On 29 January 2012, there will be a rare opportunity within the aviation industry: to own a Fouga CM 170 Magister fighter jet formerly in the tenure of the French Air Force. Lot 186 is one of only 10 jets of this type which exist in France.
In 1949, the leaders of the French Air Force put out a tender for a training plane for its young pilots. It was won by Air Fouga, which completed the first flight of the aptly named Magister (meaing ‘teacher’ in Latin) in 1952 and delivered the first jet to the French Air Force four years later. The Magister was adopted by the Air Forces of 22 different countries during its prime, and is said to have been the tool by which some 12,000 fighter pilots learnt their trade. The example offered here was produced in 1966 and has over 700 flight hours; it carries an estimate of between €60,000 and €80,000.
Anyone who isn’t quite ready to take the helm of a potent fighter jet may want to peruse lot 187: the cockpit of an F-84-F Thunderstreak, complete with cover, instruments, and of course, an ejector seat. In its full assemblage, the Thunderstreak was made famous – and given the ‘Red Falcon’ badge – by the 77th Fighter Squadron: one of the oldest in the U.S. Military.
Besides military memorabilia, many pieces from civil aviation and space exploration will go under the hammer in Paris.
Photos: Artcurial
