After World War II, aircraft carriers and their carrier-based aircraft emerged as dominant forces in naval warfare. France, recovering from the war's aftermath, faced the challenge of rebuilding its navy. In the 1950s, France collected used ships and planes, eventually developing its own aircraft carrier. This necessitated new fighter jets capable of operating from carrier decks. The Breguet Br. 1120 "Sirocco" emerged as a contender, featuring a simple single-seat design with a swept-wing configuration and a SNECMA Atar 9-series turbojet engine. Despite its promising attributes, the Sirocco project remained a prototype due to various reasons, reflecting a common fate for French aircraft projects during the Cold War. Ultimately, the French Navy opted for other successful aircraft like the Dassault Etendard IVM strike fighter.
The Sirocco's design aimed for Mach 2.0 speeds and incorporated a distinctive shoulder-mounted wing design for improved lift and control during carrier operations. However, this endeavor never advanced beyond the prototype stage, joining the ranks of other unrealized French aircraft projects from the same era. Instead of the Sirocco, the French Navy turned to the Dassault Etendard IVM strike fighter as a reliable alternative for its naval aviation needs. This transition marked a strategic move that continued to serve the French Navy effectively in the post-war years.
Year of Service: 1956
Origins: France
Status: Cancel
Crew: 1
Production: 0
Manufacturer: Breguet - France
Carrier: France (removed)
Air-to-air combat, fighter
The general ability to actively attack other aircraft of similar form and function, usually using guns, missiles and/or airborne missiles.
Intercept
The ability to intercept incoming airborne threats with high performance, usually speed and rate of climb.
Nautical/navy
Land-based or ship-based capability to operate on water in various maritime roles, supported by Allied Naval Surface Forces.
X-Plane (development, prototype, tech demo)
Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.
Length: 46.8 feet (14.25m)
Width/span: 29.5 feet (9.00m)
Height: 14.4 feet (4.40m)
Cured weight: 11,464 lbs (5,200 kg)
MTOW: 26,455 lbs (12,000 kg)
Wgt Difference: +14,991 lbs (+6,800 kg)
Installed: 1 x SNECMA Atar 9 turbojet, rated at 15,300 lbs (estimate).
Maximum speed: 1,687 km/h (2,715 km/h | 1,466 knots)
Maximum: 60,039 feet (18,300 m | 11 km)
Proposed: Support for various air-to-air missiles and conventional/nuclear-throwing bombs of the time.