From The Archives: Anglo-French Jaguar M05 Prototype Carrier Catapult Takeoff Test

The cover of Aviation Week & Space Technology’s Sept. 7, 1970, issue featured the Anglo-French Jaguar M-05 prototype being readied for catapult launch from the French navy's Clemenceau carrier during trials near Lorient, Brittany. 

The pilot was Jacques Jesberger from the Breguet-Dassault Flight Test Division. 

Breguet and British Aircraft Corp. jointly developed five versions of the Jaguar under an international group called Sepecat. The M-05 prototype made 12 landings and takeoffs during five days of trials. 

Entering service in 1973, the supersonic fighter was exported to India, Oman, Ecuador and Nigeria. It remained in French service until 2005 and in British service until 2007, and it still flies with the Indian Air Force. Sepecat photo by Arthur Gibson.

In this issue, we have a feature package - Special Report: European Joint Projects. Head to page 54 for our report on the Anglo-French Jaguar fighter entering production. 

See the front cover image and read the full issue dated September 7, 1970.

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