The first aircraft in the Fouga CM.8 family was the CM.8R-13 Sylphe (graceful woman), developed from the CM.8-13 glider and equipped with a single Turbomeca Pimene turbojet engine providing 1.08 kN of thrust. The aircraft took to the skies on July 14, 1949, marking the first flight for Turbomeca engines as well.
Evolution and the Cyclope
An improved variant of the aircraft was designated CM.8R-9.8 Cyclope. It made its maiden flight on January 31, 1951, and featured a reduced wingspan. Several Cyclope variants were built, including the Cyclope II and Cyclope III, which were equipped with Palas engines providing 1.57 kN of thrust.
The Aerobatic Midget
Subsequently, the CM.8R-8.3 Midget (crumb, dwarf) modification appeared. This aircraft was designed for aerobatic competitions. A total of 12 such machines were built, featuring the same engine but distinguished by a wingspan reduced from 8.76 m to 7.06 m.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | SM.8R-13 |
| Wingspan, m | 6.70 |
| Aircraft length, m | 13.00 |
| Aircraft height, m | 1.85 |
| Wing area, m2 | 13.00 |
| Empty weight | 435 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 628 |
| Engine type | 1 Turbomeca Pimene Turbojet |
| Thrust, kgf | 1 x 111 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 250 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 210 |
| Practical range, km | 480 |
| Maximum rate of climb, m/min | 450 |
| Service ceiling, m | 11000 |
| Crew | 1 |
Image gallery of the CM.8 Sylphe
