The Étendard boat, also known as the Étendard IV M, is a French naval aircraft carrier-based strike fighter. It was developed and manufactured by Dassault Aviation for the French Navy in the 1960s. The Étendard IV M was primarily designed for air-to-ground attack missions, but it also had limited air-to-air capabilities.
The Étendard IV M featured a delta wing design, which provided it with good maneuverability and stability at high speeds. It was powered by a single SNECMA Atar 8K-50 turbojet engine, which gave it a top speed of Mach 2. The aircraft had a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) and could carry various weapons, including air-to-surface missiles, rockets, and bombs.
One of the most notable features of the Étendard IV M was its ability to carry the Exocet anti-ship missile. This made it a potent threat to enemy naval vessels, as it could launch these missiles from a safe distance. The Étendard IV M also had a 30mm DEFA cannon for close air support and air-to-air engagements.
The Étendard IV M was operated by the French Navy from 1962 until its retirement in 1991. It saw combat during the Falklands War in 1982, where it played a significant role in attacking British naval forces. The Étendard IV M was also exported to Argentina, which used it extensively during the conflict.
Overall, the Étendard IV M was a versatile and reliable aircraft that served the French Navy for several decades. Its capabilities as a strike fighter and its ability to carry the Exocet missile made it a valuable asset for both anti-ship and ground attack missions.
