Dassault Etendard IV

Developed in parallel with the Etendard II and VI as a private venture, the Etendard IV light tactical fighter powered by a 3400kg SNECMA Atar 101E-4 was first flown on 24 July 1956. Apart from having substantially more power than the other versions of the basic design, the Etendard IV featured larger overall dimensions, including 1.4m² more wing area, cabin pressurisation and longer-stroke main undercarriage members with larger wheelbase and track. Furthermore, there was provision for increased internal fuel capacity. From the outset of design, several variants of the Etendard IV were foreseen, including a tandem two-seat conversion trainer, a tactical reconnaissance model and a shipboard multi-role fighter version. It was for the last-mentioned mission that the aircraft attracted Aeronavale attention, Dassault receiving a contract for the further development of the fighter to meet the service's requirements as the Etendard IVM. The armament of the sole prototype Etendard IV comprised two 30mm DEFA cannon.