Current Title:	Aeronautique Navale
Title in English:	French Naval Aviation
Abbreviation:	Aeronavale

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
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 productio jet aircraft delivered - MS.760 Paris
7 May 1994		Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle launched

Current Status:
To be added

Future Plans:
Introduction of 60 Rafale M (12 two-seaters and 48 single-seaters) from 2001: equipping 12F in 2001, 11F in 2007, 17F in 2010.
Possible procurement of a 4th E-2C.
Replacement of the Lynx by 27 NHI NFH.90 from 2005, and also of the Super Frelon by the TTH version later.
Replacement of Super Etendard by Rafale before 2010.
Order second aircraft carrier in 2005 for delivery in 2012.

National Insignia:
Current --- Historical

Aircraft Serial Numbering System(s):

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.