Last Super Étendard launch from Charles de Gaulle

[Gary]

Apologies for the Facebook link, will try and find a better one when back at the computer

The last ever launch of a French Super Étendard from aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91) can be found on the link

https://m.facebook.com/armeefrancaise/?ref=bookmarks

[Thunder]

A lot of classic a/c have recently left or are in the process of leaving service, definitely a major time of change in the air.

[Blackcat1]

1 of my favs, thought the SEM had a couple of years left!?

[DeanW]

It should be retired from the French Navy by July, although I've no idea when the specific OSD is.

[chrisov]

Had hoped that there might be a 'Retirement' enthusiasts day but can't find any mention.
Has anyone more knowledge?
Cheers
Chris

[chrisov]

Just found this in an unusual source via google, unless they are after buying.....................
http://defence.pk/threads/last-catapult ... er.426008/
still no date or invatation.

[Blackcat1]

Can't the RN buy a few lol

[Dan D'Air]

Can't the RN buy a few lol

Yes, to use on our new carriers...... Oops, we can only use VSTOL.
That limits us to two jets. F35 and Harrier.......Hey, where are all those Harriers?........ You did WHAT?....

[Blackcat1]

I meant base them at Yeovilton as a back up when they bring Harrier back ;-)

[lmgaylard]

Had hoped that there might be a 'Retirement' enthusiasts day but can't find any mention.
Has anyone more knowledge?
Cheers
Chris

I'm doing a lot of work with the guys at Landivisiau at the moment and they are, at the moment, planning an enthusiasts day for sometime in June.

Will keep you posted as and when I hear anything concrete.

[MRTT]

Will be sad to see them go, a brilliant aircraft!

[chrisov]

Hello Imgaylard

Apologies I missed your reply till now.

Any further info will be gratefully appreciated.

Cheers
Chris

[Supra]

Information on this is still sketchy, but from public accessible sites the following information is offered....for confirmation by others??
a) Monday 27th June....Possible 'event' at BAN Landivisiau. (requires more detail from those with Contacts??)
b) Tues 12th July .... 17F SEM Retirement Event @ BAN Landivisiau.
c) Weds 13th July ..... 17F reforms with Rafale @ BAN Landivisiau.
Precludes any chance of attendance at RIAT, as this is immediately following Monday departures!!
I think my Mum has better contacts than "Imgaylard" If any 'secrecy squirrels' would like to help-out, knock yourself out!

[lmgaylard]

Information on this is still sketchy, but from public accessible sites the following information is offered....for confirmation by others??
a) Monday 27th June....Possible 'event' at BAN Landivisiau. (requires more detail from those with Contacts??)
b) Tues 12th July .... 17F SEM Retirement Event @ BAN Landivisiau.
c) Weds 13th July ..... 17F reforms with Rafale @ BAN Landivisiau.
Precludes any chance of attendance at RIAT, as this is immediately following Monday departures!!
I think my Mum has better contacts than "Imgaylard" If any 'secrecy squirrels' would like to help-out, knock yourself out!

Hi Supra.

Thanks for the kind words, it's just so nice of you. Actually I should probably thank your mum for the info. Pass on my regards for me.

I'm so sorry for my tardiness in replying but there are a couple of reasons those being; 1) I'm waiting to hear concrete dates and times BEFORE I post on here and 2) I have a busy life so I'm so sorry for not sitting by the PC waiting to post on here.

[Supra]

Hi Imgaylard, just a quick Update from my Mum....
Tues 12th July is from one of her mates whose flying in it!
Wed's 13th July is on the French Navy website that she writes for them!
If it's wrong, shoot her, not me!
Mum noted the following:-
1) These things need forward planning, so with 90 days to go until the bash there should be Concrete-mixers queuing at the Gate??
2) 'Busy life' mate?? That could mean 1 of 2 things. You got a proper job or you aint gonna have time to tell us 'til it's over.
If you can't say too much yet, tell me in confidence & I'll get my Mum to post-it anonymously.
She needs to book a crossing & get her knitting ready. Be Nice.

[Cornish-guy]

Here's a few pictures of this beauty of a plane that i shot when they were last over this way playing on the range near Pembroke.

C.

SEM 3 by Arthur Merlin, on Flickr

SEM 4 by Arthur Merlin, on Flickr

SEM and Rafale 1 by Arthur Merlin, on Flickr

SEM and Rafale 2 by Arthur Merlin, on Flickr

SEM1 by Arthur Merlin, on Flickr

SEM2 by Arthur Merlin, on Flickr

[Blackcat1]

Nice photos, great looking jet

[Cornish-guy]

Nice photos, great looking jet

Thanks mate, there was a couple of great exersises around Pembroke back then, shame i couldn't get closer but it was there flying routine - high up over the town then diving down on to the range.

C.

[Blackcat1]

Yeah same at Pembrey.