picture 194163

The Dassault Super Etendard was a carrier-borne strike aircraft developed to replace the ageing Dassault-Breguet Etendard IV. It entered service with the French Naval Aviation in 1978-1979: a total of 85 was built, equipping three units (11F, 14F, and 17F). On this type, the 4.2m long and 455kg heavy AN-52 was installed on its typical pylon but this was installed under the right wing, instead under the centreline. The warhead of the AN.52 was the same like that of the Pluton missile, and had two yield options: the low-yield (6-8kt), and the high-yield (25kt). Starting in 1992, the An.52 was replaced by ASMPs, as shown in inset. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)