Attack Aircraft
Dassault Super Étendard
The Dassault Super Étendard is a French carrier-based strike fighter built by Dassault Aviation, in service from 1978 to 2016 with the French Navy. It is best known for sinking HMS Sheffield in the Falklands War with AM39 Exocet missiles.
France|Dassault AviationWhat Is the Dassault Super Étendard? Overview, History and Development
Dassault developed the Super Étendard from the Étendard IVM. It first flew on 28 October 1974 and entered service in 1978. A single SNECMA Atar 8K-50 engine gives a top speed of about 1,180 km/h. It carries two 30 mm cannon, bombs, rockets and the AM39 Exocet anti-ship missile, and French aircraft could also carry the ASMP-A nuclear missile. A total of 85 were built, including 71 for the French Navy and 14 for Argentina.
In 1982 Argentine Naval Aviation Super Étendards fired Exocets that sank HMS Sheffield on 4 May and Atlantic Conveyor on 25 May, with only five Exocets available. Iraq leased five for attacks on Gulf shipping during the Iran-Iraq War. France retired the type on 12 July 2016. Argentina bought 14 Super Étendard Modernisé in 2013 to 2015, delivered from 2016, and about three to five are cited as airworthy, an estimate. It is not stealthy.
Dassault Super Étendard Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament
Dassault Super Étendard Variants and Versions Compared
The standard Super Étendard was the original carrier strike version with a navigation and attack radar and the Exocet.
The Super Étendard Modernisé added a new radar, cockpit and weapons integration for the French Navy’s later years.
The Super Étendard AM39 configuration refers to the aircraft carrying the AM39 Exocet anti-ship missile.
Which Countries Use the Dassault Super Étendard? Operators and Users
ArgentinaDassault Super Étendard FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
What did the Super Étendard do in the Falklands War?
Argentine Super Étendards sank HMS Sheffield on 4 May 1982 and the Atlantic Conveyor on 25 May 1982 using AM39 Exocet missiles. Argentina had only five Exocets available at the time.
How fast is the Super Étendard?
The Dassault Super Étendard has a top speed of about 1,180 km/h. It is subsonic at sea level and only just supersonic at altitude.
When did France retire the Super Étendard?
France retired the Dassault Super Étendard on 12 July 2016. The last unit was Flottille 17F, operating from the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
Does Argentina still use the Super Étendard?
Yes, Argentina bought 14 Super Étendard Modernisé from France in 2013 to 2015, delivered from 2016. About three to five are cited as airworthy, which is an estimate.
How many Super Étendards were built?
A total of 85 Super Étendards were built, including 71 for the French Navy and 14 for Argentina. Iraq also leased five aircraft.
Super Étendard vs A-4 Skyhawk: which is better?
The Super Étendard was a newer design with a radar and the Exocet, while the A-4 Skyhawk was simpler and widely used. Both were rivals in the Falklands War, and the Exocet gave the French jet its distinctive anti-ship role.