Adapting to the Jet Age in a Fouga Magister

Ride along on a Microsoft Flight Simulator journey through history in the world’s first two-seat jet trainer.

Patrick Chovanec

Monday, June 03, 2024 at 04:42 PM ET

Verified

Edited By: tccjeremy

Fouga CM.170 Magister in Microsoft Flight Simulator. [Courtesy: Patrick Chovanec]

Key Takeaways:

The Fouga CM.170 Magister was the world's first two-seat jet trainer, crucial for transitioning numerous air forces from piston to jet aircraft starting in the 1950s.
Designed in France, it featured an elegant, glider-inspired design with a distinctive V-tail, and was widely exported and license-manufactured globally.
Though primarily a trainer, the Magister was adaptable for light combat, seeing action in various "brush wars" and conflicts, notably providing effective ground support for Israel in the Six Day War.
Praised for its agility and ease of control, the Magister served military forces worldwide, including many aerobatic teams, before being retired from military service by the late 20th century, though it remains popular with private owners.

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Today, in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, I’ll be flying the Fouga CM.170 Magister, the world’s first two-seat jet trainer. Starting in the 1950s, it played a key role in transitioning several air forces from piston to jet aircraft and also fought in a number of “brush wars.”

I’ll start the story at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (LFBO) in southern France. The French company Établissements Fouga & Cie had its aircraft production facilities here, which were eventually folded into larger companies and are now the main assembly plant for Airbus.