General discussion about the Super-Étendard (V2)
Hello everyone and welcome to this update of the topic concerning the Super Etendard, initially I would like to extend this topic to the entire Etendard family so as not to create a multitude of different posts.
History
The history of the Étendard family began in the early 1950s, at a time when France was seeking to modernize its military and naval aviation. At that time, Dassault was exploring several concepts for light and versatile combat aircraft capable of performing interception, attack, and reconnaissance missions. This research resulted in a series of prototypes bearing the Étendard name. The first of these, the Étendard II and VI, were designed to meet the needs of the French Air Force and those of potential foreign customers. However, it was the version specifically adapted for naval aviation, the Étendard IV, that would truly achieve industrial and operational success.
The Étendard IV is a compact, single-seat, swept-wing aircraft powered by a SNECMA Atar engine. Its design took into account the constraints of carrier-based flight: folding wings for storage on aircraft carriers, a reinforced structure to withstand deck landings, and braking systems adapted to catapults and arresting lines. The first flight took place in the second half of the 1950s, and deliveries to the French Navy began in the early 1960s. Two main versions were produced: the Étendard IVM, dedicated to attack and interception missions, and the Étendard IVP, specialized in photographic reconnaissance. In total, around one hundred were built. The aircraft proved reliable, maneuverable, and perfectly suited to carrier-based use. It remained in service for more than three decades, until the late 1980s for most units, with some reconnaissance versions even flying into the early 2000s.
From the early 1970s, the French Navy began looking for a successor to the Étendard IV. At one time, a naval derivative of the Franco-British Jaguar (the Jaguar M) was considered, but this project was abandoned for technical and budgetary reasons. Dassault then proposed a direct evolution of the Étendard IV, taking the general lines of the airframe but integrating more modern avionics, an improved engine and increased weapons capabilities. This new aircraft would become the Super Étendard. The first prototype flew in 1974, and operational deliveries began in the late 1970s. In total, approximately seventy to eighty-five aircraft were produced, with figures varying according to sources.
The Super Étendard is primarily a carrier-based attack aircraft. Powered by a SNECMA Atar turbofan engine, it can reach transonic speeds and carry a wide range of weapons. Its Thomson-CSF Agave radar allows it to use the AM39 Exocet anti-ship missile, making it one of the first European carrier-based fighters with a true long-range maritime strike capability. In addition to the Exocet, it can carry rockets, conventional or guided bombs, as well as short-range air-to-air missiles for self-defense.
It is this association between the Super Étendard and the Exocet missile that will make the aircraft famous on the international stage. During the Falklands War in 1982, the Argentine Navy’s Super Étendards, equipped with Exocets, successfully carried out several strikes against the British fleet, the most famous of which was the one that hit the destroyer HMS Sheffield. These actions spectacularly demonstrated the effectiveness of the aircraft-missile concept and left a lasting mark on global naval doctrines. The Super Étendard subsequently became a benchmark in ship-based anti-ship warfare.
In the French Navy, the aircraft performed attack and reconnaissance missions throughout the 1980s. However, as is often the case with military programs, the aging of the airframes and the obsolescence of the avionics required gradual modernization. This led to the emergence of the Super Étendard Modernisé (SEM), available in several successive standards. Standard 2, introduced in the early 1990s, constituted the first major evolution. Its main distinguishing feature is the replacement of the Agave radar with the Anemone radar, also produced by Thomson-CSF. This new radar offers more than double the range of its predecessor and introduces new detection modes, including radar mapping and air-to-air functions. Thanks to these improvements, the Modernized Super Étendard can now engage not only surface targets with greater precision, but also participate in limited air combat or mapping reconnaissance missions.
The Standard 3, introduced around 1997, continues this evolution by adding the capability to employ laser-guided weapons. The SEM then received a daytime laser designation system, the Thomson-CSF ATLIS, allowing it to mark targets and deploy precision-guided bombs. This transformation marks the Super Étendard’s transition from a conventional attack aircraft to a true precision strike aircraft, capable of intervening in modern operations with greater effectiveness. Further modernizations followed, incorporating improvements to electronic warfare, countermeasures, navigation, and reconnaissance systems, extending the aircraft’s service life into the 2000s.
Despite these improvements, the Super Étendard was eventually overtaken by the technological and operational demands of modern warfare. The arrival of the much more versatile Rafale M marked the beginning of its replacement. The French Navy gradually retired its last Super Étendard Modernisés, with the last French unit being disbanded in 2016 after nearly forty years of continuous service. Some aircraft, particularly Argentinian ones, remained in service for some time, although often grounded due to lack of parts or maintenance.
The Étendard family’s track record is remarkable. From the Étendard IV to the Super Étendard Modernisé, these aircraft demonstrate Dassault’s ability to design scalable platforms, adapted to the naval environment and capable of lasting for several decades thanks to simple and effective engineering. They have left their mark on the history of French and international naval aviation, not only through their technical qualities but also through their role in major events, such as the Falklands War. Finally, they represent an important technological transition: that of a generation of analog aircraft towards the first integrated digital systems, a prelude to the era of the Rafale.
1. Etendard IV :
1.1. Etendard IV B
A prototype of the Etendard used to test various technologies, the Etendard IV B unfortunately never entered service but remains extremely interesting nonetheless. This aircraft notably receives a Rolls Royce Avon reactor with 49.82 kN of thrust
Equipment
-
Radar DRAA 3D Aïda :
- Band I
- 25°x24° scan
- 15km max range
-
Weapon computer :
- Rocket CCIP
- Bomb CCIP
- Bomb CCRP
-
Fuel Tanks :
- 600L fuel tanks (x2)
Weapons
- Bombs :
- 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (x4)
- 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bomb (x4)
- 1000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb (x2)
- 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bomb (x2)
- Rockets :
- Type 23 SNEB rockets (18x4)
- AGM :
- AS-20 Nord (x2) requires removal of cannons
- AS-30 Nord (x2) requires removal of cannons
Étendard IVB: The Odd Duck - Suggestions / Aircraft - War Thunder — official forum
1.2. Etendard IV M
The Etendard IV M is the very first variant of the Etendard to enter service with the French forces; it is an aircraft intended for air support. However, it has anti-aircraft capabilities allowing it to defend itself adequately for its time.
Equipment
-
Radar DRAA 3D Aïda :
- Band I
- 25°x24° scan
- 15km max range
-
Weapon computer :
- Rocket CCIP
- Bomb CCIP
- Bomb CCRP
-
Fuel Tanks :
- 600L fuel tanks (x2)
Weapons
- Guns :
- Defa 552 30mm canons (x2)
- Bombs :
- 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (x4)
- 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bomb (x4)
- 1000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb (x2)
- 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bomb (x2)
- Rockets :
- Type 23 SNEB rockets (18x4)
- AGM :
- AS-20 Nord (x2) requires removal of cannons
- AS-30 Nord (x2) requires removal of cannons
- AAM :
- AIM-9B Sidewinder (x2)
1.3. Etendard IV P
A photographic reconnaissance version of the Etendard IV, the P version is stripped of some of its weapons and equipment in order to carry out its missions.
Equipment
-
RWR BZ and BW :
- Radar detection (front and rear sector)
-
Weapon computer :
- Rocket CCIP
- Bomb CCIP
- Bomb CCRP
-
Camera :
- 3 in the nose
- CER 10PR pod under the belly
-
Fuel Tanks :
- 600L fuel tanks (x2)
Weapons
- Bombs :
- 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (x4)
- 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bomb (x4)
- 1000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb (x2)
- 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bomb (x2)
- Rockets :
- Type 23 SNEB rockets (18x4)
Etendard IV P - Suggestions / Aircraft - War Thunder — official forum
1.4. Etendard IV PM
Improved photo reconnaissance versions, the IV PM sees new capabilities arrive compared to the previous version in order to make it more suitable for modern battlefields
Equipment
-
RWR DRAX-16 (BF):
- 2,8 to 18 GHz
- Lock detection
- Missile launch detection
-
Decoy :
- Alkan LCIII decoy launcher (x2)
- Tail Decoy Launcher
- Aral 1A (Phimat) pod
- Arab 8D (Barracuda) pod
-
Camera :
- 3 in the nose
- CER 10PR pod under the belly
-
Fuel Tanks :
- 600L fuel tanks (x2)
Weapons
- Missile :
- Matra Magic (x2)
Etendard IV PM - Suggestions / Aircraft - War Thunder — official forum
2. Super Etendard :
2.1. Super Etendard standard 1
The first version of the Super Etendard, this aircraft presents major improvements compared to the Etendard IV which allow it to become a modern combat aircraft.
Equipment
-
Radar Agave :
- Air to Air : 15 NM
- Air to Sea : 60 NM
-
RWR DRAX-16 (BF):
- 2,8 to 18 GHz
- Lock detection
- Missile launch detection
-
Decoy :
- Alkan LCIII decoy launcher (x2)
- Tail Decoy Launcher
- Corail pod
-
Pod :
- Rubis FLIR
-
Weapon computer :
- Rocket CCIP
- Bomb CCIP
- Bomb CCRP
-
Fuel Tanks :
- 600L fuel tanks (x3)
- 1100L fuel tanks (x2)
Weapons
- Guns :
- Defa 552 30mm canons (x2)
- Bombs :
- Mk-81 bomb (x6)
- Mk-82 bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 21 400kg bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 21 200 400kg parachuted bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 25 250kg bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 25 200 250kg parachuted bomb (x6)
- BAP-100 anti runway bomb (x18)
- BAT-120 tactical bomb (x18)
- AN-52 nuclear bomb (x1)
- Rockets :
- Type 23 SNEB rockets (18x4)
- TBA-ECC launcher (4x4)
- TBA multi dart launcher (4x4)
- AShM :
- Exocet air to sea missile
- AAM :
- Matra Magic 1 (x2)
Super Etendard Standard 1 - Suggestions / Aircraft - War Thunder — official forum
2.2. Super Etendard standard 2
The Super Etendard Standard 2 is the first version of the Super Etendard Modernisé (SEM), this version notably sees the arrival of the new Anemone radar, much more powerful in terms of air-to-air and air-to-sea capacity.
Equipment
-
Radar Anemone :
- Air to Air : 20 NM
- Air to Sea : 120 NM
-
RWR DRAX-16 (BF):
- 2,8 to 18 GHz
- Lock detection
- Missile launch detection
-
Decoy :
- Alkan LCIII decoy launcher (x2)
- Tail Decoy Launcher
- Corail pod
-
Pod :
- Rubis FLIR
-
Weapon computer :
- Rocket CCIP
- Bomb CCIP
- Bomb CCRP
-
Fuel Tanks :
- 600L fuel tanks (x3)
- 1100L fuel tanks (x2)
Weapons
- Guns :
- Defa 552 30mm canons (x2)
- Bombs :
- Mk-81 bomb (x6)
- Mk-82 bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 21 400kg bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 21 200 400kg parachuted bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 25 250kg bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 25 200 250kg parachuted bomb (x6)
- BAP-100 anti runway bomb (x18)
- BAT-120 tactical bomb (x18)
- AN-52 nuclear bomb (x1)
- Rockets :
- Type 23 SNEB rockets (18x4)
- TBA-ECC launcher (4x4)
- TBA multi dart launcher (4x4)
- AShM :
- Exocet air to sea missile
- AAM :
- Matra Magic 1 (x2)
Super Etendard S2 - Suggestions / Aircraft - War Thunder — official forum
2.3. Super Etendard standard 3
The Super Etendard Standard 3 gives it the capability to carry and fire guided weapons, with the addition of the ALTIS II pod and Gbu-12 guided bombs and AS-30L missiles.
Equipment
-
Radar Anemone :
- Air to Air : 20 NM
- Air to Sea : 120 NM
-
RWR Sherlock:
- Band C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J
- 70km range
- IFF
-
Decoy :
- Alkan LCIII decoy launcher (x2)
- Tail Decoy Launcher
- Corail pod
-
Pod :
- Rubis FLIR
- ATLIS II designation pod
-
Weapon computer :
- Rocket CCIP
- Bomb CCIP
- Bomb CCRP
-
Fuel Tanks :
- 600L fuel tanks (x3)
- 1100L fuel tanks (x2)
Weapons
- Guns :
- Defa 552 30mm canons (x2)
- Bombs :
- Mk-81 bomb (x6)
- Mk-82 bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 21 400kg bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 21 200 400kg parachuted bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 25 250kg bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 25 200 250kg parachuted bomb (x6)
- BAP-100 anti runway bomb (x18)
- BAT-120 tactical bomb (x18)
- Guided bomb :
- Gbu-12 (x6)
- Rockets :
- Type 23 SNEB rockets (18x4)
- TBA-ECC launcher (4x4)
- TBA multi dart launcher (4x4)
- AGM :
- AS-30L
- AShM :
- Exocet air to sea missile
- AAM :
- Matra Magic 1 (x2)
2.4. Super Etendard standard 4
The Super Etendard’s standard 4 significantly improves its defensive capabilities, with various countermeasure pods added, allowing it to defend itself against modern threats.
Equipment
-
Radar Anemone :
- Air to Air : 20 NM
- Air to Sea : 120 NM
-
RWR Sherlock:
- Band C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J
- 70km range
- IFF
-
Decoy :
- Alkan 5081 decoy launcher (x2)
- Alkan LCIII decoy launcher (x2)
- Tail Decoy Launcher
- Corail pod
- Aral 1A (Phimat) pod
- Arab 8D (Barracuda) pod
- Barrax pod
-
Pod :
- Rubis FLIR
- ATLIS II designation pod
-
Weapon computer :
- Rocket CCIP
- Bomb CCIP
- Bomb CCRP
-
Fuel Tanks :
- 600L fuel tanks (x3)
- 1100L fuel tanks (x2)
Weapons
- Guns :
- Defa 552 30mm canons (x2)
- Bombs :
- Mk-81 bomb (x6)
- Mk-82 bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 21 400kg bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 21 200 400kg parachuted bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 25 250kg bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 25 200 250kg parachuted bomb (x6)
- BAP-100 anti runway bomb (x18)
- BAT-120 tactical bomb (x18)
- Guided bomb :
- Gbu-12 (x6)
- Rockets :
- Type 23 SNEB rockets (18x4)
- TBA-ECC launcher (4x4)
- TBA multi dart launcher (4x4)
- AGM :
- AS-30L
- AShM :
- Exocet air to sea missile
- AAM :
- Matra Magic 2 (x2)
2.5. Super Etendard standard 5
Equipment
-
Radar Anemone :
- Air to Air : 20 NM
- Air to Sea : 120 NM
-
RWR Sherlock:
- Band C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J
- 70km range
- IFF
-
Decoy :
- Alkan 5081 decoy launcher (x2)
- Alkan LCIII decoy launcher (x2)
- Tail Decoy Launcher
- Corail pod
- Aral 1A (Phimat) pod
- Arab 8D (Barracuda) pod
- Barrax pod
-
Pod :
- Rubis FLIR
- Damoclès designation pod
-
Weapon computer :
- Rocket CCIP
- Bomb CCIP
- Bomb CCRP
-
Fuel Tanks :
- 600L fuel tanks (x3)
- 1100L fuel tanks (x2)
Weapons
- Guns :
- Defa 552 30mm canons (x2)
- Bombs :
- Mk-81 bomb (x6)
- Mk-82 bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 21 400kg bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 21 200 400kg parachuted bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 25 250kg bomb (x6)
- SAMP Type 25 200 250kg parachuted bomb (x6)
- BAP-100 anti runway bomb (x18)
- BAT-120 tactical bomb (x18)
- Guided bomb :
- Gbu-12 (x6)
- Gbu-49 (x6)
- Rockets :
- Type 23 SNEB rockets (18x4)
- TBA-ECC launcher (4x4)
- TBA multi dart launcher (4x4)
- AGM :
- AS-30L
- AShM :
- Exocet air to sea missile
- AAM :
- Matra Magic 2 (x2)
Super Etendard standard 5 - Suggestions / Aircraft - War Thunder — official forum
Bug Report :
Accepted :
- Super Etendard (SEM): Anemone Radar is missing modes // Gaijin.net // Issues
- Super Etendard missing fuel dumping // Gaijin.net // Issues
- Etendard IVM Missing T10 Rockets // Gaijin.net // Issues
Not a bug :
Open :
- Super Etendard missing Alkan LCIII decoy pod // Gaijin.net // Issues
- Super Etendard missing tail decoy launcher // Gaijin.net // Issues
- Super Etendard Incorrect HUD elements // Gaijin.net // Issues
- Super Etendard : Target symbolization error in HUD // Gaijin.net // Issues
- Super Etendard Missing safe height reticle in HUD // Gaijin.net // Issues
Sources :
