The first Etendard IV M flew on 21 May
1958 at Melun-Villaroche, at the hands of Jean-Marie Saget. For the
first time in its history, the Naval Air Force achieved transonic
speeds. Between 9 December 1961 and 26 May 1965m it received 69 Etendard
IV M.
Operational training missions on Etendard IVM were provided by
the 15.F Flotilla from 1961 until 1965, upon which date they were
transferred to the S.59 Flotilla (also called Shipborne Fighter School)
based in Hyeres. The S.59 would remain equipped with the Etendard IIVM
until July 1991, upon which date the Etendard IV M ceased to be in
active service in the Navy. They flew a total of 180,000 flight hours
and 25,300 landings. The other Flotillas successively equipped with the
Etendard IVM would be the 11.F (1963 - 1978), the 15.F (1962 - 1969),
and the17.F (1964 - 1980).
FEATURES
- Length: 14.35 m
- Wingspan: 9.60 m
- Height: 3.85 m
- Engine: A turbojet SNECMA Atar 8C with a thrust of 4,500 kg
- Maximum speed: 1,204 km/h at 36,000 feet [10,962 m]
- Internal armaments: 2 x 30 mm canons
- External armaments: External load of 1,300 kg (missiles, bombs, rockets, tanks, aerial refeuling nacelle, decoy launchers.)