Source: Slidefilm
Location: Beauvechain Air Base, Belgium
Date: 15-9-2005

The prototype of the CM-170 (Castello-Mauboussin) Fouga Magister flew for the first time on 23 July 1952 but production aircraft were delivered to the Belgian Air Force as from 1960. The primary task for the Fouga Magister was advanced jet training. In 1979 the Alpha Jet replaced the Fouga Magister in this role. Fouga’s were also used for many years by the famous Belgian aerobatic team ‘the Red Devils’. The Red Devil Fouga’s were painted in a red livery.

Nowadays, the Fouga’s are flown by Staff officers to keep their flying currencies. Belgium is the last NATO nation still flying operationally the Fouga. After 45 years of service in the Belgian Air Force the Fouga, well known for his distinctive V-tail, will be retired by mid 2006.

During the European Trainers Meet 2005, held on Beauvechain airbase on 15 september, four red painted Fouga’s (MT-13, MT-26, MT-37 and MT-40) performed a formation flight as a tribute to the Red Devils. Most of the Fouga’s, which are still in service today, are wearing the colours of the Red Devils.