History
Narrative Summary
1910 first Naval officers sent for flying training. 1910 formation of Service Aeronautique. 12 March 1912 creation of Commandement Superieur de l’Aviation Maritime. 1925 Aeronautique Maritime formed, later renamed Aeronautique Navale. 10 May 1940 onwards Naval units operated in tactical role supporting land forces. June 1940 Vichy naval aviation under German control. 1944 French control of naval aviation restored. November 1956 major participant in Suez campaign.
Key Dates
1910 | First French begin flying training | |
1910 | Service Aeronautique established | |
12 March 1912 | Renamed Service de l’Aeronautique de la Marine | |
1925 | Renamed Aeronautique Maritime | |
12 March 1912 | Renamed Service de l’Aeronautique de la Marine | |
1925 | Renamed Aeronautique Maritime | |
19?? | Renamed Aeronautique Navale | |
10 May 1940 | Support to land forces in Battle of France | |
June 1940 | Vichy France under German control | |
1944 | French regain control of naval air arm | |
1955 | First helicopters received – Sikorsky H-19 | |
November 1956 | Major participant in Suez Campaign | |
1958 | First production jet aircraft delivered – MS.760 Paris | |
7 May 1994 | Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle launched |
Current Status
The aircraft and helicopters of the French Navy are fully operational.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
Special Markings
Aircraft Serial Numbers
French Navy aircraft carry French military serial numbers which are usually based on the manufacturers construction number for the airframe concerned. There is thus no overall numbering sequence, but a numbering sequence from 01 or 1 for each individual type. For example, Super Etendard 46 shares the same number as Alize 46.
Unit/Base Codes
Until baout 1960 all Aeronavale aircraft carried a unit code on the fuselage. This was of the format number.letter.number, e.g. TBM-3 Avenger 9.F.26, where the unit was Flotille 9F and the individual aircraft number was 26.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Table of Current Service Aircraft
All-Time Aircraft Used List
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
Aircraft NOT Used
False reports of aircraft on order or in service
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Service Centrale de l’Aeronautique Navale, 2 Rue Royale, 75800 Paris.
Organisational Structure
The three major components of the Aeronavale are: Service Central de l’Aeronautique Navale (Central Aviation Services), Aviation de Patrouille Maritime (Maritime Air Patrol) and Aviation Embarquee et le Groupe des Porte-Avions (Embarked Aviation). The navy is geographically divided into Atlantic Region (HQ Brest) and Mediterranean Region (HQ Toulon). Frontline units are Flotilles (Squadrons), second line units are Escadrilles de Servitude (Support Flights).
Current Order of Battle
Table of Current Order of Battle
Historical Orders of Battle
Historical Order of Battle for 2008
All-Time Flying Units List
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
See current order of battle.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
In addition to the main base, a number of smaller airports and airfields around the country which are sometimes used by the Navy.
Military Air Bases Listing – to be added.
Aircraft-Carrying Ships Listing – to be added.
More Information
Books
French Military Aviation by Paul A. Jackson (Midland Counties, 1979)
European Air Forces Directory 2012/13 (Mach III)
Magazines
World Air Power Journal No.10 p.148
Air International March 1997
Websites
Official Homepage of the Aeronavale
wikipedia: French Navy
wikipedia: French Naval Aviation
wikipedia: Liste des escadrilles et flottilles de l’aviation navale
Air-Britain Photos: French Navy
Les Helicopteres de l’Aeronautique Navale