Joe Maxwell co-author of “Fouga Magister An Irish Perspective” delivers an illustrated presentation at Shannon Aviation Museum on 11 October 2025 at 2pm.
The talk covers the background history on the Beziers-based Fouga company, its designers and aircraft development. Content includes the Potez and Irish connection plus the first Irish encounter with the Fouga in the Congo in 1961.
Topics address procurement by the Irish Air Corps and service with the Light Strike Squadron. The presentation features the Silver Swallows Aerobatic Display Team.
Proud history
Fouga was established in 1920 at Béziers for railway rolling stock repair before shifting to aircraft manufacture in 1936.
The company develops the CM.10 assault glider for the French Army with production of five units before cancellation.
Development of the CM.170 Magister starts in 1948 as a jet primary trainer with first flight on 23 July 1952.
The French Air Force places initial production order for the Magister on 13 January 1954 after enlarging the design for Turbomeca Marboré turbojets.
Fouga acquires by Potez in May 1958 with facilities at Toulouse continuing under Airbus Group.
The initial design, subsequently named the CM.170 Magister, was evaluated by the French Air Force and, in response to its determination that the aircraft lacked sufficient power for its requirements, was enlarged and adopted a pair of Turbomeca Marboré turbojet engines.
