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Potez CM.173 Super Magister

1963 COLD WAR

Potez cm. 173 The Story of the Super Magister

Air France Group Fouga ("Air Fouga") was founded in 1920, initially linking its operations to the railway industry. Over time, aviation became its focus, and the CM was first flown in 1952. 170 "Magister" tracks were recorded. This compact straight-wing twin-engine jet trainer with two-seater seats has since produced over 900 units by no less than 20 operators worldwide - such is its popularity.

In May 1958, the French group Potez, itself founded in 1919, acquired the assets of Fouga, and the fabled Fouga name disappeared from aviation forever in 1962 - but the Magister remained as the flagship product.

With this in mind, Potez tried in the 1960s to get foreign players interested in a new, cheap, and improved version of the "ultimate" magister, the CM. 173 "Super Magister".

The product addresses ongoing needs centered on Advanced Jet Training (AJT) with integrated Light Strike/Close Air Support (CAS) capability - both for European players and Magister operators worldwide.

This stylish aircraft retains most of the form and function of its original design, but includes benefits such as upgraded electronics, improved communications and navigation, and an improved internal fuel system. The plane continued with the tandem seat and two turbojets layout. The main wing of the aircraft is straight and centrally mounted, while the tail is dominated by a unique "V-tail" plan.

The low-profile tricycle landing gear is used for ground operations, allowing the aircraft to be very low-profile when stationary.

At the heart of the new aircraft are two Turbomeca "Marbore VI" turbojets, each producing 1,080 pounds of thrust. The engines were designed to be side-by-side, inhaling through side-mounted semicircular air intakes located on the sides of the fuselage and exhausting aft (and terminating near the aircraft) through various jet tubes spanning the rear of the fuselage. tail).

Structurally, the aircraft's reported dimensions include a barrel length of 33.5 feet and a wingspan of 37 feet. Gross weight reaches 7,450 lbs.

The aircraft is designed to carry 2 x 12.7mm heavy machine guns and supports carrying conventional bombs, rockets, rocket pods, cannon pods, and cannon pods for offensive roles.

CM. The 173 Super Magister was completed and, after completing the required ground tests, made its maiden flight on June 8, 1964. However, it didn't garner much interest in the crowded Cold War market and went down in history as little more than an aviation footnote.