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Dear Bob,

I found out something interesting. The earlier Etendard was suppose to be a replaced with a version of the joint Jaguar, the Jaguar-M was ready. But it seems that the Jaguar-M was a flop. The French Navy had their hearts set on a proven design, one of the more modern A-4s or the A-7. Weight I guess killed the A-7; and the French government killed the A-4 (the FN used a LOT of chits in the 60s to get the F-8 over a hooked Mirage III) and so the French Navy had to settle for the less capable Super Etendard (ie it later became a good strike aircraft but only after a lot of modifications). Here is the link on the test of the A-4 on the FOCH. In a strange twist of fate. The Foch is still sailing and its main aircraft is the A-4. its main aircraft is the A-4. And the Brazilian Navy is the only navy with a carrier operating the A-4.

Finally, know any of the pilots from your PAXes days? And what the heck is the "catapult track cover deflector"?

Jack E. Hammond

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BTW> Do USN and USMC pilots ever tire of messing with the minds of other nations deck crews or pilots. I mean really: A GARDEN HOSE! <GRIN>

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It's been my experience that aircraft procurement is and always has been 99% political. Every now and then the aviators or uniformed service rebels and takes a hard stand for an aircraft they really want. Examples would be the AV-8 and the French F-8. For countries with small budgets the A-4 simply can't be beat. We are rapidly becoming a "small' country, military-wise so I expect to see "cheaper is better" in future decisions.

I do not know what a catapult track cover deflector is. The original purpose of a track cover was to keep water from accumulating in the track and spewing water into engine intakes during the catapult stroke. J-71 F-3H was particularily affeted by water ingestion. Even rain clouds were a hazard. I would guess a deflector would allow you to shoot with the cover on. Just a WAG.

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If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun.
Katharine Hepburn

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