Air RB / Aircraft Database / Profile
Etendard IVM
France · Rank VI · Strike aircraft
- Acquisition Type
- Tech Tree
- Air RB battle rating
- 9.0Observed October 8, 2026
Weapons & equipment checked October 14, 2026.
Aircraft overview
Etendard IVM rewards choosing the job before takeoff. For Air RB, decide whether you are supporting the fighters or making a ground-attack run, then carry for that job. Do not arrive at the merge with a strike load and no plan for the enemy fighters.
How to fly it
Set up the first engagement
Accelerate and approach beside the friendly push. Let the first contacts show you where the enemy team is committing before you close.
Make the attack count
Make one purposeful pass and check the sky on the way out. A second ground target is not worth circling beneath an approaching fighter.
Know when to break off
Leave when more enemies arrive, the target draws you away from support, or another turn costs the speed you need to escape. A teammate nearby is more useful than a duel you cannot finish.
Common mistakes
- Forcing the original plan. Following the same target after the first opportunity has gone and the surrounding fight has changed.
- Ignoring the next attacker. Look outside the target chase between attacks. The enemy arriving from behind is often the one who decides whether you get home.
Strengths & limitations
Strengths
Punish the occupied target
AIM-9B Sidewinder is an infrared option. A target chasing a teammate is a better opportunity than an opponent already flaring and turning away from you.
Plan the guided-weapon attack
AS-20 Nord air-to-ground missiles lets you plan a guided strike. Identify the target and the way out before starting the attack; searching through the weapon sight is a poor time to notice an interceptor.
Limitations
The strike load changes the fight
Extra ordnance costs weight and drag. If fighters reach you before the release, defend immediately instead of trying to finish the original run first.
The approach still matters
A missile in the loadout does not make a long straight pursuit useful. If the target is opening the distance or already defending, change the angle or look for another opportunity.
Recommended Air RB loadouts
AIM-9B Sidewinder
Use the infrared option against a target with little time to react. Judge the angle, closure and countermeasures before firing; a seeker lock alone is not a good reason to launch.
Radar & defenses
Look outside the radar display
Find and track contacts with the radar modes this aircraft provides. A radar contact does not give this aircraft a radar-guided missile. Once you close, check the sky between looks at the display; the next attacker may not be the contact you are tracking.
Keep a visual threat scan
Look behind and above between attacks. Do not wait for a warning sound before checking whether someone has begun an interception.
Ground attack & CAS
AS-20 Nord air-to-ground missiles
Set up AS-20 Nord air-to-ground missiles before entering the target area. Get the target and guidance ready early; if the approach falls apart, break away rather than searching through the sight while flying at an SPAA.
Choose the target before diving
For 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb, choose the target before the run and allow room to pull out clear of the blast. Turn away after release; watching the hit leaves you flying a predictable line over the target.
Set the sight before the run
Select the fitted weapon and its supported impact or release cue before entering the target area. Make the correction on the approach; do not circle over the target trying to work out the controls.
Handling & fuel
Keep speed for the next decision
Ease off the pull when the shot is gone. Recover speed and separation before deciding to turn back; holding maximum input through every reversal leaves fewer options.
Plan the return
Check fuel after the opening fight, especially if you have spent the approach on high power. Allow for the flight back and landing rather than using the hangar endurance as an afterburner timer.
Battle Rating History
| Observation | Battle rating |
|---|---|
| October 8, 2026 · Archive | 9.0 |
Unchanged on . Profile rating observed October 8, 2026: 9.0.