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Commemoration of the 47 years of dedicated service of the CM 170 Fouga Magister in Belgium

This news was published on Monday, October 1st, 2007 and is archived under Photography.

On Thursday 27 September, all people who have worked on Fouga’s, flown Fouga’s or are big fans of them met together in the 1st Wing of Beauvechain (Belgium) for a ceremony commemorating the 47 years of dedicated service of the CM 170 Fouga Magister in Belgium. On that commemorative day the opportunity was given to all Fouga-minded people to see it one last time. From 14 till 18.00 hours pilots, technicians, and other Fouga fanatics were able to meet with old friends, have a drink and visit a small historic exposition.

Especially for this occasion, other Belgian planes came to say goodbye to the Fouga Magister and offered to the public a beautiful air display. The last Fouga was set to perform its last flight during this commemorative day but due to technical problems, the flight was ultimately cancelled.

A word of history…
The Belgian Air Force operated 50 Fouga Magisters as primary trainers. The stunt team The Red Devils also used them as display aircraft. A small number of Fouga Magisters remain in use as of 2007, as flight maintenance aircraft for senior officers.

The Belgian Air Force was the last country that used Fouga Magisters for full duty.  Between 1960 and 2007 Fouga Magister’s have amassed almost a quarter million flying hours.

Specifications (CM-170)
Engines: Two 882-pound thrust Turbomeca Marbore IIA turbojets
Weight: Empty 4,740 lbs., Max Takeoff 7,055 lbs.
Wing Span: 39ft. 10in. including tip tanks
Length: 33ft. 0in.
Height: 9ft. 2in.
Performance:
    •  Maximum Speed: 444 mph
    •  Ceiling: 36,090 ft.
    •  Range: 575 miles
Armament (Optional): Two 7.5-mm (0.295-inch) or 7.62-mm (0.3-inch) machine guns in nose, plus underwing hardpoints for rockets, bombs or Nord AS.11 missiles.

One of the best aircraft ever made…
The Fouga Magister is a training fighter jet that has been used by many airforces around the world and still is the pilots’ favourite for its agility and maneuverability. Capable of sustaining a high level of Gs, the Fouga Magister is one of the best aircraft ever made.

 

Source: Skycontrol - Digital Eyecatcher
Pictures provided and copyrighted by Skycontrol - Digital Eyecatcher - Alain Thimmesch
For further information about Digital Eyecatcher, click here

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