What Is The Fouga Magister?
The Fouga Magister. A distinctive V-tail French trainer jet widely operated for flight instruction and aerobatic demonstration teams.
France
Origin
Jet trainer
Role
715 km/h
Top speed
11,000 m
Service ceiling
Fouga Magister Specifications
Recognisable by its unique V-tail design, the French Fouga Magister was a jet trainer and light attack aircraft. Powered by twin Turbomeca Marboré turbojets reaching 444 mph. It was widely operated by international flight schools and aerobatic display teams.
Performance
Top speed
444 mph (715 km/h)
Service ceiling
36,000 ft (11,000 m)
Combat radius
200 nmi (370 km)
Rate of climb
3,350 ft/min (17 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
2
Length
33 ft 0 in (10.06 m)
Wingspan
39 ft 10 in (12.15 m)
Empty weight
4,740 lbs (2,150 kg)
Engine
2x Turbomeca Marboré VI turbojets
Service
First flight
23 July 1952
Unit cost
$150,000 (Historical)
Operators
France, Israel, Belgium, Finland, Ireland (Historic/Retired)
What Weapons Does The Fouga Magister Carry?
Armed with two nose-mounted 7.5mm or 7.62mm machine guns with 400 rounds each, The Fouga Magister also includes twin underwing hardpoints supporting unguided rocket pods, small iron bombs, or SS.11 anti-tank missiles.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
AA-52
Category
7.5 mm Machine Gun
Loadout
2 nose-mounted guns (200 rounds each)
Range
800 metres (effective)
SNEB Rocket Pod
Category
68 mm Unguided Rockets
Loadout
Up to 2 pods
Range
3 km (1.9 miles)
AS-11
Category
Wire-Guided Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
3 km (1.9 miles)
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The Fouga Magister?
The Magister reaches around 444 mph, Mach 0.60, on two small Marboré turbojets. Its V-tail was chosen to keep the tail surfaces clear of jet efflux, and it gives the aircraft an unusual feel in roll and yaw. It is light, aerobatic and was used by the Patrouille de France display team for two decades.
How Was The Fouga Magister Developed?
Fouga designed the Magister in the early 1950s, drawing on the company's glider experience – visible in the aircraft's long, efficient wing. The prototype flew on 23 July 1952, and it became the first jet aircraft designed from the outset as a trainer rather than adapted from a fighter. Around 900 were built, with licence production in Germany, Finland and Israel.
Has The Fouga Magister Seen Combat?
Israeli Magisters flew ground-attack sorties during the 1967 Six-Day War, striking Egyptian and Jordanian armour. French examples were used in Algeria, and Salvadoran and Irish Magisters saw limited operational use. Its combat record is modest but real.
Who Operates The Fouga Magister?
France, Israel, Germany, Finland, Belgium, Austria and several African air forces flew the Magister. It has become a popular civilian warbird thanks to low running costs relative to other jets, with many airworthy examples in Europe and the United States.
Fouga Magister FAQs
Common questions about the Fouga Magister, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I book a flight in the Fouga Magister with Jetify?
No, the Fouga Magister is not currently bookable through Jetify. Jetify offers flights in 7 ex-military aircraft types that have been demilitarised and placed on a civil register, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot, from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the Fouga Magister?
Not on a Jetify flight, because the Fouga Magister is not currently bookable through Jetify. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the Fouga Magister cost?
The Fouga Magister is not currently bookable through Jetify, so there is no price for a flight in one. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, while the MiG-15 Fagot, Aermacchi S.211 and Lockheed T-33 start from around £2,800 ($3,800, €3,400). The Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, starts from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600. Every price is per person and includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening.
Are there weight limits on a jet flight instead of the Fouga Magister?
The Fouga Magister is not currently bookable through Jetify, but all jet flight experiences enforce strict height and weight limits set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force would I feel on a jet flight instead of the Fouga Magister?
The Fouga Magister is not currently bookable through Jetify, but on a civilian jet experience aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load. Supersonic and high-altitude profiles are physically far easier, and what happens in the air is agreed with your pilot and can be adjusted at any point.
How far in advance should I book a jet flight instead of the Fouga Magister?
The Fouga Magister is not currently bookable through Jetify, but you should book a real ex-military jet experience, such as the L-39 Albatros, 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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