Because the aircraft carrier "Karel Doorman" was withdrawn from use in October 1968, which was earlier than planned, the Dutch navy was no longer capable to monitor the Dutch part of the Atlantic ocean, because the range of the Grumman S-2F Tracker was to small.
It was decided to order nine Breguet Br.1150 Atlantic LRMPA (Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft). This aircraft had a range of about 18 hours.
Initially many problems occurred. The Dutch Navy was more familiar with US material and procedures. Especially the technicians had problems with the French documentation, procedures, etc..
The first Atlantic entered service in August 1969.
Breguet Atlantic 256 at the Open Day Dutch Air Force, September 1984 at airbase Soesterberg.
Breguet Atlantic 256 at the Open Day Dutch Air Force, September 1984 at airbase Soesterberg..
Alas the Atlantic suffered many technical problems and three aircraft crashed, so it was decided to withdraw the Atlantic from use in December 1984. The remaining six aircraft were sold to France.
The Atlantic was succeeded by the Lockheed P-3C Update II Orion, which also replaced the outdated Lockheed SP-2H Neptune.
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