Fouga CM8-R13 Cyclone (Sylphe)

Fouga CM8-R13 Cyclone
Fouga Sylphe s/n 2 F-WFOJ at the Orly Air Show, June 11, 1950. Photo by Richard W. Kamm, courtesy of August T. Horvath.

The Fouga CM8-R13 Cyclone is a jet-powered motor glider. It served as a testbed for the Turbomeca Pimene. It was quickly assigned another mission: reaching altitudes that were difficult for gliders of the time to attain.

Fouga Sylphe I (formerly Cyclone) s/n 1 – F-WFOI
Fouga Sylphe I (formerly Cyclone) s/n 2 – F-WFOJ

First flight

The Cyclone (Sylphe) made its first flight on July 14, 1949, piloted by Léon Bourrieau who developed all the prototypes for Fouga (établissements FOUGA).

Two aircraft were produced, which were assigned the following registrations: F-WFOI [F-BFOI] (s/n 1) and F-WFOJ [F-BFOJ] (s/n 2),

A number of changes are noticeable between these two aircraft. In particular, we can observe the wheel mounted on the forward skid in the case of s/n 2, while it is integrated into the skid on s/n 1. The engine cowling also underwent modifications.

Presentation

Behind the pilot, sheltered under a streamlined Plexiglas canopy with a flat front section that provides good visibility, the jet engine (PIMENE) .is mounted on a pylon, housed in a streamlined structure

This simple arrangement ensures good airflow to the turbine. The exhaust of the burnt gases causes no aerodynamic disturbance due to the use of a V-tail configuration.

The construction of this glider is entirely made of wood, varnished and painted.

Wings

The wing, with an aspect ratio of 13, features a NACA 23014 airfoil at the root, transitioning to a 23012 at the tip.

It is a mid-wing, cantilever monoplane type, with a single spar and stressed-skin structure, entirely constructed of wood.

It features slotted ailerons, as well as slotted trailing edge flaps, all constructed from light alloy and then fabric-covered.

Tailplanes

It is a V-tail configuration. The fixed surfaces are made of wood, covered with plywood. The movable parts are constructed from light alloy, covered with sheet metal.

Landing Geard

The landing gear is of the monowheel type, consisting of a single wheel and a fixed skid.

Fuels

The Turbomeca Piméné turbojet of the Fouga Cyclone (Sylphe) uses kerosene for normal operation and gasoline for startup.

The kerosene / Jet A1 is stored in a 96-liter tank located in the fuselage

Fouga Cyclone (already renamed Sylphe in this photo) s/n 1 F-WFOI – Photo kindly provided by Richard Ferriere.
Fouga Cyclone s/n 1, F-WFOI. Fred Nicole is in the cockpit. The mechanic is starting the PIMENE using a removable starter (the "Chignole"). Source: Courtesy of Sandrine Lesage.
Fouga Cyclone s/n 1 – F-WFOI. The aircraft is being brought to the runway. Normally, it rests on its rear skid, hence the need to place ballast at the front. Source: Courtesy of Sandrine Lesage.
Fouga Cyclone s/n 1 (Sylphe I), F-WFOI, Philippe Bezard Collection.
Fouga Cyclone s/n 2 (Sylphe I), F-WFOJ, Philippe Bezard Collection.
Fouga Cyclone s/n 2, F-WFOJ, before being painted during a test for the English magazine THE AEROPLANE.
Fouga Cyclone s/n 2, F-WFOJ, before being painted during a test for the English magazine THE AEROPLANE.
Fouga CM8-R13 Cyclone, piloted by Fred Nicole during the Miami Air Show (Source: Flight 1951).
Fouga CM8-R13 Cyclone (Source: ATOME Magazine).
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