The long-lived Alizé fulfilled a similar function to the Fairey Gannet for France’s aircraft carriers until it was retired in 2000. One of the surviving examples of this charismatic turboprop is being kept alive by a team of volunteers in the south of France, as Henri-Pierre Grolleau describes.
With the radome for the Iguane radar lowered and weapons bay doors open, this Alizé also sports a pair of rocket pods.
Key Collection
When the Breguet Br.1050 Alizé retired, it signalled the disappearance of an aircraft that had faithfully served the marine Nationale (French Navy) for more than 40 years. This turboprop-powered surveillance aircraft started its career as an anti-submarine defender for a carrier group.
