Dassault joins the Fleet Air Arm

bacofoil · February 28, 2009, 03:40:21 AM

"What if" The Royal Navy had got both of its CVA-01 aircraft carriers in 1971 and 72 ?
HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Duke of Edinburgh put in many months at sea and by the early 1980s it is clear they will need to be refitted.This will of course will be very expensive and in order to keep both carriers the RN are told to reduce costs elsewhere.
The RN fast jet squadrons bear the brunt of the cost reductions and the hoped for order for McDonnell F/A-18 Hornets is cancelled.To maintain a viable combat ability, first the navy's F4 Phantom is upgraded with the Hughes APG-73 radar and avionics,improved Speys and an airframe overhaul.
The Buccaneer needs to be replaced and an affordable "off the shelf" purchase is sought.
The choice goes to Dassault with an order for 34 Super Etendards.12 for each carrier and 11 at Yeovilton for conversion and attrition.The aircraft becomes the Cormorant FRS1 and changes from the French model are,Blue Fox radar,Aden cannons,various UK avionics and the Atar engine built by Rolls Royce.
The first squadron to go operational is 888 (the Sea eagles) aboard HMS Duke of Edinburgh.Model of which shown below!!
All comments,good and bad welcome.

lancer · February 28, 2009, 06:56:27 AM

Nice, the Super Entandard looks good wearing FAA colours!!

Spey_Phantom · February 28, 2009, 09:37:16 AM

looks great, i did a FAA Super Etendard exactly like that in the Falklands GB.
it looks almost identical

EDIT: more info (made in 2007)

http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,15194.0.html

and NO, im not hijacking this thread.
guess its treu, great minds do think alike

Mossie · February 28, 2009, 09:48:07 AM

Love the irony!

Ian the Kiwi Herder · February 28, 2009, 10:04:18 AM

Handsome.... yup that's the word.

Ian

Brian da Basher · February 28, 2009, 11:08:38 AM

It's scary how natural that Entard looks wearing a Fleet Air Arm scheme! Excellent work!

Brian da Basher

Daryl J. · February 28, 2009, 11:15:23 AM

If that would have been submitted to ARC, you'd have fooled me.

Daryl J.

NARSES2 · March 01, 2009, 02:38:36 AM

Quote from: Brian da Basher on February 28, 2009, 11:08:38 AM
It's scary how natural that Entard looks wearing a Fleet Air Arm scheme! Excellent work!

Brian da Basher

My thoughts exactly - looks like something out of the Hawker stable - who said Sea Hunter ?

bacofoil · March 01, 2009, 11:22:57 AM

Thanks guys.Fully agree the Super Etendard does look "just right " in FAA colours.
Always luved that Grey and White look though.
Maybe a few others would look right in them !!(starts to think!!).

Dork the kit slayer · March 01, 2009, 06:58:30 PM

That looks so good in FAA colours..................great build.
If I copy remember I only steal from the best(as does a good mate of mine....................off me)

Dork the kit slayer · March 01, 2009, 06:59:59 PM

Quote from: NARSES2 on March 01, 2009, 02:38:36 AM
Quote from: Brian da Basher on February 28, 2009, 11:08:38 AM
It's scary how natural that Entard looks wearing a Fleet Air Arm scheme! Excellent work!

Brian da Basher

My thoughts exactly - looks like something out of the Hawker stable - who said Sea Hunter ?

Narse2, Im with you on that mate...it just shouts Hawker.

bacofoil · March 02, 2009, 03:13:05 AM

Maybe Hawker could have built it under license ? Even fitted with an Avon or Adour ?

Sisko · March 02, 2009, 01:17:04 PM

Simple scheme and an elegent finish

Rafael · March 02, 2009, 03:09:13 PM

Quote from: Sisko on March 02, 2009, 01:17:04 PM

Simple scheme and an elegent finish

Yep. What he said!!!

Rafa