Dassault Super Étendard
Dassault Aviation · France · first flew 1974 · fighter
The Dassault Super Étendard was a French carrier-borne strike fighter derived from the Étendard IVM, featuring updated avionics, a more powerful engine, and the ability to carry the AM39 Exocet anti-ship missile. It became internationally prominent during the 1982 Falklands War.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Short stocky fuselage with intake cheeks on either side of the nose |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- French carrier-borne strike fighter with prominent swept mid-wing and single SNECMA engine
- Used Exocet anti-ship missiles to devastating effect in the Falklands War
- Short stocky fuselage with intake cheeks on either side of the nose
Identified by the swept mid-wing, oval lateral air intakes flanking the nose, and a single exhaust nozzle — a compact and purposeful naval strike aircraft.
Specifications
- The Dassault Super Étendard has a length of 14.31 m (47 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.6 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1380 km/h (857 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1974 and entering French Navy service in 1978, the Super Étendard was primarily designed as a ship-killing platform. Argentine Navy Super Étendards firing Exocets sank HMS Sheffield and the container ship Atlantic Conveyor during the 1982 Falklands War. The type also served with Iraqi forces against Iranian shipping and later flew combat missions over Bosnia and Afghanistan from French carriers.
Variants
The Super Étendard Modernisé (SEM) received avionics and weapons upgrades from the 1990s onwards, extending service life. Argentine aircraft also received upgrades.
Where you'll see it
Served with the French Navy until 2016 and the Argentine Naval Aviation Command until 2021; not operated by the UK.
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