History
The Dassault Etendard IV was a strike fighter developed in the 1950s for the French Navy. They flew from French aircraft carriers from 1962 until they were withdrawn from service in the 1990s.
The Etendard began as an entry in the NATO strike fighter competition that was won by the Fiat G.91.
In addition, a slightly larger version suitable for the French Navy was developed and the prototype first flew on 21 May 1958.
An order was placed for 69 fighters (Etendard IVM) and 21 reconnaissance versions (Etendard IVP) and they began entering service in 1962.
Etendard IVMs remained in service until 1991 (replaced by Super Etendards) and some Etendard IVPs remained in service into the 21st Century.
This model represents an Etendard IVM of Flotille 17F at Base Aeronautique Navale Hyehes-le-Palyvestre in 1964.
Heller 1/72 kit with Carpena decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in April 2009.