Aérospatiale
Fouga CM.170 Magister
The Fouga CM.170 Magister is a French two‑seat, twin‑engine jet trainer that entered service in the mid‑1950s. Designed by Fouga and later produced under the Aérospatiale banner after the 1970 merger, the aircraft first flew on 25 July 1952 and was introduced to the French Air Force in 1954. Its distinctive V‑shaped tail and sleek, all‑metal airframe gave it a modern appearance, while the straight‑through air intakes and under‑wing fuel tanks kept the design simple and maintenance‑friendly. Powered by two Turbomeca Marboré turbojets, the Magister could reach 715 km/h and offered excellent low‑speed handling, making it ideal for pilot instruction, aerial aerobatics, and light attack roles. Over 1,000 units were built, serving in more than 30 nations, including the German Luftwaffe, the Indian Air Force, and several African air arms. The type became renowned for its reliability and for popularising jet training worldwide, bridging the gap between piston trainers and high‑performance combat jets. Its legacy endures in museum displays and in the continued use of its basic trainer concept for modern aircraft such as the BAE Systems Hawk. The Magister's graceful flight characteristics also inspired a generation of aerobatic demonstration teams worldwide.
Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 10.06 metre
- Height
- 2.8 metre
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 929
- First Flight
- 1952
- Service Entry
- 1956
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Manufacturer
- Aérospatiale
- Operator
-
Algerian Air Force
- Wikidata ID
- Q169438