These limited-production aircraft served with little distinction in French hands but were better served as nightfighters and attack aircraft by the Israeli Air Force in later years. The aircraft is oft-noted for its design

similarities to the Soviet Yakovlev Yak- 28 but it became a very different aircraft altogether. The system wasproduced in only three mission-specific variants and formed the core of Soviet deterrent in France during theCold War. The portly-looking Vautour (meaning "Vulture ') served for an impressive 15 years with the FrenchAir Force eventually being replaced by the more capable Mirage F1 series.

The Vautour was initially derived from half-scale research glider testing in powered and engine-less forms.From there, a full scale prototype was born with the designation of S.O. 4000 to which these were fitted withHispano-Suiza turbojets (x2), license-production copies of the British Rolls-Royce Nene. With the arrival of theofficial designation, S.O. 4050, the Vautour was produced in three prototypes that included two 2-seat versions and a one single-seat version. the initial two-seat variant was designed as a night fighter while the second appeared as a single-seat ground-attack derivative. The final prototype was a two-seat dedicated bomber. All versions differed mainly from one another by their selection of powerplants.Engines were later standardized for production in the SNECMA Atar 101E 7,716 pound thrust engine regardless of dedicated role.

The three major variants became the Vautour II-A attack aircraft - fitted with 4 x 20mm cannons and bombs - the Vautour II-B - a dedicated bomberwith a redesigned and glazed nose assembly for the bombardier - and the Vautour II-N nightfighter with the "N" in the designation indicating this specific role. The nightfighter variant was fitted with specialized interception radar in the nose and was of the two-seat design. In all, just some 70aircraft of all three types were ever delivered despite the initial desire for the French government to field some 140 total Vautours.

Control

AG3:parachute

AG4:open canopy

AG5:open bomb bays

AG6:light