Super Emendard 1:48 Kittyhawk 80138

Plastic model airplane for assembly: Super Etendard 1:48 Kittyhawk 80138

The Kittyhawk 80138 model represents the French carrier-based aircraft Dassault-Breguet Super Etendard in 1:48 scale. This plastic model is an excellent choice for military aviation enthusiasts and modelers interested in the history of naval aviation.

Model details:

• Scale: 1:48
• Manufacturer: Kittyhawk
• Catalog number: 80138

About the aircraft: The Dassault-Breguet Super Etendard is a French fighter-bomber designed for operations from aircraft carriers. It was a development of the earlier Etendard IVM model, which replaced it in the service of the French Navy. The Super Etendard made its first flight in October 1974 and entered service in France in June 1978. This aircraft participated in many armed conflicts, including the war in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and the military intervention in Libya.

The Super Etendard was also used by Iraq and Argentina. In particular, the Argentine Navy utilized this aircraft during the Falklands War in 1982, which contributed to its high recognition. During this conflict, Super Etendards armed with Exocet missiles played a key role in attacking British warships.

Development history: The Super Etendard was created in response to the need to replace the Etendard IVM. Initially, it was planned to be replaced by the naval version of the SEPECAT Jaguar, but this project was canceled due to technical and political issues. As a result, Dassault proposed the Super Etendard as a fully French alternative, which was accepted by the French Navy in 1973.

Design and armament: The Super Etendard is a single-engine, mid-wing aircraft with an all-metal construction. It is equipped with a SNECMA Atar 8K-50 turbojet engine with a thrust of 49 kN. Although its performance was not significantly better than its predecessor, the avionics were greatly improved. The main armament of the aircraft was the French anti-ship missile Aerospatiale AM 39 Exocet, as well as the Thomson-CSF Agave radar, which enabled its use.

In the 1990s, the Super Etendard underwent a series of upgrades, including updates to the onboard computer and radar, which significantly increased its range and combat capabilities. The aircraft could also carry tactical nuclear bombs and various types of laser-guided bombs.

Operational history: The Super Etendard was used by the French Navy until 2016, when it was replaced by the Dassault Rafale. During its service, it participated in numerous combat operations, including missions over Serbia, Afghanistan, and Libya. In Argentina, the Super Étendard gained fame during the Falklands War, where it effectively attacked British ships.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.