Fouga CM.170 Magister

The Fouga CM.170 Magister was a 2-seat jet trainer used by the French Air Force (Armée de l’Air) in the 1950s and 60s.

Designed & built by the French aircraft manufacturer Fouga, it was instantly recognisable by its slender form and  V-shaped tailplanes.  It was the French equivalent of the British BAC Jet Provost (though the Provost had a better side-by-side instructor/pupil arrangement). It was exported to a number of countries including Germany, Ireland, Belgium, Brazil, Finland and Israel. A carrier-capable version, the CM.175 Zéphyr, was developed for the French navy.

Although designed and used as a trainer, it did see action as a ground attack aircraft with some air forces. For example the Israelis used it in the Six Day War, and the Salvadoran Air Force in the Salvadoran Civil War.

There are still a few flying today in the hands of private owners, so they can occasionally be seen at airshows.

Obviously not this one though. This one has been on display since 1995 by the side of the D906 road next to Le Puy – Loudes Airport in the Haute Loire, France.

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