In 2010, the French Naval Aviation (Force maritime de l’aéronautique navale) marked its centenary with an airshow held at Aéronautique Navale Hyères-La Palyvestre, near Toulon on France’s Mediterranean coast.
The event featured a diverse array of naval aviation aircraft from various countries, along with historic aircraft once operated by the French Navy (Aéronavale). This impressive lineup offered spectators a vivid illustration of the remarkable progress the Aéronavale has achieved over the past century.
The general public airshow took place on Sunday, June 13th, while a special event for aviation photographers was held the day before, on Saturday, June 12th, providing better access and opportunities for photography.
As the host of the event, the French Navy (Aéronavale) made the largest contribution, featuring a lineup of aircraft from the CAP 10B basic trainer to the Rafale M multirole fighter. Most of its helicopter types were also present, including several from squadrons based in Hyères.
The United States Navy had a substantial contingent that included five F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, an E-2C Hawkeye, a C-2A Greyhound, and a Sikorsky SH-60F Seahawk, all operating from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. The Spanish Navy (Armada) was another foreign participant, sending two AV-8B Harrier II Plus ‘Matador’ aircraft from the Príncipe de Asturias aircraft carrier, which performed solo displays on both days.
Other international navies were represented in the static displays: the Italian Navy (Marina Militare) contributed two AV-8B Harrier II Plus and a Merlin helicopter, the German Navy sent a single BR1150 Atlantic, and the Royal Navy with two Harrier GR.9s, a Jetstream T.2, and a Merlin helicopter.
Other French forces also took part in the event: the French Air Force contributed the Rafale C Solo Display team and the national aerobatic team, Patrouille de France, while the French Army (Armée de Terre) showcased a Eurocopter Tigre attack helicopter.
Historic aircraft that had served with the French Navy (Aéronavale) were also a standout highlight of the show. The organizers made a significant and well-appreciated effort to include a large number of these vintage aircraft, including the carrier-based anti-submarine warfare Grumman TBM Avenger.
The show was very well organised by the staff on the base although little information was available afore. The location makes it perfect as the weather was mostly sunny over the two days.
