11/15/2022. Remarks by Johan Visschedijk: "In the mid-1950s, NATO drew up a specification for a lightweight strike fighter powered by a single Orpheus turbojet and the Ministère de l'Air drew up a parallel specification which differed essentially in calling for the use of paired lightweight turbojets. Dassault prepared a basic design to meet both requirements, but being firmly convinced that the officially-backed specifications would result in underpowered aircraft evolved a third version of the design as a private venture.

The three versions of the aircraft were designated Étendard II, IV and VI, and three prototypes were ordered by the French government. (Étendard is French for 'battle flag', cognate to English 'standard'.) The first to commence its flight test program was the Étendard II which made its first flight at Villaroche on July 23, 1956, piloted by Paul Boudier. Competing with the Breguet 1100, the Étendard II was powered by two Turboméca Gabizo turbojets each rated at 2,420 lb (1,015 kg) dry thrust. It was intended to fit reheat, but difficulties with the Gabizo engines resulted in the Étendard II being abandoned after a relatively brief test period, the second and third prototypes being cancelled."