FLYING THE SUPER ETENDARD

摘要

It was a French exchange trip with a difference - flying the Dassault Super Etendard Modernise (SEM) on a two-year exchange posting with the French Navy's Flottille 17F based at Base aeronautique navale de (BAN) Landivisiau. The former Sea Harrier F/A2 pilot also had to master 'cat 'n trap' carrier operations - a far cry from the vertical or short take-off and landing (V/ STOL) regime he was used to flying from the UK's carriers when they were in service. In 2010 the UK's Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) included an aim to deepen the nation's military ties with France. The resulting Lancaster House Treaty was signed that year and this, among other objectives, brought an increased need to 'place' British naval aircrew with the Aeronautique navale (French Fleet Air Arm). The SEM is nearing the end of its service life with the Marine nationale (French Navy) and is due to be withdrawn in mid-2016. Though recently overtaken (in capability terms) by the Dassault Rafale M, it remains a viable weapons platform in its own right. The Super Etendard is primarily designed for anti-surface and ground attack and is best known in the UK for exploits in Argentine hands with the AM39 Exocet anti-ship missile during the 1982 Falklands conflict. France has upgraded its aircraft to make sure they remain capable.