A turbojet shoulder-wing monoplane with a swept wing and flying tail
bought to life by a noted specialist in military aviation.
Created by SNASCO (Société Nationale des constructions aéronautiques
du sud-ouest, more commonly known as Sud-Ouest) in response to a program
established by the French Air Force General Staff in 1951, the Vautour is a
turbojet shoulder-wing monoplane with a swept wing and flying tail. Three
versions have been built since its inception: version A, the ground attack
monoplane; B, a two-seat bomber; and N, a two-seat all-weather
interceptor.
After an inaugural flight in October 1952, the official delivery of
the first Vautour was in May 1956; however, by the end of 1958, the initial
order of 300 aircraft was reduced to 140 due to budgetary issues.
Israel purchased close to thirty
aircraft, which were utilised during the six-day war, many of which remained in
service until 1972. As for the French, certain aircraft were used in Polynesia during nuclear testing, where they were used to
collect radioactive particles present in the air.
Alain Crosnier, a noted specialist in military aviation, brings to
light the aircraft and their personnel flying under the French flag. Recognised
as much for his originality and the quality of his illustrations as for the
accuracy and precision of his writing, Crosnier has dedicated himself to the
history and illustrations of modern aviation history.
French Language
