Bréguet Atlantique 2

The Bréguet Atlantic was developed in the mid-1960s to meet a NATO requirement to replace the Lockheed Neptune maritime patrol aircraft. Specifically designed for the role, the Atlantic, known as the Atlantique in French service, features a retractable radome, a large weapons bay, a magnetic anomaly detector and the ability to launch sonar buoys. During the 1970s a further updated version was produced known as the Atlantique 2 which included more powerful computers and radars plus the ability to carry the Exocet anti-ship missile.

The French Navy originally took delivery 40 Atlantique 1s before ordering a further 22 Atlantique 2s. Today, only the Atlantique 2 remains in the service and has been redesignated as the ATL2. In order for the type to remain relevant in the modern battlespace the French Navy are constantly updating the airframe and the most recent update included the inclusion of the same radar system as used in the Rafale, greatly enhancing its capabilities. The ATL2 is planned to remain in service until 2035.

Making an extremely rare flying display appearance at this year’s Air Tattoo as part of our ‘Eyes in the Skies’ theme, the French Navy will be providing an ATL2 from Flottille 23F based at BAN Lann-Bihoué on the Bay of Biscay.

Photo Credit: Paul Fiddian