes up 94 p56">Michell 1994, p. 65.</ref>

==Design==
[[File:Dassault Super Etendard, France - Air Force JP7619285.jpg|thumb|Underside of a Super Étendard in-flight. The protruding tail hook is towards the rear of the fuselage]]
The Super Étendard is a small, single-engined, mid-winged aircraft with an all-metal structure. Both the wings and [[tailplane]] are swept, with the folding wings having a sweepback of about 45 degrees, while the aircraft is powered by a non-afterburning [[SNECMA Atar|SNECMA Atar 8K-50]] [[turbojet]] with a rating of 49&nbsp;kN (11,025&nbsp;lbf). Its performance was not much better than the Étendard IV, but its avionics were significantly improved.

The main new weapon of the Super Étendard was the French anti-shipping missile, the [[Aérospatiale]] [[Exocet|AM 39 Exocet]].<ref name = "Spearhead p40" /> The aircraft had a [[Thomson-CSF]] Agave radar, an updated version of the [[Cyrano radar family|Cyrano IV]] used on the [[Dassault Mirage F1]], which, amongst other functions, was essential to launch the Exocet missile.<ref name= "Spearhead p40" /> One of the major technical advances of the Super Étendard was its onboard UAT-40 central computer; this managed most mission-critical systems, integrating navigational data and functions, radar information and display, and weapons targeting and controls.<ref>Friedman 2006, pp. 159–60.</ref>

In the 1990s, significant modifications and upgrades were made to the type, including an updated UAT-90 computer and a new Thomson-CSF Anemone radar which provided nearly double the range of the previous Agave radar.<ref name = "friedman 160">Friedman 2006, p. 160.</ref> Other upgrades at this time included an extensively redesigned cockpit with [[HOTAS]] controls, and airframe life-extension work was undertaken; a total of 48 aircraft received these upgrades, at a rate of 15 per year.<ref name = "friedman 160"/> During the 2000s, further improvements included significantly improved self-defence [[Electronic countermeasures|ECM]] capability to better evade enemy detection and attacks,<ref name= "Spearhead p40-1">Grolleau 2003, pp. 40–41.</ref> cockpit compatibility with [[night vision goggles]], a new [[inertial]] data system partly integrating [[GPS]], and compatibility with the Damocles [[Laser designator]] pod.<ref name = "friedman 160" />

The Super Étendard could also deploy tactical nuclear weapons;<ref name="Janes 82 p65-6"/> initially these were [[unguided bomb|unguided gravity bombs]] only, however, during the 1990s the Super Étendard was extensively upgraded, enabling the deployment of the [[Air-Sol Moyenne Portée]], a [[ramjet]]-powered air-launched [[nuclear missile]].<ref name="Spearhead p40"/> The aircraft was also refitted with the ability to operate a range of laser-guided bombs and, to enable the type to replace the retiring Étendard IV in the reconnaissance mission, the Super Étendard was fitted to carry a specialist reconnaissance pod as well.<ref name= "Spearhead p40-1" /> However, the aircraft is unable to perform naval landings without jettisoning unexpended ordnance.<ref name = "friedman 160" />


==Operational history==
==Operational history==

===Argentina===
===Argentina===
[[File:Super Etendard ARA 204.jpg|thumb|During the 1982 Falklands War, the Argentine Super Étendards were used as a launch platform for [[Exocet]] anti-ship missiles]]
[[File:2da Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Caza y Ataque.png|thumb|100px|left|[[2da Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Caza y Ataque|2nd Sqd]] insignia]]

The [[Argentine Naval Aviation]] decided to buy 14 Super Étendards in 1980, after the [[United States]] put an arms embargo in place—due to the [[Dirty War]]—and refused to supply spare parts for their [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4Q Skyhawks]]. Assigned to [[2da Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Caza y Ataque|2nd Naval Air Fighter/Attack Squadron]], Argentine pilots used French flight trainers between November 1980 and August 1981 in [[France]], but at the time of the [[Falklands War]], they had received only 45 hours of actual flight time in the aircraft.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1984/DWF.htm USMC: Offensive Air Operations of The Falklands War]</ref> Between August and November 1981, five Super Étendards and five Exocets were shipped to [[Argentina]]. All five of the missiles were used during the conflict, with one missile hitting the British destroyer {{HMS|Sheffield|D80|6}} and two the [[merchant ship|merchant]] aircraft transporter ''[[Atlantic Conveyor]]''. Two missiles were used in each of those attacks.
The [[Argentine Naval Aviation]] decided to buy 14 Super Étendards in 1979 after the United States put an arms embargo in place, due to the [[Dirty War]] and refused to supply spare parts for Argentina's fleet of [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4Q Skyhawks]]. Between August and November 1981, five Super Étendards and five anti-ship sea-skimming Exocet missiles were shipped to Argentina.<ref name = "burden p34">Burden et al. 1986, p. 34.</ref> The Super Étendards, armed with Exocet anti-ship missiles played a key role in the [[Falklands War]] between Argentina and the United Kingdom in 1982. The [[2da Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Caza y Ataque|2nd Naval Squadron]] was stationed at the [[Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego]] naval air base<!--[[es:Base Aeronaval Río Grande]]-->; during the conflict. The threat posed to British naval forces led to the planning of [[Operation Mikado]] and other proposed infiltration missions to raid the airbase, aiming to destroy the Super Étendards to prevent their use.<ref>{{Citation | last = Smith | first = Michael | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/argentina/1387091/SAS-suicide-mission-to-wipe-out-Exocets.html | title = SAS 'suicide mission' to wipe out Exocets | newspaper = The Daily Telegraph | place = London, [[England|ENG]], [[United Kingdom|UK]] | date = 8 March 2002}}.</ref><ref>{{Citation | title = Thatcher in the dark on sinking of Belgrano | newspaper = The Times | place = London, ENG, UK | date = 27 June 2005}}.</ref> A total of four Super Étendards were operational during the conflict.<ref name = "bomber 170"/>
[[File:040617-N-8213G-154.jpg|thumb|right|''Touch and go'' on {{USS|Ronald Reagan|CVN-76|6}}]]

The fifth missile was launched in an attack intended to strike against the British aircraft carrier {{HMS|Invincible|R05|6}} but the attacking aircraft failed to find their target.<ref name="Huertas"> Huertas 1997, pp. 22–29.</ref> (A sixth Exocet, which damaged {{HMS|Glamorgan|D19|6}}, was a land-launched ship's missile, set up in an improvised truck-trailer platform by Argentine technicians.<ref>{{es icon}} [http://www.fuerzasnavales.com/itb.html An interview with CL (R) Ing. Julio Pérez, chief designer of Exocet truck-based launcher]</ref>)
A first attempt to attack the British fleet was made on 2 May 1982, but this was abandoned due to in-flight-refuelling problems.<ref name="Burden p35">Burden 1986, p. 35.</ref> On 4 May, two Super Étendards, guided by a [[Lockheed P-2H Neptune]], each launched one Exocet at the British destroyer {{HMS|Sheffield|D80|6}}, with one missile crippling ''Sheffield''.<ref name="Burden p35"/><ref name="Huertas">Huertas 1997, pp. 22–29.</ref> On 25 May, another attack by two Super Étendards resulted in two missiles hitting the [[merchant ship]] {{SS|Atlantic Conveyor||2}}, which was carrying several helicopters and other supplies to the front line.<ref name ="Huertas"/><ref name="Burden p36">Burden 1986, p. 36</ref><ref name="Burden p434,8">Burden 1986, pp. 434, 438.</ref> The Exocets that struck ''Atlantic Conveyor'' had been inadvertently redirected by decoy [[chaff (countermeasure)|chaff]] deployed as a defensive measure by other ships;<ref>Freedman 2005, p. 482.</ref> Both ''Sheffield'' and ''Atlantic Conveyor'' sank whilst under tow some days later following these Exocet strikes.<ref>Freedman 2005, pp. 438, 482, 778.</ref>

On May 30 two Super Étendards, one carrying Argentina's last remaining Exocet, escorted by four [[Douglas A-4 Skyhawk|A-4C Skyhawks]] each with 3 500lb bombs, took off to attack the carrier [[HMS Invincible (R05)|HMS Invincible]].

Following the end of the conflict, by 1984 Argentina had received all the 14 Super Étendards ordered, and Exocets with which to arm them.<ref>Freedman 2005, p. 701.</ref> Super Étendards performed qualifications on the aircraft carrier [[ARA Veinticinco de Mayo (V-2)|ARA ''25 de Mayo'']] until the ship's final retirement.<ref>{{youTube |uFLVtA7r5bc|Qualification Ops}}</ref> Since 1993, Argentine pilots have practised on board the neighbouring Brazilian Navy's aircraft carrier {{ship|Brazilian aircraft carrier|São Paulo|A12|2}}. Touch-and-go landing exercises were also common on [[US Navy]] carriers during [[Gringo-Gaucho]] manoeuvres and joint exercises.<ref>Polmar 2006, pp. 329–30.</ref>


In 2009, an agreement was signed between Argentina and France to upgrade Argentina's remaining fleet of Super Étendards.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.mindef.gov.ar/info.asp?Id=1224 | type = news | title = Cooperación argentino-francesa en defensa |trans-title=-Argentine-French defense cooperation | language = es| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110718030348/http://www.mindef.gov.ar/info.asp?Id=1224 | archive-date = 2011-07-18 | publisher = Argentine Ministry of Defence | date = 2 November 2011}}</ref> An earlier proposal to acquire former French Naval Super Étendards was rejected due to high levels of accumulated flight hours; instead equipment and hardware would be removed from retiring French airframes and installed into Argentine aircraft, effectively upgrading them to the Super Étendard Modernisé (SEM) standard.<ref>[http://articles.janes.com/articles/International-Defence-Review-2009/Argentine-Navy-plans-Super-Etendard-upgrade.html "Argentine Navy plans Super Étendard upgrade: Update."] ''Jane's International Defence Review'', 5 May 2009.</ref> By March 2014, while the Argentine Navy continued to seek the upgrade kits for 10 of its 11 remaining Super Étendards; this ambition appears to have been complicated by several factors, France has been non-committal regarding the sought sale; critically, political developments between France and the UK may potentially allow the UK to obstruct the supply of military equipment to Argentina such as the upgrade kits and the Exocet missile.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.janes.com/article/35184/argentine-super-etendard-modernisation-hits-major-snags | title=Argentine Super Etendard modernisation hits major snags | first=Diego | last=Gonzalez | newspaper= IHS Jane's Defence Weekly | date=10 March 2014}}</ref>
Once the conflict was over, Super Etendards performed qualifications on aircraft carrier [[ARA 25 de Mayo]] until the ship's final retirement <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFLVtA7r5bc Video]</ref> From 2001, qualifications are made on Brazilian Navy carrier [[Brazilian aircraft carrier São Paulo (A12)|São Paulo]] <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc9yNM4_Kgk ARAEX ops]</ref> and/or touch-and-go on [[US Navy]] carriers when they are in transit within Argentine coastal waters. <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHB6kqaG3I0 Gringo-Gaucho Ops]]</ref>


In 2017 five Super Étendard Modernisé were purchased from France to bolster the fleet at a cost of €12.5 million, along with a simulator, eight spare engines, and a large batch of spares and tooling.<ref>{{cite magazine| title=French Sale: Rafales, Mirage F1s and Jaguars | first=Jan | last=Kraak | magazine= [[Air International]] | date=July 2017|volume=93|issue=1|pages=14–15|issn=0306-5634}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=New Argentine Super Étendards|magazine=Air International|date=December 2017|volume=93|issue=6|page=15|issn=0306-5634}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last= Rivas|first=Santiago|title=Argentina finally buys five French Super Etendards|url=https://www.janes.com/article/80048/argentina-finally-buys-five-french-super-etendards|publisher=Janes.com|date=14 May 2018|access-date=26 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Charpentreau|first=Clément|title=Argentinian president approves lagging Super Etendard acquisition|date=17 May 2018|work=Aerotime News Hub|url=https://www.aerotime.aero/clement.charpentreau/21298-argentinian-president-approves-lagging-super-etendard-acquisition|access-date=26 September 2018|archive-date=26 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926053804/https://www.aerotime.aero/clement.charpentreau/21298-argentinian-president-approves-lagging-super-etendard-acquisition|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, while these aircraft were delivered in 2019, in 2020 they were still awaiting the delivery of key spare parts and it was announced that they may not be in operational service for a further two years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/3126050/super-etendard-argentinos-estarian-operativos-anos|title=Los Super Étendard argentinos estarían operativos en dos años|website=Infodefensa - Noticias de defensa, industria, seguridad, armamento, ejércitos y tecnología de la defensa}}</ref> In 2021, it was reported that the aircraft also remained non-operational due to problems obtaining components for the Martin Baker ejection seats manufactured in the U.K.. As a result, alternative parts were being sought in the United States.<ref name="infodefensa.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/3122992/argentina-busca-repuestos-asientos-eyectables-super-etendard-modernise|title=Argentina busca repuestos para los asientos eyectables de los Super Étendard Modernisé|website=Infodefensa - Noticias de defensa, industria, seguridad, armamento, ejércitos y tecnología de la defensa}}</ref> In early 2022, it was reported that the spare parts problem remained unresolved and the aircraft remained in storage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.mercopress.com/2022/01/04/argentine-navy-warplanes-still-grounded-due-to-lack-of-british-made-spare-parts|title=Argentine Navy warplanes still grounded due to lack of British-made spare parts|website=MercoPress}}</ref> On 17 May 2023, on the occasion of the 209th anniversary of the Argentine Navy, Argentinean Minister of Defense Jorge Taiana, announced the withdrawal from service of all the Super Étendards of the Aviación Naval Argentina.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/amp/2023/05/21/argentina-retired-super-etendard-jets-that-sank-two-uk-warships/|title=Argentina retired Super Etendard jets that sank two UK warships|date=21 May 2023|access-date=2023-05-23}}</ref>
As of 2010, Argentine Super Étendards are still in service <ref>[http://www.ara.mil.ar/pnav_avianaval.asp Armada Argentina]{{Dead link|date=November 2009}}</ref> and French cooperation to upgrade the aircraft was announced.<ref>[http://www.mindef.gov.ar/info.asp?Id=1224 MinDef news: ''Francia cooperará en la modernización de aviones navales de ataque Super Etendard'']</ref><ref>[http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=111848 ''"L'Argentine pourrait reprendre les Super Etendard français"'']("Argentina could take over the French Super Étendards"), retrieved 2010-03-02</ref>


===France===
===France===
[[File:Super Etendards in flight and refueling 1988.JPEG|thumb|A formation of Super Étendards in flight, one of which is refueling another Super Étendard, through "buddy-to-buddy" refueling process.]]
Deliveries of the Super Étendard to the French Navy started in 1978, with the first squadron, ''Flotille 11F'' becoming operational in February 1979. In total, three operational squadrons and a training unit were equipped with the Super Étendard.<ref name="Spearhead p40"/>


Deliveries of the Super Étendard to the French Navy started in 1978, with the first squadron, ''Flottille 11F'' becoming operational in February 1979. As they offered no air combat capabilities France had to extend useful life of its Crusaders fighters, as no replacement option was found.
The first operational missions took place in [[Lebanon]] during Operation Olifant. On 22 September 1983, French Navy Super Étendards operating from the [[French aircraft carrier Foch (R99)|aircraft carrier ''Foch'']] bombed and destroyed Syrian forces positions after a few artillery rounds were fired at the French peace keepers.<ref name="Jackson AI p66"> Jackson 1986, p.66.</ref> On 17 November 1983, the same airplanes attacked and destroyed a [[Hizbollah]] training camp in [[Baalbeck]] after a [[1983 Beirut barracks bombing|terrorist attack on French paratroopers]] in [[Beirut]].


In total, three operational squadrons and a training unit were equipped with the Super Étendard.<ref name="Spearhead p40"/> The Super Étendards would operate from both of France's aircraft carriers at that time, {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Clemenceau|R98|2}} and {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Foch|R99|2}}; either carrier's air wing typically comprised 16 Super Étendards, 10 [[Vought F-8 Crusader|F-8 Crusaders]], 3 [[Dassault Étendard IVP|Étendard IVPs]], 7 [[Breguet Alizé]] anti-submarine aircraft, as well as numerous helicopters.<ref>Jackson 2010, p. 76.</ref>
[[File:CdG-photo173.jpg|thumb|right|Launch from ''Charles de Gaulle'']]


The first fighting operational missions took place in [[Lebanon]] during Operation Olifant. On 22 September 1983, French Navy Super Étendards operating from ''Foch'' bombed and destroyed Syrian forces positions after a few artillery rounds were fired at the French peace keepers.<ref name= "Jackson AI p66">Jackson 1986, p.66.</ref> On November 10, a Super Étendard dodged a Syrian [[SA-7]] [[MANPADS|shoulder-launched missile]] near [[Bourj el-Barajneh]] while flying over [[Druze]] positions.<ref>{{Citation | title = Acig | url = http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_278.shtml | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131007221102/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_278.shtml | archive-date = 2013-10-07 }}.</ref> On 17 November 1983, the same airplanes attacked and destroyed an [[Islamic Amal]] training camp in [[Baalbeck]] after a [[1983 Beirut barracks bombing|terrorist attack on French paratroopers]] in [[Beirut]].<ref>Koven, Ronald. "France: Shiites Planned More Strikes." ''Boston Globe'', 18 November 1983.</ref>
France's Super Étendards were modified to carry the [[ramjet]] powered [[Air-Sol Moyenne Portée]] air-launched [[nuclear missile]].<ref name="Spearhead p40"/> From 1991, the original Étendard IVMs were withdrawn from French service,<ref name="Spearhead p39"> Grolleau 2003, p.39.</ref> (although the reconnaissance version of the Étendard IV, the IVP remained in service until July 2000<ref name="Spearhead p39-0"> Grolleau 2003, pp. 39–40.</ref>) and the Super Étendards underwent a series of upgrades throughout the 1990s to better suit them to modern warfare. These modifications included a new Thomson-CSF Anemone radar, with nearly twice the range of the previous Agave radar, the ability to carry and target the latest generation of laser-guided bombs and missiles, improved self defence [[ECM]] systems and the ability to carry a reconnaissance pod.<ref name="Spearhead p40-1"> Grolleau 2003, pp. 40–41.</ref> These uprated aircraft, designated '''Super Étendard Modernisé''' (SEM) participated in NATO's [[1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia|''Allied Force'']] operations over [[Kosovo]] in 1999, flying over 400 combat missions with 73% of the assigned objectives destroyed : the best performance of all the air forces involved in the missions over Kosovo. The SEM also flew strike missions in [[Operation Enduring Freedom]].


From 1991, the original pure attack Étendard IVMs were withdrawn from French service;<ref name = "Spearhead p39">Grolleau 2003, p.39.</ref> though the reconnaissance version of the Étendard IV, the IVP, remained in service until July 2000.<ref name = "Spearhead p39-0">Grolleau 2003, pp. 39–40.</ref> In response, the Super Étendards underwent a series of upgrades throughout the 1990s to add new capabilities and update existing systems for use in the modern battlefield. Designated ''Super Étendard Modernisé'' (SEM), the first combat missions for the type came during NATO's [[1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia|''Allied Force'']] operations over [[Serbia]] in 1999 flying 400 combat missions. An Étendard IVPM from the Flottile 16.F was hit by a Serb SAM on 15 April 1994, while flying a reconnaissance mission over [[Gorazde]], Bosnia, as part of Operation [[Operation Deny Flight|Deny Flight]]. The pilot managed to safely land on ''Clemenceau'' despite heavy damage on its tailpipe, elevators and fin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marie |first=Gaëtan |date=2016-11-07 |title=Dassault Etendard & Super Etendard |url=http://www.gaetanmarie.com/dassault-etendard-super-etendard/ |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=Gaëtan Marie's Aviation Profiles |language=en-US}}</ref>
''Operation Héraclès'' starting 21 November 2001 saw the deployment of the [[Charles de Gaulle (R 91)|''Charles de Gaulle'']] and its Super Étendard in Afghanistan. [[Operation Anaconda]], starting on 2 March 2002 saw extensive use of the Super Étendard in support of French and allied ground troops. Super Étendard's returned to operations over Afghanistan in 2007 and 2008. One of their main roles was to carry [[Laser designator|laser designation]] [[Targeting pods|pods]] to illuminate targets for [[Dassault Rafale]]s.<ref name=Greg-Goebel01>{{cite web|last=Goebel|first=Greg|url=http://www.vectorsite.net/avrafa.html#m3|title=Rafale into service|date=2007-04-01|publisher=[http://www.vectorsite.net/ www.vectorsite.net]|accessdate=2007-04-05}}</ref>


[[File:CdG-photo173.jpg|thumb|left|Launch from ''Charles de Gaulle'']]
All Super Étendards are expected to be retired from French service by 2010, to be replaced from 2006 onwards with Dassault's Rafale M.{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}}

The SEM also flew strike missions in [[Operation Enduring Freedom]]. ''[[Mission Héraclès]]'' starting 21 November 2001 saw the deployment of the aircraft carrier {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Charles de Gaulle|R91|2}} and its Super Étendards in Afghanistan. [[Operation Anaconda]], starting on 2 March 2002 saw extensive use of the Super Étendard in support of French and allied ground troops. Super Étendards returned to operations over Afghanistan in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010–2011. One of their main roles was to carry [[Laser designator|laser designation]] [[Targeting pods|pods]] to illuminate targets for [[Dassault Rafale]]s.<ref>{{cite magazine | last = Wall | first = Robert | url = http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckBlogId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post:40707f6e-6ee9-45c7-815c-3c2fe10ae8e5 | title = Super Étendards in Afghanistan | date = 9 June 2008 | magazine = Aviation Week | access-date = 20 November 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130615022735/http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckBlogId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post:40707f6e-6ee9-45c7-815c-3c2fe10ae8e5 | archive-date = 15 June 2013 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

In March 2011, Étendards were deployed as a part of Task Force 473, during France's [[Opération Harmattan]] in support of UN resolution 1973 during the Libyan conflict.<ref>{{cite web | work = Opération Harmattan | language = fr | title=Libye : première mission aérienne pour la TF 473|trans-title=Libya: first TF 473 aerial mission | url= http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattan-libye/actualites/libye-premiere-mission-aerienne-pour-la-tf-473 | publisher = French Ministry of Defense |access-date=2011-03-27}}</ref> They were paired again with Dassault Rafales on interdiction missions.<ref>{{cite web |language=fr |title=Libye : point de situation opération Harmattan n°6 |trans-title=Libya: status of operation Harmattan nº 6 |url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattan-libye/actualites/libye-point-de-situation-operation-harmattan-n-6 |publisher=French Ministry of Defense |access-date=2011-03-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505015257/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattan-libye/actualites/libye-point-de-situation-operation-harmattan-n-6 |archive-date=2011-05-05 }}</ref> The final Super Étendards in French naval aviation were in one "flottille" (squadron) called [[flottille 17F]]. All Super Étendards were retired from French service on 12 July 2016 to be replaced by the Dassault Rafale M, 42 years after the subsonic attack jet performed its first flight.<ref name="Super Etendard retired"/> The Super Étendard's last operational deployment from ''Charles de Gaulle'' was in support of [[Opération Chammal]] against [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State militants]] in Iraq and Syria, which began in late 2015.<ref>[http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3247 French Carrier Strike Group to Deploy to Eastern Mediterranean with Largest Airwing Ever] – Navyrecognition.com, 16 November 2015</ref> On 16 March 2016, the aircraft undertook its final launch from ''Charles de Gaulle'' ahead of its final withdrawal from service in July.


===Iraq===
===Iraq===
{{See also|Tanker War}}
Five Super Étendards were loaned to [[Iraq]] in 1983 while the country waited for deliveries of Agave equipped [[Dassault Mirage F1]]s capable of launching Exocet missiles that had been ordered, arriving in Iraq on 8 October 1983.<ref name="Jackson AI p69"> Jackson 1986, p.69.</ref> These aircraft used Exocets with some success against shipping (particularly tankers) sailing to and from [[Iran]]ian ports, 51 attacks in total in the Persian Gulf before being returned to France in 1985.{{Citation needed|according to Jackson - 51 attacks were total Exocet attacks in 1984, including Super Frelon launched missiles|date=December 2009}} At least two were shot down during the spring and summer of 1984 by Iranian F-14s, while Iran claims to have shot down a third one. Of the two aircraft destroyed one was indeed shot down, the other was only damaged but crashed whilst trying to return to base. Only three aircraft were returned to France.<ref>[http://www.ejection-history.org.uk Ejection History Website],[http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/country-by-country/Iraq.htm Chronological Listing of Iraqi Losses & Ejections] - retrieved 23rd October, 2009</ref>
[[File:Super Etendard Irak.jpg|thumb|Dassault Super Étendard, Iraqi Air Force, 1983]]
A total of five Super Étendards were loaned to Iraq in 1983 while the country was waiting for deliveries of Agave-equipped [[Dassault Mirage F1]]s capable of launching Exocet missiles that had been ordered; the first of these aircraft arrived in Iraq on 8 October 1983.<ref name="Jackson AI p69">Jackson 1986, p.69.</ref> The provision of Super Étendards to Iraq was politically controversial, the United States and Iraq's neighbour [[Iran]] were vocal in their opposition while [[Saudi Arabia]] supported the loan; the aircraft were seen as an influential factor in the 1980–88 [[Iraq-Iran War]] as they could launch Exocet strikes on Iranian [[merchant ship]]ping traversing the [[Persian Gulf]].<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%202094.html "Étendards in Iraq since October 8."] ''Flight International'', 19 November 1983. p. 1342.</ref><ref>Raj, Christopher S. [http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09700168409428647 "Shadow of Super Étendards over the Gulf."] ''Strategic Analysis'', 7(10). 1984. pp. 799–808.</ref> The Super Étendards began maritime operations over Persian Gulf in March 1984; a total of 34 attacks were carried out on Iranian shipping through the rest of 1984.<ref>Kupersmith 1993, p. 29.</ref> Tankers of any nationality that were carrying Iranian crude oil were also subject to Iraqi attacks.<ref name = "bomber 171">Gunston and Gilchrist 1993, p. 171.</ref>

Iraq typically deployed the Super Étendards in pairs, escorted by Mirage F1 fighters from bases in Southern Iraq; once inside the mission zone, the Super Étendards would search for targets using their onboard radar and engage suspected tankers at long range without visual identification.<ref>Kupersmith 1993, p. 30.</ref> While tankers would typically be struck by a launched Exocet, they were often only lightly damaged.<ref>Kupersmith 1993, p. 43.</ref> On 2 April 1984, an Iraqi Super Étendard was reportedly shot down by a [[AIM-7 Sparrow|AIM-7E-2]] missile fired by an [[Iran]]ian [[F-4 Phantom II]] piloted by Khosrow Adibi over [[Kharg Island]].<ref>Cooper and Bishop 2003, p. 88.</ref> Separately, on 26 July and 7 August 1984, claims of Super Étendard losses to Iranian [[Grumman F-14 Tomcat]]s were reported.<ref name = "cooper 48" /> Iran claimed a total of three Super Étendards to have been shot down by Iranian [[interceptor aircraft|interceptors]]; France stated that four of the five leased aircraft were returned to France in 1985.<ref name = "cooper 48">Cooper 2004, p. 48.</ref>


==Operators==
==Operators==

===Potential operators===
;{{UKR}}:
* [[Ukrainian Air Force]]. Speculation suggests Argentina had offered to transfer the 5 jets it had previously bought back to France for overhaul and eventual donation to Ukraine in exchange for drones or helicopters.<ref name="Ukraine" />

===Former operators===
[[File:SUEreabasteciendo1.jpg|thumb|Argentine Navy's Super Étendard]]
[[File:SUEreabasteciendo1.jpg|thumb|Argentine Navy's Super Étendard]]

;{{ARG}}:
;{{ARG}}:
*[[Argentine Naval Aviation]] received 14 aircraft, eleven are still in service.
* [[Argentine Naval Aviation|Argentine Navy]] originally received 14 aircraft, of which few are currently operational. A further 5 ex-French navy aircraft (Modernisé spec) were acquired for operational service and training/spare parts in 2017;<ref>https://www.infobae.com/politica/2017/11/07/argentina-compro-cinco-aviones-militares-a-francia/ Argentina compró cinco aviones militares a Francia, Infobae, 7 November 2017</ref> these aircraft remain non-operational as of 2021.<ref name="infodefensa.com"/> On 17 May 2023, the final withdrawal from service of all the Super Étendards of the Aviación Naval Argentina was announced.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/amp/2023/05/21/argentina-retired-super-etendard-jets-that-sank-two-uk-warships/|title=Argentina retired Super Etendard jets that sank two UK warships|date=21 May 2023|access-date=2023-05-23}}</ref> In June 2024, The Argentine government is discussing with France to send five of these aircraft to Ukraine.<ref name="Ukraine">{{Cite web |last=Kholina |first=Maria |date=2024-06-12 |title=Argentina and France discuss transfer of Super Etendard aircraft to Ukraine |url=https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/argentina-and-france-discuss-transfer-of-1718180320.html |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=RBC-Ukraine |language=en}}</ref>
;{{FRA}}
;{{FRA}}
*[[Aviation Navale]] received 71 aircraft, all are to be replaced by the [[Dassault Rafale|Rafale M]].
* [[French Naval Aviation|French Navy]] received 71 aircraft; retired from active service on 12 July 2016.<ref name="Super Etendard retired"/>
;{{IRQ}}
;{{flag|Iraq|1991}}
* [[Iraqi Air Force]] was loaned five French aircraft between 1983 and 1985; one was lost during the [[Iran–Iraq War]], the remainder returned to France in 1985.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/06/28/world/french-agree-to-lend-iraq-planes-to-use-in-firing-its-exocet-missiles.html |title=FRENCH AGREE TO LEND IRAQ PLANES TO USE IN FIRING ITS EXOCET MISSILES |last=Gwertzman |first=Bernard |date=28 June 1983 |work=New York Times |access-date=2018-04-27 |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Iraqi Air Force]] was loaned five French aircraft between 1983 and 1985. Only three returned.


==Surviving aircraft==
==Accidents and incidents==
;On display
{{Refimprove|section|date=October 2009}}
*[https://www.airhistory.net/photo/682202/01 s/n:01] - The paint has peeled off, but the wings are deployed and in excellent condition.
===Argentina===
*[https://www.airhistory.net/photo/696652/02 s/n:02] - Musee de l'Aeronautique Navale.The wings are folded.The display location was later changed to an urban area, where it was fitted with a rocket launcher([https://www.airhistory.net/photo/500339/02 Status after the move]).
*1 Aug 1989, 0760 3-A-210. Pilot Lt Carlos Manchinelli died.
*[https://www.airhistory.net/photo/696896/8 s/n:08] - Musee de l'Aeronautique Navale.The wings are folded.
*11 Dic 1989, 0762 3-A-212 engine stopped. Pilot Lt Félix Médici ejected safely.
*[https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11019403 s/n:25] - Ailes Anciennes Toulouse.The wings are folded.
*29 May 1993, 0754 3-A-203 <sup>( Falklands veteran aircraft )</sup> Pilot Lt Sergio Marquez died.
*[https://www.airhistory.net/photo/698967/33 s/n:33] - Conservatoire de l'Air et de l'Espace d'Aquitaine.

*[https://www.airhistory.net/photo/25979/57 s/n:57] - French Naval Academy.
===France===
*[https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8679601 s/n:68] - Downtown Toulouse. The paint has peeled off but the plane is still in its original form and the wings are spread out.
*On 27 May 1982, a Super Étendard crashed off the coast of [[Toulon]]; the pilot was killed.
*[https://www.airhistory.net/photo/447988/64 s/n:78] - Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace.The prototype was recently retired and is in excellent condition with the wing deployment mechanism still functioning.
*In September 1986, a Super Étendard crashed into the [[Mediterranean Sea]]; the pilot ejected.
*[https://www.airhistory.net/photo/345176/65 s/n:79] - After being decommissioned, it was used for a time as educational equipment.
*During the night of 2 April 1987, a Super Étendard disappeared during a training flight north of the Île Vierge lighthouse off the northwestern coast of [[Brittany]]. Neither the aircraft nor the pilot were found.<ref>{{fr icon}} [http://www.air-defense.net/Forum_AD/index.php?topic=8001.0 Disparition d'un pilote aero en 1987 ]</ref>{{Verify source|date=November 2009}}
*In July 1987, a Super Étendard crashed in a forest in [[Ille-et-Vilaine]]; the pilot ejected.
*During the night of 17 July 1988, Super Étendard 54{{Specify|date=October 2009}} crashed during a carrier landing on the French aircraft carrier ''[[French aircraft carrier Clemenceau (R98)|Clemenceau]]''; the pilot was killed.
*On 31 May 1990, a Super Étendard pilot ejected {{nowrap|110 km}}<!--source: 60 nmi--> off the coast of [[Hyères]]. He was rescued by a [[Aérospatiale Dauphin|Dauphin]] helicopter from the French Navy's squadron 23S<ref name="Net Marine">{{fr icon}} [http://www.netmarine.net/aero/unites/23s/histoire.htm Net Marine]</ref>
*On 27 March 1994, Super Étendard 5 from the French Navy's flotilla 11F crashed in the [[Adriatic Sea]]; the pilot was rescued from the water by a helicopter from squadron 23S.<ref name="Net Marine" />
*On 26 January 1996, a Super Étendard crashed off the coast of [[La Ciotat]]; the pilot ejected.
*On 14 April 2004, Super Étendard Modernisé 35 from the French Navy's flotilla 17F missed a landing on the French aircraft carrier [[Charles De Gaulle]], crashing on the runway; the pilot was unharmed.<ref>{{fr icon}} Public report of the technical inquiry performed by the {{lang|fr|Bureau d'enquêtes et d'analyses de la Défense}}, number [http://www.defense.gouv.fr/defense/content/download/48438/480531/file/bead_m_2004_009_i_bead_m_2004_009_i.pdf M-2004-009-IA], December 2004</ref>
*On 7 December 2005, Super Étendard Modernisé 45 from the French Navy's flotilla 11F (registered F-XCKA) was lost at sea in the [[Gulf of Ajaccio]] after its engine ingested a bird. The pilot ejected and was only mildly injured.<ref>{{fr icon}} [http://www.defense.gouv.fr/defense/base/pdf/bead/m_2005_019_a Accident aérien survenu à un Super Etendard Modernisé de la Marine Nationale, le 7 décembre 2005, dans le golfe d'Ajaccio ]</ref><ref>{{fr icon}} Public report of the technical inquiry performed by the {{lang|fr|Bureau d'enquêtes et d'analyses de la Défense}}, number [http://www.defense.gouv.fr/defense/content/download/48448/480626/file/m-2005-019-a_rapport_public_bead_air_m_2005_019_a.pdf M-2005-019-A], June 22, 2006</ref>
*On 21 March 2006, a bird shattered the canopy of Super Étendard Modernisé 3 from the French Navy's flotilla 11F, over [[Pontorson]]. The pilot made a forced landing in a field in [[Dinard]].<ref>{{fr icon}} Public report of the technical inquiry performed by the {{lang|fr|Bureau d'enquêtes et d'analyses de la Défense}}, number [http://www.defense.gouv.fr/defense/content/download/48404/480208/file/bead-air-m-2006-007-i_bead_air_m_2006_007_i.pdf M-2006-007-I], June 28, 2006.</ref>
*On August 24, 2006, around 18:30 (local time), Super Étendard Modernisé 43 from the French Navy's flotilla 11F landed hard at [[BAN Landivisiau]] and was damaged; there were no injuries.<ref>{{fr icon}} Public report of the technical inquiry performed by the {{lang|fr|Bureau d'enquêtes et d'analyses de la Défense}}, number [http://www.dicod.defense.gouv.fr/defense/content/download/83425/755862/file/Rapport%20public%20BEAD-air%20M-2006-016-A.pdf M-2006-016], April 25, 2007.</ref>
*On 21 March 2008, a Super Étendard Modernisé from the French Navy's flotilla 17F was lost at sea south of [[Cavalaire-sur-Mer]] during a training flight. The pilot ejected safely.<ref>{{fr icon}} [http://www.opex360.com/2008/03/25/un-super-etendard-perdu-en-mer/ Un Super Etendard perdu en mer]</ref>
*On 1 October 2008, at 17:10 (local time), two Super Étendards Modernisés (numbers 38 and 49) from the French Navy's flotilla 11F collided over the bay of [[Lannion]], about {{nowrap|27 km}} north of [[Morlaix]]. They were conducting a training flight originating from BAN Landivisiau. Both pilots ejected, but only one was rescued alive.<ref>{{fr icon}} {{citation|url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/base/breves/accident_aerien_de_2_super_etendard_de_la_marine_nationale|title=Accident aérien de 2 Super-Étendard de la Marine nationale
|author1=|date=2008-10-01|work=defense.gouv.fr|publisher={{lang|fr|Ministère de la Défense français}}|accessdate=2008-10-01}}</ref> The minesweeper ''Lyre'' (M648) was not able to locate the wreckage in over {{nowrap|60 m}} of water, and the rescue attempts for the second downed pilot ({{lang|fr|lieutenant de vaisseau}} Sébastien Lhéritier) were called off the next day at noon.<ref>{{fr icon}} {{Citation|author1=Jean-Dominique Merchet|title=Crash d'un Super-Étendard: plus d'espoir de retrouver le pilote vivant|periodical=[[Libération]]|issn=0335-1793|date=2008-10-02|url=http://secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr/defense/2008/10/crash-dun-super.html|accessdate=2008-10-02}}</ref> On October 17, wreckage and the missing pilot's body were found {{nowrap|20 km}}<!--source: 10 nmi--> north of [[Île de Batz]] with the assistance of robotic submersibles.<ref>{{fr icon}} {{Citation|title=La Marine localise des débris de Super-Étendard au nord de l'île de Batz|periodical=[[Ouest-France]]
|oclc=405970499|date=2008-10-15|url=http://www.ouest-france.fr/La-Marine-localise-des-debris-de-Super-etendard-au-nord-de-l-ile-de-Batz/re/ofdernmin/_-723325--BKN----_actu.html|accessdate=2008-10-16}}</ref><ref>{{fr icon}} {{Citation|url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/base/breves/recherche_du_pilote_et_des_super_etendards_disparus_en_mer
|title=Recherche du pilote et des Super Étendards disparus en mer|date=2008-10-17|work=defense.gouv.fr|publisher={{lang|fr|Ministère de la Défense français}}|accessdate=2008-10-18}}</ref>


==Specifications<!-- (which variant ?) -->==
==Specifications<!-- (which variant ?) -->==
[[File:DASSAULT-BREGUET SUPER ETENDARD.png|right|300px|Orthographically projected diagram of the Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard.]]
[[File:Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard 3-view line drawing.png|right|400px|Orthographically projected diagram of the Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard]]
[[File:Chassis canon Super Étendard.jpg|thumb|DEFA 552 cannons on display]]
{{externalimage
|topic=Super Etendard
|width=
|align=right
|image1=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/AVIATION/FIXED%20WING/FRENCH/ETENDARD1.jpg Older Etendards and Super Etendards on FOCH]
|image2=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/AVIATION/FIXED%20WING/FRENCH/ETENDARD2.jpg Two Super Etendards lining up at catapults]
|image3=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/AVIATION/FIXED%20WING/FRENCH/ETENDARD3.jpg Super Etendard being hooked up to catapult]
|image4=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/AVIATION/FIXED%20WING/FRENCH/ETENDARD4.jpg Moments before catapult is fired]
|image5=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/AVIATION/FIXED%20WING/FRENCH/ETENDARD5.jpg Super Etendard making practice carrier landing]
|image6=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/AVIATION/FIXED%20WING/FRENCH/ETENDARD6.jpg Super Etendard making a practice landing]
|image7=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/NAVAL/NAVAL%20WEAPONS/Missiles/EXOCET/EXOCETAM39launchedfromFrenchNavySup.jpg French Navy Super Etendard test firing AM39]
|image8=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/NAVAL/NAVAL%20WEAPONS/Missiles/EXOCET/AerospatialeMediaRelationsPhoto.jpg AM39 mounted on French Navy Super Etendard]
|image9=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/AVIATION/FIXED%20WING/FRENCH/SuperEtendardExocetTakeOff.jpg French Navy Super Etendard AM39 just before launch from carrier]
|image10=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/NAVAL/NAVAL%20WEAPONS/Missiles/EXOCET/SEtendardExocetAM39.jpg First test flight of Super Etendard with AM39 Exocet. Note electronic pod under fuselage required for AM39 missions]
}}
{{aircraft specifications
<!-- if you do not understand how to use this template, please ask at [[Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Aircraft]] -->


{{Aircraft specs
<!-- please answer the following questions -->
|ref={{Citation | title = All The World's Aircraft 1982–83}};<ref name="Janes 82 p65-6">Taylor 1982, pp. 65–66.</ref>
|plane or copter?=plane
|jet or prop?=jet
|prime units?=met
<!--
|ref=Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982-83 <ref name="Janes 82 p65-6"> Taylor 1982, pp. 65–66.</ref>
General characteristics
<!-- Now, fill out the specs. Please include units where appropriate (main comes first, alt in parentheses). If an item doesn't apply, like capacity, leave it blank. For additional lines, end your alt units with a right parenthesis ")" and start a new, fully-formatted line beginning with an asterisk "*" -->
-->
|crew=1
|crew=1
|length main=14.31 m
|length m=14.31
|length alt=45 ft 11½ in
|length note=
|span main=9.60 m
|span m=9.6
|span alt=31 ft 6 in
|span note=
|height main=3.86 m
|height m=3.86
|height alt=12 ft 8 in
|height note=
|area main=28.4 m²
|wing area sqm=28.4
|area alt=306.7 ft²
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|empty weight main=6,500 kg
|airfoil=
|empty weight alt=14,330 lb
|loaded weight main=<!-- kg-->
|empty weight kg=6500
|loaded weight alt=<!-- lb-->
|empty weight note=
|max takeoff weight main=12,000 kg
|gross weight kg=
|max takeoff weight alt=26,455 lb
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=12000
|engine (jet)=[[SNECMA Atar]] 8K-50
|max takeoff weight note=
|type of jet=[[turbojet]]
|fuel capacity=
|number of jets=1
|more general=
|thrust main=49.0 kN
<!--
|thrust alt=11,025 lbf
Powerplant
|max speed main=1,180 km/h
-->
|max speed alt=637 knots, 733 mph
|eng1 number=1
|max speed more=at low level
|eng1 name=[[Snecma Atar 8K-50]]
|range main=1,820 km<ref name="Flight Mil 94 p53"> ''Flight International'' 25-31 May 2004, p.53.</ref>
|eng1 type=[[turbojet]]
|range alt=983 [[nautical mile|nmi]], 1,130 mi
|eng1 kn=49
|combat radius main=850 km
|eng1 note=
|combat radius alt=460 nmi, 530 mi
<!--
|combat radius more=with one AM39 Exocet missile one wing pylon and one drop tank on opposite pylon, hi-lo-hi profile
Performance
|ceiling main=13,700 m
-->
|ceiling alt=44,900 ft
|max speed kmh=1205
|climb rate main=100 m/s<ref name="World Mil p142"> Donald and Lake 1996, p.142.</ref>
|max speed note=<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=119|website=MilitaryFactory|access-date=24 October 2016|title=Dassault Super Etendard Carrier-based Navy Strike Fighter Aircraft – France}}</ref>
|climb rate alt=19,700 ft/min
|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
|loading main=423 kg/m²
|cruise speed kmh=
|loading alt=86.3 lb/ft²
|cruise speed note=
|thrust/weight=0.42
|stall speed kmh=
|avionics=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed note=
|range km=1820
|range note=<ref name="Flight Mil 94 p53">''Flight International'' 25–31 May 2004, p. 53.</ref>
|combat range km=850
|combat range note=with one AM39 Exocet missile on one wing pylon and one drop tank on opposite pylon, hi-lo-hi profile
|ferry range km=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=13700
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=100
|climb rate note=<ref name="World Mil p142">Donald and Lake 1996, p. 142.</ref>
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=423
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|thrust/weight=0.77 (Empty), 0.42 (MTOW)

|more performance=
<!--
Armament
-->
|guns=2× [[30 mm caliber|30 mm (1.18 in)]] [[DEFA cannon|DEFA 552]] cannons with 125 rounds per gun
|guns=2× [[30 mm caliber|30 mm (1.18 in)]] [[DEFA cannon|DEFA 552]] cannons with 125 rounds per gun
|hardpoints=4× unde-rwing and 2× under-fuselage
|hardpoints=4× underwing and 2× under-fuselage
|hardpoint capacity= 2,100 kg (4,600 lb) maximum
|hardpoint capacity= 2,100 kg (4,600 lb) maximum
|rockets=4× Matra rocket pods with 18× [[SNEB]] 68 mm rockets each
|rockets=4× Matra rocket pods with 18× [[SNEB]] 68 mm rockets each
|missiles=<br>
|missiles=<br />
**1× AM-39 [[Exocet]]s [[Anti-shipping missile]] ''or''
** 1× AM-39 [[Exocet]] [[Anti-shipping missile]] ''or''
**1× [[Air-Sol Moyenne Portée]] nuclear armed missile ''or''
** 1× [[Air-Sol Moyenne Portée]] nuclear armed missile ''or''
**2× [[AS-30L]] ''or''
** 2× [[AS-30L]] ''or''
**2× [[Matra Magic]] [[Air-to-air missile]]
** 2× [[Matra Magic]] [[Air-to-air missile]]
|bombs=Conventional unguided or [[laser-guided bomb]]s, provision for 1 × [[AN-52 bomb|AN-52]] free-fall nuclear bomb, provision for [[Aerial_refueling#Buddy_store|"buddy" air refuelling pod]]<ref name="Jackson AI p62"> Jackson 1986, p.62.</ref>
|bombs=Conventional unguided or [[laser-guided bomb]]s, provision for 1 × [[AN-52 bomb|AN-52]] free-fall nuclear bomb, provision for [[Buddy store|"buddy" air refuelling pod]]<ref name="Jackson AI p62">Jackson 1986, p. 62.</ref>

|avionics=
}}
}}


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
{{aircontent
|related=
|related=
*[[Dassault Étendard II]]
* [[Dassault Étendard II]]
*[[Dassault Étendard IV]]
* [[Dassault Étendard IV]]
*[[Dassault Étendard VI]]
* [[Dassault Étendard VI]]
|similar aircraft=
|similar aircraft=
*[[A-4 Skyhawk]]
* [[Douglas A-4 Skyhawk]]
*[[A-7 Corsair II]]
* [[LTV A-7 Corsair II]]
* [[Blackburn Buccaneer]]
|lists=
|lists=
* [[Iranian aerial victories during the Iran-Iraq war]]
*[[List of fighter aircraft]]
*[[List of military aircraft of France]]
* [[List of attack aircraft]]
* [[List of military aircraft of France]]
}}
}}
'''Current squadrons'''
* [[Flottille 17F]]
* [[2da Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Caza y Ataque]]


==References==
==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
;Notes
{{reflist|2}}


;Bibliography
==Bibliography==
* Burden, Rodney A., Michael A. Draper, Douglas A. Rough, Colin A Smith and David Wilton. ''Falklands: The Air War''. Twickenham, UK: British Air Review Group, 1986. {{ISBN|0-906339-05-7}}.
{{refbegin}}
*Donald, David and Jon Lake. ''Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft''. London, Aerospace Publishing, Single Volume Edition, 1996. ISBN 1 874023 95 6.
*Carbonel, Jean-Christophe. ''French Secret Projects 1: Post War Fighters''. Manchester, UK: Crecy Publishing, 2016 {{ISBN|978-1-91080-900-6}}
* Cooper, Tom. ''Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat.'' Osprey Publishing, 2004. {{ISBN|1-841767-87-5}}.
*Grolleau, Henri-Paul. "The Aéronavale Spearhead". ''[[Air International]]'', January 2008, Vol 64 No 1. Stamford, UK:Key Publishing. ISSN 0306-5634. pp. 38–43.
* Donald, David and Jon Lake. ''Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft''. London, Aerospace Publishing, single volume ed., 1996. {{ISBN|1-874023-95-6}}.
*Huertas, Salvador Mafé. "Super Etendard in the Falklands: 2<sup>a</sup> Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Caza y Ataque". ''Wings of Fame''. Volume 8, 1997. London:Aerospace Publishing. ISBN 1 86184 008 X.
* Freedman, Lawrence. ''The Official History of the Falklands Campaign: The 1982 Falklands War and Its Aftermath.'' Routledge, 2005. {{ISBN|0-714652-07-5}}.
*Jackson, Paul. "France's Superior Standard". ''Air International'', February 1986, Vol 30 No 2. Bromley, UK:Fine Scroll. ISSN 0306-5634. pp. 49–69.
* Friedman, Norman. ''The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems'', 5th ed. Naval Institute Press, 2006. {{ISBN|1-557502-62-5}}.
*Michell, Simon. ''Jane's Civil and Military Aircraft Upgrades 1994-95''. Coulsdon, UK:Jane's Information Group, 1994. ISBN 0 7106 1208 7.
* Grolleau, Henri-Paul. "The Aéronavale Spearhead". ''[[Air International]]'', January 2008, Vol 64 No 1. Stamford, UK: Key Publishing. ISSN 0306-5634, pp.&nbsp;38–43.
*Ripley, Tim. "[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2004/2004-09%20-%200801.html Directory:Military Aircraft]". ''[[Flight International]]'', 25-31 May 2004. Sutton, UK:Reed Business Press. pp. 38–73.
* Gunston, Bill and Peter Gilchrist. ''Jet Bombers: From the Messerschmitt Me 262 to the Stealth B-2''. Osprey, 1993. {{ISBN|1-85532-258-7}}.
*[[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W.R.]] (ed). ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982-83''. London:Jane's Yearbooks, 1982. ISBN 0 7106-0748-2.
* Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". ''Flight International'', 13–19 December 2011, pp.&nbsp;26–52.
{{refend}}
* Huertas, Salvador Mafé. "Super Étendard in the Falklands: 2ª Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Caza y Ataque". ''Wings of Fame''. Volume 8, 1997. London: Aerospace Publishing. {{ISBN|1-86184-008-X}}.
* {{Citation | last = Jackson | first = Paul | title = France's Superior Standard | newspaper = Air International |date=February 1986 | volume = 30 | number = 2 | place = Bromley, UK | publisher = Fine Scroll | issn = 0306-5634 | pages = 49–69}}.
* {{Citation | last = Jackson | first = Paul | author-mask = 3 | title = SEPECAT Jaguar | newspaper = World Air Power Journal | volume = 11 |date=Winter 1992 | pages = 52–111 | place = London | publisher = Aerospace Publishing | isbn = 978-1-874023-96-8 | issn = 0959-7050}}.
* {{Citation | last = Jackson | first = Robert | title = 101 Great Warships | publisher = Rosen | year = 2010 | isbn = 978-1-4358-3596-2}}.
* {{Citation | last = Kupersmith | first = Douglas A | url = http://aupress.au.af.mil/digital/pdf/paper/t_kupersmith_third_world_air_power.pdf | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130226091029/http://aupress.au.af.mil/digital/pdf/paper/t_kupersmith_third_world_air_power.pdf | url-status = dead | archive-date = February 26, 2013 | title = The Failure of Third World Air Power | publisher = Air University Press |date=June 1993 }}.
* {{Citation | last = Michell | first = Simon | title = Civil and Military Aircraft Upgrades 1994–95 | place = Coulsdon, UK | publisher = Jane's | year = 1994 | isbn = 978-0-7106-1208-3}}.
*{{cite journal |last1=Nunez Padin |first1=Jorge Felix|title=Les Super Etendards argentins |journal=Avions: Toute l'aéronautique et son histoire |date=November 1993 |issue=9 |pages=2–7 |trans-title=Argentinian Super Etendards |language=French |issn=1243-8650}}
* {{Citation | last = Polmar | first = Norman | title = Aircraft Carriers: A History of Carrier Aviation and Its Influence on World Events | volume = I: 1909–1945 | publisher = Potomac | year = 2006 | isbn = 978-1-574886-63-4}}.
* Ripley, Tim. "[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2004/2004-09%20-%200801.html Directory: Military Aircraft]". ''[[Flight International]]'', 25–31 May 2004. Sutton, UK: Reed Business Press, pp.&nbsp;38–73.
* [[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W.R.]] (ed). ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83''. London: Jane's Yearbooks, 1982. {{ISBN|0-7106-0748-2}}.

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite book |last1=Lert |first1=Frederic |title=DASSAULT SUPER ETENDARD: De l'Etendard IV au Standard Modernise |year=2011 |publisher=Histoire and Collections |series=Les Materiels de L'Armee De L'Air et de L'Aeronavale |volume=10 |language=fr |isbn=978-2-35250-175-6 |url=http://livres.histoireetcollections.com/en/publication/2588/le-super-etendard.html |access-date=2014-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115401/http://livres.histoireetcollections.com/en/publication/2588/le-super-etendard.html |archive-date=2014-08-26 |url-status=dead }}
* {{Cite book |last1=Núñez Padin |first1=Jorge Felix |title=Dassault Super Etendard |year=2012 |editor-first=Jorge Felix |editor-last=Núñez Padin |publisher=Fuerzas Aeronavales |series=Serie Aeronaval |volume=30 |language=es |isbn=978-987-1682-12-6 |location=Bahía Blanca, Argentina |url=http://www.fuerzasaeronavales.com/?product=libro-dasault-super-etendard-serie-aeronaval-no30 |access-date=2014-08-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140509060907/http://www.fuerzasaeronavales.com/?product=libro-dasault-super-etendard-serie-aeronaval-no30 |archive-date=2014-05-09 }}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{commons|Dassault Super Étendard}}
* [https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/etendard.htm Super Étendard on Federation of American Scientist (FAS)]
* [http://www.globalaircraft.org/planes/super_etendard.pl Super Étendard on Global Aircraft]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/etendard.htm Super Étendard on Global Security]


{{Dassault aircraft}}
{{Dassault aircraft}}
{{aviation lists}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Dassault-Breguet Super Etendard}}
[[Category:French fighter aircraft 1970-1979]]
[[Category:1970s French attack aircraft]]
[[Category:Dassault aircraft|Super Etendard]]
[[Category:Dassault aircraft|Super Etendard]]
[[Category:Falklands War aircraft]]
[[Category:Carrier-based aircraft]]
[[Category:Carrier-based aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]]

[[Category:Cruciform tail aircraft]]
[[de:Dassault Super Étendard]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1974]]
[[es:Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard]]
[[Category:Mid-wing aircraft]]
[[fa:سوپر اتاندارد]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]
[[fr:Dassault Super-Étendard]]
[[gl:Dassault Super Étendard]]
[[ko:쉬페르 에탕다르]]
[[it:Dassault Super Étendard]]
[[hu:Super Étendard]]
[[nl:Dassault Super-Étendard]]
[[ja:シュペルエタンダール]]
[[no:Dassault Super Étendard]]
[[pl:Dassault Super Étendard]]
[[pt:Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard]]
[[ro:Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard]]
[[ru:Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard]]
[[fi:Dassault Super Étendard]]
[[sv:Dassault Super-Étendard]]
[[th:ดัซโซลท์-เบร์เกต์ ซูเปอร์ เอตังดาร์ท]]
[[vi:Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard]]
[[zh:超級軍旗攻擊機]]

Latest revision as of 22:23, 27 November 2024

Super Étendard
A Super Étendard at RIAT in 2005.
General information
TypeStrike aircraft
National originFrance
ManufacturerDassault-Breguet
Primary usersFrench Naval Aviation (historical)
Argentine Naval Aviation (historical)
Iraqi Air Force (historical)
Number built85
History
Manufactured1974–1983
Introduction dateJune 1978
First flight28 October 1974
RetiredJuly 2016 (French Navy)
Developed fromDassault Étendard IV

The Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard (Étendard is French for "battle flag", cognate to English "standard") is a French carrier-borne strike fighter aircraft designed by Dassault-Breguet for service with the French Navy.

The aircraft is an advanced development of the Étendard IVM, which it replaced. The Super Étendard first flew in October 1974 and entered French service in June 1978. French Super Étendards have served in several conflicts such as the Kosovo war, the war in Afghanistan and the military intervention in Libya.

The Super Étendard was also operated by Iraq (on a temporary lease) and Argentina, which both deployed the aircraft during wartime. Argentina's Navy use of the Super Étendard and the Exocet missile during the 1982 Falklands War led to the aircraft gaining considerable popular recognition. The Super Étendard was used by Iraq to attack oil tankers and merchant shipping in the Persian Gulf during the Iraq-Iran War. In French service, the Super Étendard was replaced by the Dassault Rafale in 2016.[1]

Development

[edit]

The Super Étendard is a development of the earlier Étendard IVM which had been developed in the 1950s. The Étendard IVM was originally to have been replaced by a navalised version of the SEPECAT Jaguar, designated as the Jaguar M; however the Jaguar M project was stalled by a combination of political problems and issues experienced during trial deployments on board carriers. Specifically, the Jaguar M had suffered handling problems when being flown on a single engine and a poor throttle response time that made landing back on a carrier after an engine failure difficult.[2] In 1973, all development work on the Jaguar M was formally cancelled by the French government.[3]

There were several proposed aircraft to replace the Jaguar M, including the LTV A-7 Corsair II and the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. Dassault pulled some strings with the French government and produced its own proposal to meet the requirement.[4] According to Bill Gunston and Peter Gilchrist, Dassault had played a significant role in the cancellation of the Jaguar M with the aim of creating a vacancy for their own proposal – the Super Étendard.[5] The Super Étendard was essentially an improved version of the existing Étendard IVM, outfitted with a more powerful engine, a new wing and improved avionics. Dassault sold its plane as the only fully French-made candidate, and as cheaper than the other contestants, using modern technology already proven in existing Dassault planes. Dassault's Super Étendard proposal was accepted by the French Navy in 1973, leading to a series of prototypes being quickly assembled.[6]

The first of three prototypes to be built, an Étendard IVM which had been modified with the new engine and some of the new avionics,[6] made its maiden flight on 28 October 1974.[7][8][9] The original intention of the French Navy was to order a total of 100 Super Étendards, however the order placed was for 60 of the new model with options for a further 20; further budget cuts and an escalation in the aircraft's per unit price eventually led to only 71 Super Étendards being purchased.[9] Dassault began making deliveries of the type to the French Navy in June 1978.[7][10]

In the first year of production, 15 Super Étendards were produced for the French Navy, allowing the formation of the first squadron in 1979. Dassault produced the aircraft at a rough rate of two per month.[11]

The Argentine Navy was the only export customer. Argentina placed an order for 14 aircraft to meet their requirements for a capable new fighter that could operate from their sole aircraft carrier.[7] In 1983, all manufacturing activity was completed, the last delivery to the French Navy taking place that year.[9][12]

Design

[edit]
Underside of a Super Étendard in-flight. The protruding tail hook is towards the rear of the fuselage

The Super Étendard is a small, single-engined, mid-winged aircraft with an all-metal structure. Both the wings and tailplane are swept, with the folding wings having a sweepback of about 45 degrees, while the aircraft is powered by a non-afterburning SNECMA Atar 8K-50 turbojet with a rating of 49 kN (11,025 lbf). Its performance was not much better than the Étendard IV, but its avionics were significantly improved.

The main new weapon of the Super Étendard was the French anti-shipping missile, the Aérospatiale AM 39 Exocet.[6] The aircraft had a Thomson-CSF Agave radar, an updated version of the Cyrano IV used on the Dassault Mirage F1, which, amongst other functions, was essential to launch the Exocet missile.[6] One of the major technical advances of the Super Étendard was its onboard UAT-40 central computer; this managed most mission-critical systems, integrating navigational data and functions, radar information and display, and weapons targeting and controls.[13]

In the 1990s, significant modifications and upgrades were made to the type, including an updated UAT-90 computer and a new Thomson-CSF Anemone radar which provided nearly double the range of the previous Agave radar.[14] Other upgrades at this time included an extensively redesigned cockpit with HOTAS controls, and airframe life-extension work was undertaken; a total of 48 aircraft received these upgrades, at a rate of 15 per year.[14] During the 2000s, further improvements included significantly improved self-defence ECM capability to better evade enemy detection and attacks,[15] cockpit compatibility with night vision goggles, a new inertial data system partly integrating GPS, and compatibility with the Damocles Laser designator pod.[14]

The Super Étendard could also deploy tactical nuclear weapons;[16] initially these were unguided gravity bombs only, however, during the 1990s the Super Étendard was extensively upgraded, enabling the deployment of the Air-Sol Moyenne Portée, a ramjet-powered air-launched nuclear missile.[6] The aircraft was also refitted with the ability to operate a range of laser-guided bombs and, to enable the type to replace the retiring Étendard IV in the reconnaissance mission, the Super Étendard was fitted to carry a specialist reconnaissance pod as well.[15] However, the aircraft is unable to perform naval landings without jettisoning unexpended ordnance.[14]

Operational history

[edit]

Argentina

[edit]
During the 1982 Falklands War, the Argentine Super Étendards were used as a launch platform for Exocet anti-ship missiles

The Argentine Naval Aviation decided to buy 14 Super Étendards in 1979 after the United States put an arms embargo in place, due to the Dirty War and refused to supply spare parts for Argentina's fleet of A-4Q Skyhawks. Between August and November 1981, five Super Étendards and five anti-ship sea-skimming Exocet missiles were shipped to Argentina.[17] The Super Étendards, armed with Exocet anti-ship missiles played a key role in the Falklands War between Argentina and the United Kingdom in 1982. The 2nd Naval Squadron was stationed at the Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego naval air base; during the conflict. The threat posed to British naval forces led to the planning of Operation Mikado and other proposed infiltration missions to raid the airbase, aiming to destroy the Super Étendards to prevent their use.[18][19] A total of four Super Étendards were operational during the conflict.[9]

A first attempt to attack the British fleet was made on 2 May 1982, but this was abandoned due to in-flight-refuelling problems.[20] On 4 May, two Super Étendards, guided by a Lockheed P-2H Neptune, each launched one Exocet at the British destroyer HMS Sheffield, with one missile crippling Sheffield.[20][21] On 25 May, another attack by two Super Étendards resulted in two missiles hitting the merchant ship Atlantic Conveyor, which was carrying several helicopters and other supplies to the front line.[21][22][23] The Exocets that struck Atlantic Conveyor had been inadvertently redirected by decoy chaff deployed as a defensive measure by other ships;[24] Both Sheffield and Atlantic Conveyor sank whilst under tow some days later following these Exocet strikes.[25]

On May 30 two Super Étendards, one carrying Argentina's last remaining Exocet, escorted by four A-4C Skyhawks each with 3 500lb bombs, took off to attack the carrier HMS Invincible.

Following the end of the conflict, by 1984 Argentina had received all the 14 Super Étendards ordered, and Exocets with which to arm them.[26] Super Étendards performed qualifications on the aircraft carrier ARA 25 de Mayo until the ship's final retirement.[27] Since 1993, Argentine pilots have practised on board the neighbouring Brazilian Navy's aircraft carrier São Paulo. Touch-and-go landing exercises were also common on US Navy carriers during Gringo-Gaucho manoeuvres and joint exercises.[28]

In 2009, an agreement was signed between Argentina and France to upgrade Argentina's remaining fleet of Super Étendards.[29] An earlier proposal to acquire former French Naval Super Étendards was rejected due to high levels of accumulated flight hours; instead equipment and hardware would be removed from retiring French airframes and installed into Argentine aircraft, effectively upgrading them to the Super Étendard Modernisé (SEM) standard.[30] By March 2014, while the Argentine Navy continued to seek the upgrade kits for 10 of its 11 remaining Super Étendards; this ambition appears to have been complicated by several factors, France has been non-committal regarding the sought sale; critically, political developments between France and the UK may potentially allow the UK to obstruct the supply of military equipment to Argentina such as the upgrade kits and the Exocet missile.[31]

In 2017 five Super Étendard Modernisé were purchased from France to bolster the fleet at a cost of €12.5 million, along with a simulator, eight spare engines, and a large batch of spares and tooling.[32][33][34][35] However, while these aircraft were delivered in 2019, in 2020 they were still awaiting the delivery of key spare parts and it was announced that they may not be in operational service for a further two years.[36] In 2021, it was reported that the aircraft also remained non-operational due to problems obtaining components for the Martin Baker ejection seats manufactured in the U.K.. As a result, alternative parts were being sought in the United States.[37] In early 2022, it was reported that the spare parts problem remained unresolved and the aircraft remained in storage.[38] On 17 May 2023, on the occasion of the 209th anniversary of the Argentine Navy, Argentinean Minister of Defense Jorge Taiana, announced the withdrawal from service of all the Super Étendards of the Aviación Naval Argentina.[39]

France

[edit]
A formation of Super Étendards in flight, one of which is refueling another Super Étendard, through "buddy-to-buddy" refueling process.

Deliveries of the Super Étendard to the French Navy started in 1978, with the first squadron, Flottille 11F becoming operational in February 1979. As they offered no air combat capabilities France had to extend useful life of its Crusaders fighters, as no replacement option was found.

In total, three operational squadrons and a training unit were equipped with the Super Étendard.[6] The Super Étendards would operate from both of France's aircraft carriers at that time, Clemenceau and Foch; either carrier's air wing typically comprised 16 Super Étendards, 10 F-8 Crusaders, 3 Étendard IVPs, 7 Breguet Alizé anti-submarine aircraft, as well as numerous helicopters.[40]

The first fighting operational missions took place in Lebanon during Operation Olifant. On 22 September 1983, French Navy Super Étendards operating from Foch bombed and destroyed Syrian forces positions after a few artillery rounds were fired at the French peace keepers.[41] On November 10, a Super Étendard dodged a Syrian SA-7 shoulder-launched missile near Bourj el-Barajneh while flying over Druze positions.[42] On 17 November 1983, the same airplanes attacked and destroyed an Islamic Amal training camp in Baalbeck after a terrorist attack on French paratroopers in Beirut.[43]

From 1991, the original pure attack Étendard IVMs were withdrawn from French service;[44] though the reconnaissance version of the Étendard IV, the IVP, remained in service until July 2000.[45] In response, the Super Étendards underwent a series of upgrades throughout the 1990s to add new capabilities and update existing systems for use in the modern battlefield. Designated Super Étendard Modernisé (SEM), the first combat missions for the type came during NATO's Allied Force operations over Serbia in 1999 flying 400 combat missions. An Étendard IVPM from the Flottile 16.F was hit by a Serb SAM on 15 April 1994, while flying a reconnaissance mission over Gorazde, Bosnia, as part of Operation Deny Flight. The pilot managed to safely land on Clemenceau despite heavy damage on its tailpipe, elevators and fin.[46]

Launch from Charles de Gaulle

The SEM also flew strike missions in Operation Enduring Freedom. Mission Héraclès starting 21 November 2001 saw the deployment of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its Super Étendards in Afghanistan. Operation Anaconda, starting on 2 March 2002 saw extensive use of the Super Étendard in support of French and allied ground troops. Super Étendards returned to operations over Afghanistan in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010–2011. One of their main roles was to carry laser designation pods to illuminate targets for Dassault Rafales.[47]

In March 2011, Étendards were deployed as a part of Task Force 473, during France's Opération Harmattan in support of UN resolution 1973 during the Libyan conflict.[48] They were paired again with Dassault Rafales on interdiction missions.[49] The final Super Étendards in French naval aviation were in one "flottille" (squadron) called flottille 17F. All Super Étendards were retired from French service on 12 July 2016 to be replaced by the Dassault Rafale M, 42 years after the subsonic attack jet performed its first flight.[1] The Super Étendard's last operational deployment from Charles de Gaulle was in support of Opération Chammal against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, which began in late 2015.[50] On 16 March 2016, the aircraft undertook its final launch from Charles de Gaulle ahead of its final withdrawal from service in July.

Iraq

[edit]
See also: Tanker War
Dassault Super Étendard, Iraqi Air Force, 1983

A total of five Super Étendards were loaned to Iraq in 1983 while the country was waiting for deliveries of Agave-equipped Dassault Mirage F1s capable of launching Exocet missiles that had been ordered; the first of these aircraft arrived in Iraq on 8 October 1983.[51] The provision of Super Étendards to Iraq was politically controversial, the United States and Iraq's neighbour Iran were vocal in their opposition while Saudi Arabia supported the loan; the aircraft were seen as an influential factor in the 1980–88 Iraq-Iran War as they could launch Exocet strikes on Iranian merchant shipping traversing the Persian Gulf.[52][53] The Super Étendards began maritime operations over Persian Gulf in March 1984; a total of 34 attacks were carried out on Iranian shipping through the rest of 1984.[54] Tankers of any nationality that were carrying Iranian crude oil were also subject to Iraqi attacks.[55]

Iraq typically deployed the Super Étendards in pairs, escorted by Mirage F1 fighters from bases in Southern Iraq; once inside the mission zone, the Super Étendards would search for targets using their onboard radar and engage suspected tankers at long range without visual identification.[56] While tankers would typically be struck by a launched Exocet, they were often only lightly damaged.[57] On 2 April 1984, an Iraqi Super Étendard was reportedly shot down by a AIM-7E-2 missile fired by an Iranian F-4 Phantom II piloted by Khosrow Adibi over Kharg Island.[58] Separately, on 26 July and 7 August 1984, claims of Super Étendard losses to Iranian Grumman F-14 Tomcats were reported.[59] Iran claimed a total of three Super Étendards to have been shot down by Iranian interceptors; France stated that four of the five leased aircraft were returned to France in 1985.[59]

Operators

[edit]

Potential operators

[edit]
 Ukraine
  • Ukrainian Air Force. Speculation suggests Argentina had offered to transfer the 5 jets it had previously bought back to France for overhaul and eventual donation to Ukraine in exchange for drones or helicopters.[60]

Former operators

[edit]
Argentine Navy's Super Étendard
 Argentina
  • Argentine Navy originally received 14 aircraft, of which few are currently operational. A further 5 ex-French navy aircraft (Modernisé spec) were acquired for operational service and training/spare parts in 2017;[61] these aircraft remain non-operational as of 2021.[37] On 17 May 2023, the final withdrawal from service of all the Super Étendards of the Aviación Naval Argentina was announced.[62] In June 2024, The Argentine government is discussing with France to send five of these aircraft to Ukraine.[60]
 France
  • French Navy received 71 aircraft; retired from active service on 12 July 2016.[1]
 Iraq

Surviving aircraft

[edit]
On display
  • s/n:01 - The paint has peeled off, but the wings are deployed and in excellent condition.
  • s/n:02 - Musee de l'Aeronautique Navale.The wings are folded.The display location was later changed to an urban area, where it was fitted with a rocket launcher(Status after the move).
  • s/n:08 - Musee de l'Aeronautique Navale.The wings are folded.
  • s/n:25 - Ailes Anciennes Toulouse.The wings are folded.
  • s/n:33 - Conservatoire de l'Air et de l'Espace d'Aquitaine.
  • s/n:57 - French Naval Academy.
  • s/n:68 - Downtown Toulouse. The paint has peeled off but the plane is still in its original form and the wings are spread out.
  • s/n:78 - Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace.The prototype was recently retired and is in excellent condition with the wing deployment mechanism still functioning.
  • s/n:79 - After being decommissioned, it was used for a time as educational equipment.

Specifications

[edit]
Orthographically projected diagram of the Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard
Orthographically projected diagram of the Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard
DEFA 552 cannons on display

Data from All The World's Aircraft 1982–83;[16]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 14.31 m (46 ft 11 in)
  • Wingspan: 9.6 m (31 ft 6 in)
  • Height: 3.86 m (12 ft 8 in)
  • Wing area: 28.4 m2 (306 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 6,500 kg (14,330 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 12,000 kg (26,455 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Snecma Atar 8K-50 turbojet, 49 kN (11,000 lbf) thrust

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 1,205 km/h (749 mph, 651 kn) [64]
  • Range: 1,820 km (1,130 mi, 980 nmi) [65]
  • Combat range: 850 km (530 mi, 460 nmi) with one AM39 Exocet missile on one wing pylon and one drop tank on opposite pylon, hi-lo-hi profile
  • Service ceiling: 13,700 m (44,900 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 100 m/s (20,000 ft/min) [66]
  • Wing loading: 423 kg/m2 (87 lb/sq ft)
  • Thrust/weight: 0.77 (Empty), 0.42 (MTOW)

Armament

See also

[edit]

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

Current squadrons

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Les Super Etendard français retirés du service" [The French Super Etendard retires from service] (in French). Mer et Marine. 13 July 2016.
  2. ^ Jackson 1992, p. 77.
  3. ^ Bowman 2007, p. 26.
  4. ^ "An Embarrassment of Aeroplanes". New Scientist. Vol. 56, no. 824. Reed Business Information. 14 December 1972. pp. 660–61. Archived from the original on 2016-04-16..
  5. ^ Gunston and Gilchrist 1993, p. 169.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Grolleau 2003, p. 40.
  7. ^ a b c Taylor 1982, p. 65.
  8. ^ Polmar 2006, p. 330.
  9. ^ a b c d Gunston and Gilchrist 1993, p. 170.
  10. ^ Friedman 2006, p. 159.
  11. ^ "France's Aerospace Industry – Programme by Programme." Flight International, 4 November 1978. p. 1647.
  12. ^ Michell 1994, p. 65.
  13. ^ Friedman 2006, pp. 159–60.
  14. ^ a b c d Friedman 2006, p. 160.
  15. ^ a b Grolleau 2003, pp. 40–41.
  16. ^ a b Taylor 1982, pp. 65–66.
  17. ^ Burden et al. 1986, p. 34.
  18. ^ Smith, Michael (8 March 2002), "SAS 'suicide mission' to wipe out Exocets", The Daily Telegraph, London, ENG, UK.
  19. ^ "Thatcher in the dark on sinking of Belgrano", The Times, London, ENG, UK, 27 June 2005.
  20. ^ a b Burden 1986, p. 35.
  21. ^ a b Huertas 1997, pp. 22–29.
  22. ^ Burden 1986, p. 36
  23. ^ Burden 1986, pp. 434, 438.
  24. ^ Freedman 2005, p. 482.
  25. ^ Freedman 2005, pp. 438, 482, 778.
  26. ^ Freedman 2005, p. 701.
  27. ^ Qualification Ops on YouTube
  28. ^ Polmar 2006, pp. 329–30.
  29. ^ Cooperación argentino-francesa en defensa [-Argentine-French defense cooperation] (news) (in Spanish), Argentine Ministry of Defence, 2 November 2011, archived from the original on 2011-07-18
  30. ^ "Argentine Navy plans Super Étendard upgrade: Update." Jane's International Defence Review, 5 May 2009.
  31. ^ Gonzalez, Diego (10 March 2014). "Argentine Super Etendard modernisation hits major snags". IHS Jane's Defence Weekly.
  32. ^ Kraak, Jan (July 2017). "French Sale: Rafales, Mirage F1s and Jaguars". Air International. Vol. 93, no. 1. pp. 14–15. ISSN 0306-5634.
  33. ^ "New Argentine Super Étendards". Air International. Vol. 93, no. 6. December 2017. p. 15. ISSN 0306-5634.
  34. ^ Rivas, Santiago (14 May 2018). "Argentina finally buys five French Super Etendards". Janes.com. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  35. ^ Charpentreau, Clément (17 May 2018). "Argentinian president approves lagging Super Etendard acquisition". Aerotime News Hub. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  36. ^ "Los Super Étendard argentinos estarían operativos en dos años". Infodefensa - Noticias de defensa, industria, seguridad, armamento, ejércitos y tecnología de la defensa.
  37. ^ a b "Argentina busca repuestos para los asientos eyectables de los Super Étendard Modernisé". Infodefensa - Noticias de defensa, industria, seguridad, armamento, ejércitos y tecnología de la defensa.
  38. ^ "Argentine Navy warplanes still grounded due to lack of British-made spare parts". MercoPress.
  39. ^ "Argentina retired Super Etendard jets that sank two UK warships". 21 May 2023. Retrieved 2023-05-23.
  40. ^ Jackson 2010, p. 76.
  41. ^ Jackson 1986, p.66.
  42. ^ Acig, archived from the original on 2013-10-07.
  43. ^ Koven, Ronald. "France: Shiites Planned More Strikes." Boston Globe, 18 November 1983.
  44. ^ Grolleau 2003, p.39.
  45. ^ Grolleau 2003, pp. 39–40.
  46. ^ Marie, Gaëtan (2016-11-07). "Dassault Etendard & Super Etendard". Gaëtan Marie's Aviation Profiles. Retrieved 2023-10-09.
  47. ^ Wall, Robert (9 June 2008). "Super Étendards in Afghanistan". Aviation Week. Archived from the original on 15 June 2013. Retrieved 20 November 2012.
  48. ^ "Libye : première mission aérienne pour la TF 473" [Libya: first TF 473 aerial mission]. Opération Harmattan (in French). French Ministry of Defense. Retrieved 2011-03-27.
  49. ^ "Libye : point de situation opération Harmattan n°6" [Libya: status of operation Harmattan nº 6] (in French). French Ministry of Defense. Archived from the original on 2011-05-05. Retrieved 2011-03-27.
  50. ^ French Carrier Strike Group to Deploy to Eastern Mediterranean with Largest Airwing Ever – Navyrecognition.com, 16 November 2015
  51. ^ Jackson 1986, p.69.
  52. ^ "Étendards in Iraq since October 8." Flight International, 19 November 1983. p. 1342.
  53. ^ Raj, Christopher S. "Shadow of Super Étendards over the Gulf." Strategic Analysis, 7(10). 1984. pp. 799–808.
  54. ^ Kupersmith 1993, p. 29.
  55. ^ Gunston and Gilchrist 1993, p. 171.
  56. ^ Kupersmith 1993, p. 30.
  57. ^ Kupersmith 1993, p. 43.
  58. ^ Cooper and Bishop 2003, p. 88.
  59. ^ a b Cooper 2004, p. 48.
  60. ^ a b Kholina, Maria (2024-06-12). "Argentina and France discuss transfer of Super Etendard aircraft to Ukraine". RBC-Ukraine. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  61. ^ https://www.infobae.com/politica/2017/11/07/argentina-compro-cinco-aviones-militares-a-francia/ Argentina compró cinco aviones militares a Francia, Infobae, 7 November 2017
  62. ^ "Argentina retired Super Etendard jets that sank two UK warships". 21 May 2023. Retrieved 2023-05-23.
  63. ^ Gwertzman, Bernard (28 June 1983). "FRENCH AGREE TO LEND IRAQ PLANES TO USE IN FIRING ITS EXOCET MISSILES". New York Times. Retrieved 2018-04-27.
  64. ^ "Dassault Super Etendard Carrier-based Navy Strike Fighter Aircraft – France". MilitaryFactory. Retrieved 24 October 2016.
  65. ^ Flight International 25–31 May 2004, p. 53.
  66. ^ Donald and Lake 1996, p. 142.
  67. ^ Jackson 1986, p. 62.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Burden, Rodney A., Michael A. Draper, Douglas A. Rough, Colin A Smith and David Wilton. Falklands: The Air War. Twickenham, UK: British Air Review Group, 1986. ISBN 0-906339-05-7.
  • Carbonel, Jean-Christophe. French Secret Projects 1: Post War Fighters. Manchester, UK: Crecy Publishing, 2016 ISBN 978-1-91080-900-6
  • Cooper, Tom. Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat. Osprey Publishing, 2004. ISBN 1-841767-87-5.
  • Donald, David and Jon Lake. Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft. London, Aerospace Publishing, single volume ed., 1996. ISBN 1-874023-95-6.
  • Freedman, Lawrence. The Official History of the Falklands Campaign: The 1982 Falklands War and Its Aftermath. Routledge, 2005. ISBN 0-714652-07-5.
  • Friedman, Norman. The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems, 5th ed. Naval Institute Press, 2006. ISBN 1-557502-62-5.
  • Grolleau, Henri-Paul. "The Aéronavale Spearhead". Air International, January 2008, Vol 64 No 1. Stamford, UK: Key Publishing. ISSN 0306-5634, pp. 38–43.
  • Gunston, Bill and Peter Gilchrist. Jet Bombers: From the Messerschmitt Me 262 to the Stealth B-2. Osprey, 1993. ISBN 1-85532-258-7.
  • Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". Flight International, 13–19 December 2011, pp. 26–52.
  • Huertas, Salvador Mafé. "Super Étendard in the Falklands: 2ª Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Caza y Ataque". Wings of Fame. Volume 8, 1997. London: Aerospace Publishing. ISBN 1-86184-008-X.
  • Jackson, Paul (February 1986), "France's Superior Standard", Air International, vol. 30, no. 2, Bromley, UK: Fine Scroll, pp. 49–69, ISSN 0306-5634.
  • ——— (Winter 1992), "SEPECAT Jaguar", World Air Power Journal, vol. 11, London: Aerospace Publishing, pp. 52–111, ISBN 978-1-874023-96-8, ISSN 0959-7050.
  • Jackson, Robert (2010), 101 Great Warships, Rosen, ISBN 978-1-4358-3596-2.
  • Kupersmith, Douglas A (June 1993), The Failure of Third World Air Power (PDF), Air University Press, archived from the original (PDF) on February 26, 2013.
  • Michell, Simon (1994), Civil and Military Aircraft Upgrades 1994–95, Coulsdon, UK: Jane's, ISBN 978-0-7106-1208-3.
  • Nunez Padin, Jorge Felix (November 1993). "Les Super Etendards argentins" [Argentinian Super Etendards]. Avions: Toute l'aéronautique et son histoire (in French) (9): 2–7. ISSN 1243-8650.
  • Polmar, Norman (2006), Aircraft Carriers: A History of Carrier Aviation and Its Influence on World Events, vol. I: 1909–1945, Potomac, ISBN 978-1-574886-63-4.
  • Ripley, Tim. "Directory: Military Aircraft". Flight International, 25–31 May 2004. Sutton, UK: Reed Business Press, pp. 38–73.
  • Taylor, John W.R. (ed). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83. London: Jane's Yearbooks, 1982. ISBN 0-7106-0748-2.

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dassault Super Étendard.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Dassault-Breguet_Super_Étendard&oldid=1259936793"