Sud-Ouest SO 4050 Vautour

Sud-Ouest SO 4050 Vautour History

These limited production aircraft were indistinguishable in French hands, but were later better used by the Israeli Air Force as night fighters and attack aircraft. This aircraft is usually known for its design similarity to the Soviet Yakovlev Yak-28, but it became a very different aircraft.

Only three mission-specific variants of the system were produced and formed the core of Soviet deterrence in France during the Cold War. The handsome Vautour (meaning "vulture") served an impressive 15 years in the French Air Force before being replaced by the more powerful Mirage F1 series.

Vautour was originally derived from semi-scale research glider testing in powered and non-powered forms. From there was born a full-scale prototype, named S.O. 4000, equipped with Hispano-Suiza turbojets (x2), a licensed production copy of the Rolls-Royce Nene in the UK.

With the launch of the official name S.O. 4050, Vautour produced three prototypes, including two versions with two seats and one with one seat. The original two-seat variant was designed as a night fighter, while the second appeared as a single-seat ground attack derivative.

The last prototype was a two-seater bomber. The main difference between all versions is the choice of engine. These engines were later standardized for the production of the SNECMA Atar 101E 7,716-pound thrust engine, regardless of its role.

The three main variants became the Vautour II-A fighter - equipped with 4 x 20 mm guns and bombs - Vautour II-B - a special bomber redesigned for Bombardier and glass nose assembly - and Vautour II - N Night Fighters, with an "N" in the name for a specific character. The night fighter variant has a special nose-intercept radar and has a two-seat design.

In total, only about 70 of these three types have been delivered, although the French government initially hoped to deploy a total of about 140 Vautours.

From the outside, the Vautour is a very standardized aircraft design. Depending on the production model, the airframe allows for cabin crew accommodation using one or two seats. The engines were placed outside the fuselage under each wing, and the crew sat high forward on the solid fuselage.

A single vertical stabilizer was mounted aft of the high elevator, forming the distinctive "T" stabilizer. Two hardpoints allow air-to-air missiles or unguided missiles to be carried. Standard armament is a turret of a 4 x 20mm cannon - two pairs of noses on one side.

Israel received at least 18 vautoours after testing their skills. Formed in two squadrons, these Vautours replaced the aging British Mosquitos in attack and interception roles. The Vautour performed well day and night in the hands of the Israelis.

Their readiness gradually declined with the arrival of more powerful French and American-made aircraft.

Specification

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Performance

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