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Dassault Super Etendard Modernisé (SEM)
by Frank Safranek (4 September 2003)
hen most people think of current carrier-launched attack aircraft they usually think of
the versatile F/A-18, the Sea Harrier, or the new Rafale M (my apologies in advance if I
forgot anyone's favorite). But one that is often overlooked is the Dassault Super Etendard.
This aircraft, in combination with the lethal AM39 Exocet anti-shipping missile, truly
changed forever the face of modern naval warfare. In the hands of the Armada Argentina
during the Falklands War of the early 1980s and the Iraqi Air Force during the Iran-Iraq
war of the mid-1980s, the Super Etendard demonstrated without question that a single aircraft
with the right weapon could, in a few moments time, accomplish what would take several
ships, several days in pursuit, during previous wars.
The original Dassault-Breguet Etendard IV, from which the Super Etendard descended, first flew in 1956 wearing the triangular flag insignia alluding to the meaning of the aircraft name in French: “Standard”. The Super Etendard - which first flew in 1974 and entered service in 1978 - is a significantly updated version of the Etendard IV sporting an advanced weapons system and a modern navigation and combat management suite. In Aéronavale Francaise (French Navy) service the Super Etendard has seen combat action over Africa, the Gulf, Lebanon, Yugoslavia, and Kosovo.
Romain Lucas has released an FS2002 version of this aircraft featuring three visual configurations, three texture sets, a virtual cockpit, and an instrument panel including new instruments by himself, his brother Laurent and Eric Marciano.
Installation and Documentation
Installation is easy. The files are arranged in folders so that the aircraft can be
unzipped into the main FS2002 folder with everything going where it should. In the
main folder of the aircraft you'll find GIF images explaining all the details of the
instrument panel and radar system. Follow these and you can't go wrong. Additional
documentation is provided in the on-screen checklist and reference information pages.
The Aircraft
This Gmax designed aircraft has faithfully captured the smooth and unique lines of the
Super Etendard, especially the characteristic droop of the nose section. It is extensively
animated. The usual items are present: all control surfaces, gear and gear doors and
air brakes. Romain Lucas has gone the extra steps to include working auxiliary intake
doors, arrestor hook, spoilers that deploy depending on the amount of roll, opening
canopy, steerable and compressible nose gear, folding wings and a complete 3D cockpit.
Romain has even put himself in the cockpit this time.
Romain has also modeled the slat and flap movement realistically. There are only two positions: half slats and full slats with full flaps. To take off from a runway, Aéronavale pilots typically extend only the slats and to take off from a carrier, they use full slats with full flaps. There is no partial extension to either. When the trailing edge flaps are extended, the rear part of the elevator lifts. This is by design to “ward off” the pitch down moment created by the big flaps.
Three visual models are included each with a unique texture set. These consist of
one with the original 600-litre external fuel tanks in Argentina Armada colors,
one with the larger 1100-litre external tanks in the current two-tone gray camouflage
worn by the Aéronavale Francaise and a clean configuration in the original Aéronavale
blue-gray color. Small differences among the three versions in the shapes of antennas
have also been included.
Flight Dynamics
The flight dynamics are very realistic and getting them that way required research
beyond just reading Jane’s. Romain lives in Brest, France, the largest French military
harbor on the French Atlantic coast and very near Landivisiau, the largest Base
AéroNavale (BAN) in France. During development Romain was able to discuss the flight
dynamics of the Super Etendard at length with pilots from Flotille (Squadron) 11F at Landivisiau BAN.
According to Romain, “You may have read that the Super Etendard could reach Mach 1.3
but I've been told by pilots its max speed is only Mach 0.98 in normal conditions.”
The aircraft is a joy to fly; very realistic with careful trim required throughout the flight envelope. Romain told me, “You have to play with the trim all the time but it's the same in the real aircraft.” All three aircraft versions share a common flight dynamics file with the handling differences between them being accomplished by adjusting the fuel capacity under aircraft settings. With very responsive ground steering and brakes, the aircraft is as easy to maneuver along taxiways as it is in the air.
Instrument Panel
The updated SEM “standard 4” instrument panel background was made from photos of
the real thing. Romain, with assistance from his brother Laurent, has made several
new instruments specific to this aircraft. The radar and HUD are by Eric Marciano.
Starting with the latest version of his popular Mirage 4000 radar/HUD, Eric has
updated it specifically for this instrument panel. After installation you'll find
GIF images explaining all the details of the instrument panel and radar system.
Commit these to memory and you can't go wrong. Additional documentation is provided
in the on-screen checklist and reference information pages.
Virtual Cockpit
The virtual cockpit is very complete with all of the important gauges being functional
including the HUD. This makes intercepts of AI aircraft even easier and more realistic.
Carrier landings are easier from this view as well. The control stick, rudders and
many of the cockpit levers move as the various external components move. Again the
textures are based on photographs of the real aircraft.
Sound
No sound files are provided so you have a couple of options. By default the aircraft
will use the Learjet 45 files for a nice civilian-style jet sound. As a better and actually
pretty accurate option you can use the sound files from Kirk Olsson's Mirage F1CR
(F1V2.ZIP)
released last year. The Super Etendard uses the SNECMA Atar 8K50
engine. This is the same basic Atar 9K50 engine used in the Mirage
F1 and Mirage 50 but without the afterburner.
In Conclusion
This is a wonderful aircraft. If you enjoy attack aircraft and in
particular naval attack aircraft you will not be disappointed with
this download. The visual model is awesome, the flight model is
realistic and a joy, the panel is a true delight to view and operate,
and with three different configurations and texture sets you just
can't go wrong. If you haven't already done so add this one to your
inventory. Romain's
Mirage 4000
from last year (in combination with the instrument panel by
Eric Marciano) was truly a work of art. This newest release truly
sets a new “Standard”.
Reviewed by Frank Safranek
Download the Super Etendard
Visit the Mirage Aircraft for Flight Simulator website
webmaster@mirage4fs.com
Download the SEM panel fix.
