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, the world's first two-seat jet trainer, was instrumental in helping numerous air forces transition from piston to jet aircraft, featuring an innovative V-tail design.
Widely exported and license-produced, it served as a primary trainer for many countries globally and was a popular choice for aerobatics display teams due to its agility and ease of control.
Despite its training role, the Magister was adapted for combat, providing effective close air support in various conflicts, most notably for Israel during the Six Day War and by Katangese separatists.
Retired from military service by the late 20th century, its elegant design, reliable performance, and pleasant flight characteristics continue to make it popular among 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.