French Navy Atlantique II Display

About the Aircraft

The Breguet Br.1150 Atlantic is a long-range maritime patrol aircraft developed by Breguet Aviation, entering service in 1965 to replace the Lockheed P2V Neptune. Featuring a twin-engine design and a versatile weapons bay, it is primarily used for anti-submarine warfare and reconnaissance. The Atlantique 2 (ATL2) variant, introduced in the 1980s, includes advanced avionics and weaponry. With a crew of 12 and an endurance of up to 18 hours, the Atlantic remains in service with several navies, including France and Germany.

Specifications

Historical Development

The Breguet Br.1150 Atlantic was developed in response to a 1958 NATO requirement to replace the Lockheed P2V Neptune. Breguet’s design won the competition, leading to the establishment of a multinational consortium for production. The first prototype flew in 1961, and the aircraft entered operational service in 1965, with initial orders from France and Germany. The Atlantic was used for maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare, with follow-on orders from other countries. In the 1980s, the Atlantique 2 variant was introduced, featuring upgraded avionics and weaponry. The aircraft has undergone various upgrades and continues to serve in several navies today.

Did You Know?

• The Breguet Br.1150 Atlantic was specifically designed to replace the Lockheed P2V Neptune after NATO issued a specification in 1958 for a long-range maritime patrol aircraft.
• A multinational consortium called Société d’Étude et de Construction de Breguet Atlantic (SECBAT) was established to develop and manufacture the Atlantic, leading to an initial order of 60 aircraft in 1963.
• The Atlantic is versatile in its roles, capable of conducting reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, and even ground-attack missions, with some variants equipped for electronic intelligence operations.
• The Atlantique 2, an updated version of the original Atlantic, features advanced avionics and systems such as the Thales Searchmaster radar, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities.
• Although a proposed upgrade known as the Atlantique 3 was considered in the 1990s, it was ultimately not built, as the focus shifted to other platforms like the BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4.

Performer Information

The French Navy’s Atlantique II is a remarkable maritime patrol aircraft that showcases the prowess of naval aviation. With its sleek design and advanced capabilities, this aircraft is a vital asset for surveillance, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare. The Atlantique II solo display is a rare and captivating event, as operational commitments limit its appearances to only a handful of shows each year, and even fewer outside of France.

During the display, audiences are treated to an impressive array of flypasts that highlight the Atlantique II’s agility and performance. The aircraft executes steep turns, allowing spectators to appreciate both the top and bottom views of this remarkable machine. A highlight of the display is the weapon bay opening, which provides a glimpse into the aircraft’s operational capabilities.

Depending on the landing conditions at the host airport, the display may also include a thrilling “dirty pass,” where the Atlantique II showcases its landing gear and flaps extended, demonstrating its versatility and approach characteristics. Each maneuver is executed with precision, reflecting the skill of the pilots and the aircraft’s advanced engineering.