The Musée de l’Aéronautique Navale in Rochefort (Charente-Maritime, France) is a fascinating museum dedicated to the history and heritage of French naval aviation. Situated on the site of the former Naval Air Base of Rochefort, it provides a unique insight into the aeronautical history of the French Navy.
Musée de l’Aéronautique Navale
Rond – point A. Bignon
B.P 90179
17309 Rochefort
+33 6 77 71 10 16
Monday and Tuesday 2 guided tours at 09:00 and 14:00
Admission fee.
Aircraft collection
| 056/CAN-7
25 709 1 4 8 15 F-CAFB 11 F-ZBAR 01 05 7 02 8 17 294 408 716 1 16 20 144688 268/CAN-16 33 62 65 69 70 71 43 59 3820 FR63/H20 925 M05/J 150 53/11F.53 7/51S.51 41 54 237 997 160 03 XX904 267 | Agusta-Bell AB47G
Beech JRB-4 Expeditor Beech SNB-5 Navigator Brequet Br1050 Alize Brequet Br1050 Alize Brequet Br1050 Alize Brequet Br1050 Alize Caudron C-800 Epervier Chance Vought F-8P Crusader Consolidated PBY-5A Canso Dassault Etendard 4M Dassault Etendard 4M Dassault Etendard 4M Dassault Super Etendard M Dassault Super Etendard Dassault Super Etendard (cockpit) Dassault MD312 Flamant Dewoitine D520 Douglas C-47D Dakota Fouga CM175 Zephyr Fouga CM175 Zephyr Fouga CM175 Zephyr Lockheed SP-2H Neptune Max Holste MH1521M Broussard Morane Saulnier MS760 Paris Morane Saulnier MS893-100S Rallye Morane Saulnier MS893-100S Rallye Morane Saulnier MS893-100S Rallye Morane Saulnier MS893-100S Rallye Morane Saulnier MS893-100S Rallye Nord N262A Nord N262A North American T-6D Texan Piasecki H-21C Banane Piper PA31-350 Navajo SEPECAT Jaguar M Sikorsky HSS-1 SNCASE Aquilon 203 Stampe Vertongen SV-4C Sud Aviation SE3130 Alouette 2 Sud Aviation SE3130 Alouette 2 Sud Aviation SE3160 Alouette 3 Sud Aviation SE3160 Alouette 3 Sud Aviation SA321G Super Frelon Westland Lynx HAS.2(FN) Westland Lynx Westland Lynx HAS.2(FN) |
Key Highlights of the Musée de l’Aéronautique Navale
Exhibits
- Aircraft Collection: The museum features a diverse array of aircraft used by the French Navy, including fighter jets, patrol planes, helicopters, and training aircraft. Some notable aircraft include:
- Dassault Étendard
- Breguet Alizé
- Super Frelon helicopter
- Fouga CM.175 Zéphyr (naval version of the Fouga Magister)
- Simulators and Training Devices: Training systems used to prepare naval aviators, including cockpit simulators.
- Engines and Technical Displays: A showcase of aircraft engines and technical equipment, illustrating the evolution of aviation technology in naval contexts.
Historical Artifacts
- Photographs and Documents: Archival material related to the development of naval aviation in France.
- Uniforms and Equipment: Displays of flight suits, helmets, and survival equipment used by naval pilots.
Restoration and Conservation
- The Musée de l’Aéronautique Navale is heavily involved in the restoration of vintage aircraft. Visitors may witness ongoing restoration projects and interact with the dedicated volunteers who maintain the collection.
Visitor Experience
- Interactive Displays: Many exhibits are designed to engage visitors of all ages, with opportunities to learn about the operations of naval aircraft and their missions.
- Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides offer insights into the history and functionality of the museum’s collections.
- Special Events: The Musée de l’Aéronautique Navale occasionally organizes airshows, educational workshops, and themed days.