Discover the history, features and missions of the Fouga Magister, the emblematic trainer used by the Patrouille de France and Tematis.

History and development of the Fouga Magister

The Fouga CM.170 Magister was designed in the early 1950s by Fouga engineers Pierre Mauboussin and Robert Castello, in response to the specific needs of the French Air Force. The aircraft was intended to train pilots in the use of jet aircraft, a then-new technology that was essential for modernizing the air force.

The prototype made its maiden flight on July 23, 1952, demonstrating its training capabilities, robust design and intuitive handling. Its main feature was an inverted “V” tailplane, known as a butterfly tail, optimizing maneuverability and stability in flight.

After successful trials, series production began in 1956. Fouga built some 929 aircraft, including almost 200 produced under license in other countries, notably in Germany by Messerschmitt, in Israel and in Finland. These licensing agreements extended Fouga’s international reach.

The Magister marked a turning point in military aviation as the first jet trainer designed and produced specifically for this function. Its ease of maintenance and high performance have made it a must-have for pilot training, contributing to the success of numerous air forces.

Thanks to its versatility and durability, this aircraft also served as the basis for the development of variants such as the Fouga CM.175 Zephyr, designed for training on aircraft carriers, reinforcing its importance in the history of military aviation.

Technical features of the Fouga Magister

The Fouga Magister CM.170 is a two-seater tandem trainer designed to train pilots for the transition to jet aircraft. It is equipped with two Turbomeca Marboré II or VI turbojet engines, delivering 400 kg and 480 kg thrust respectively, providing good power for training missions.

The aircraft is distinguished by its inverted “V” tailplane, known as the butterfly tail, which optimizes maneuverability and simplifies maintenance. Its aluminum structure ensures a combination of aerodynamics and strength.

Dimensions and performance :

• Wingspan: 12.15 m
• Length: 10.06 m
• Height: 2.80 m
• Wing area: 17.30 m²
• Empty weight: 2,150 kg
• Maximum take-off weight: 3,200 kg
• Maximum speed: 715 km/h
• Operating ceiling: 11,000 m
• Range: 925 km

Although designed primarily for training, the Magister can be armed with two 7.5 mm or 7.62 mm machine guns, and carry up to 140 kg of external loads, including bombs and rockets. These options also enable limited use in close air support.

With its well-balanced performance, the Fouga Magister met the technical requirements of numerous air forces during its career.

Military use and missions

The Fouga Magister was designed primarily for pilot training, but its use quickly outstripped this initial function. Thanks to its maneuverability and simple design, it was also used in close air support missions, particularly in contexts where light engagement was required.

Pilot training

Its primary vocation was to prepare military pilots for the transition to jet fighters. The tandem seating arrangement enabled direct interaction between instructor and student, facilitating learning. The aircraft’s technical characteristics, such as its moderate speed (715 km/h) and high stability, made it ideal for basic exercises such as landings, take-offs and more complex aerial maneuvers.

Close support missions

The Magister has been used by several air forces for close air support missions. Although light and unarmored, it could carry up to 140 kg of external loads, including light bombs and rockets, as well as two integrated machine guns. These features were particularly useful in local or asymmetric conflicts.

Role in the Six-Day War

One of the most striking examples of its use in combat was its mobilization by the Israeli Air Force during the Six-Day War in 1967. Israeli Magisters were employed for ground attack missions, targeting enemy infrastructure and supporting ground troops. Although vulnerable to modern air defenses, their low operating costs and rapid availability made them a valuable resource.

A versatile aircraft

Used by more than 20 air forces, the Fouga Magister has demonstrated its remarkable versatility, both in training and in light military operations.

Fouga Magister exports and international operators

The Fouga Magister has enjoyed significant export success thanks to its reliable design, ease of maintenance and competitive operating costs. Used by over 20 air forces, it has been used to train pilots in a variety of military contexts, while also meeting specific requirements for light support missions.

The aircraft has been produced under license by several countries. In Germany, it was built by Messerschmitt, with some 286 examples produced for the armed forces or exported. Israel has also produced Magisters under license, bolstering its fleet for training and light missions. In Finland, Valmet has built a small series for national use.

Operators include European nations such as Belgium, Ireland and Portugal, as well as Latin American countries such as Brazil and Guatemala. In Africa, it has been used by Cameroon, Morocco, Senegal and Congo. In some of these countries, the Magister was also used for close air support missions, thanks to its ability to carry light loads.

The Magister’s international success testifies to its versatility and its suitability for the needs of air forces from the 1950s to the 1980s.

Role in the Patrouille de France

From 1964 to 1980, the Fouga Magister was used by the Patrouille de France, the official aerobatic formation of the French Air Force. This aircraft succeeded the Dassault Ouragan, becoming a symbol of precision and coordination aerial displays.

The Magister was chosen for this role for a number of technical reasons. Its inverted “V” tail, excellent maneuverability and in-flight stability enabled it to perform complex figures at low altitude. With a maximum speed of 715 km/h, it offered a safety margin suitable for acrobatic evolutions, while remaining slow enough to allow the public to follow the figures visually.

The two-seater tandem configuration simplified training for the patrol pilots, enabling them to learn group maneuvers efficiently. Smoke bombs mounted on the aircraft enhanced the visual impact of the figures, making the Magister a central element of aerial demonstrations at the time.

In 1981, the Magister was replaced by the Alpha Jet, better suited to modern needs. Nevertheless, the Magister remains an icon in the history of the Patrouille de France, marking a period when it contributed to its international renown. It also remains popular with aviation and aerobatics enthusiasts.

Thrilling flights with tematis

Although the Fouga Magister is no longer used by the air force, its heritage lives on in the sensational flights offered by specialist companies such as Tematis. These experiences offer aviation enthusiasts a unique immersion in the world of jet aircraft.

These flights offer the opportunity to climb aboard a two-seater Fouga Magister, accompanied by an experienced pilot, often a former military or aviation professional. The aircraft is maintained in operational condition, meeting modern safety standards. During the flight, participants can experience the sensations typical of an aircraft of this type, including acceleration, tight turns and acrobatic maneuvers.

Flights include a pre-flight briefing, where technical aspects and safety procedures are explained. Depending on the offer, participants can also briefly take the controls under the pilot’s supervision, thus enjoying an experience close to that of a military pilot in training.

These services, available from €2,000, allow participants to discover the history and capabilities of this emblematic aircraft, while at the same time offering a memorable experience. The Fouga Magister thus remains a living link with twentieth-century military aviation, appreciated by aviation and history enthusiasts alike.

The Fouga Magister remains an icon of French military aviation, appreciated for its innovative design and its crucial role in training pilots around the world.

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