Q&A · 1:37:42-1:39:07

The Etendard IV as a new weapon for the Clemenceau class

The Etendard IV is placed in the development of the Clemenceau air group rather than reduced to a simple replacement chart.

Question

What aircraft was the Dassault Etendard IV intended to replace in French naval service?

Short answer

It was less a one-for-one replacement than a new French strike capability that gave the Clemenceau-class carriers modern teeth.

Notes

The Etendard IV is best understood as a new operational capability for the Clemenceau class. It gave the carriers a modern French strike aircraft rather than merely substituting for one older type with an identical role.