Dassault-Bréguet Super Etendard
Summary
| Category | Combat aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France |
| First flight | 28 October 1974 |
| Year of introduction | 1978 |
| Number produced | 85 units |
| Average unit price | $13 million |
Description
The Super Etendard is the successor to the Etendard IV M, which was completely retired from naval service in 1991.
Equipped with new engines and a modified structure and equipment, this carrier-based attack aircraft has proven its effectiveness in the Falkland Islands and Iraq with the use of air-to-surface AM39 Exocet missiles. In its French version, the Super Etendard can also carry nuclear ASMP missiles.
In 1990, the upgrade of these aircraft to the Super Etendard Modernisé version was undertaken, while awaiting the arrival of the Rafale Marine. The SEM has been improved in three main areas: the radar, the navigation and attack system, and the cockpit. With a new Anémone radar, more powerful attack computers, and a more ergonomic cockpit, its military effectiveness has been increased, allowing it to operate until the complete replacement by the Rafale by around 2010.
Technical specifications
| Version: Super Etendard | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Operational range | 1500 km (932 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 1180 km/h (733 mph) |
| Wing area | 28.4 m² (305.7 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 9.6 m (31.5 ft) |
| Height | 3.9 m (12.7 ft) |
| Length | 14.3 m (46.9 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 13700 m (44948 ft) |
| Empty weight | 6500 kg (14330 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 12000 kg (26455 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 100.0 m/s (328.1 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 1 × turbojet SNECMA Atar 8K50 delivering 4995 kgp |
| Ejection seat | Martin-Baker Mk 6 |
Current operating countries
No country is operating the Super Etendard in 2024.
Armament
Missiles payload:
- Air-to-Surface AM39 Exocet
- Cruise Missiles ASMP
- Air-to-Air Short-Range R550 Magic
Bombs payload:
- Grenade Launcher Alkan 5030
- Nuclear Dassault AN-52
- Low-Drag Mk 82
- Low-Drag SAMP BL-70
- Low-Drag SAMP EU2
Photo of Super Etendard
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