Dassault Super-Étendard facts for kids
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The Dassault Super-Étendard is a famous French jet aircraft. It was built to be both a fighter and an attack aircraft. This means it could fight other planes in the sky and also attack targets on the ground or at sea. The French Navy started using these powerful jets in 1978.
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The Super-Étendard: A French Jet
The Dassault Super-Étendard is a single-turbojet military aircraft. It was designed and built in France by a company called Dassault Aviation. This jet is known for being able to perform different kinds of missions. It can defend airspace as a fighter and also attack targets on land or at sea.
The French Navy began using the Super-Étendard in 1978. For many years, it was one of their most important combat aircraft. By 2013, it was still a key part of the French Navy's air fleet, second only to the newer Dassault Rafale jet.
From 1995 onwards, all Super-Étendard jets used by the French Navy were updated. These improved versions were called SEM, which stands for Super-Étendard Modernisés (Modernized Super-Étendard). These updates made the jets even more capable for their missions.
Powerful Weapons
The Super-Étendard can carry many different types of weapons. It is very versatile, meaning it can be equipped for various tasks. Some of the weapons it can carry include:
- The AM-39 Exocet missile, which is used to attack ships.
- Laser-guided bombs, which are very accurate because they follow a laser beam to their target.
- The ASMP nuclear missile, which is a powerful weapon designed to carry a nuclear warhead.
Who Else Used It?
Besides France, two other countries also used the Super-Étendard. These were Argentina and Iraq. Both countries found the jet to be a valuable addition to their air forces.
The Falklands War
Argentina used the Super-Étendard during the Falklands War in 1982. During this conflict, Argentine Super-Étendard jets successfully used their Exocet missiles. One famous event was when an Exocet missile launched from a Super-Étendard hit and destroyed the British destroyer HMS Sheffield. This showed how effective the aircraft and its missiles could be in combat.
From Étendard IV to Super-Étendard
The Dassault Super-Étendard is actually an improved version of an older jet. It was developed from the Dassault Étendard IV. The Super-Étendard kept some features of the older plane but was given many upgrades. These upgrades included better engines, improved electronics, and the ability to carry more advanced weapons. This made it a much more powerful and modern aircraft.
