The Musée Européen de l’Aviation de Chasse (European Museum of Fighter Aviation) is located in Montélimar, in southeastern France. This museum is dedicated to the history of fighter aviation, showcasing a vast collection of military aircraft, particularly fighter jets, and providing insights into the development of aerial warfare.

Musée Européen de l’Aviation de Chasse

Chemin de l’Aérodrome

26200 Montélimar

France

www.meacmtl.com

+33 4 75 53 79 49

Fax +33 4 75 01 51 89

November – March

• Monday – Friday 09:00 – 12:00, 13:30 – 17:00
• Saturday, Sunday and holidays 14:00 – 17:00

April – October

• Monday – Friday 09:00 – 12:00, 13:30 – 17:30
• Saturday, Sunday and holidays 14:00 – 18:30

July – August

• Monday – Friday 09:00 – 12:00, 13:30 – 18:30
• Saturday, Sunday and holidays 14:00 – 18:30

Admission fee

Gift shop

The museum is situated in Montélimar, in the Drôme region of southeastern France. It is easily accessible by car from major cities like Avignon, Valence, and Marseille.

Aircraft collection

XN574/92 49 F-ZBEW/T11 30 86/CG 172/319-DD F-AZEO/210 214/UG 09 233/26-MTL J-2001 55/10-RN 418/13-QQ 423/13-QB 467/13-QC as 01 R-2103 J-2304 01 31/BD BA53 505/30-FE 4659 37/30-FR 235/30-SK 04 516/5-OL 02 48 186/12-UT 21/12-ZX 179/12-YN J-1055 XD613/M J-1526 J-1631 40+18 941 N56NA/42-2023 EC-GGB 460/312-JF 504/312-UX MM6362/60-62 57/13-TD 101/12-XL 119/10-KF 499 NF11-1/1 J-4067 (MM6830)FG-903 94+54 14045/TR-045 21113/314-UV – 124 23+94 as 281 20+03 as 582 79/F-BLXM 116/ON 90 92 175 FG-244 F-GHXI 1221 FU-29 99+27 F-AZKM/155454/UU-26 37811/73 A157/7-HH E28/7-PS F-BMRU 4/315-UC 304/F-ZADR 152/67-OI 116/CE F217/64-GQ 149210/110 4 1910 RA-1991K

BAC Jet Provost T.3A Brequet Br1050 Alizé Conair S-2 Turbo Firecat Dassault Etandard 4M Dassault Falcon 20C Dassault MD312 Flamant Dassault MD312 Flamant Dassault MD450 Ouragan Dassault Mirage 3A Dassault Mirage 3B (on rondabout RN7) Dassault Mirage 3BS Dassault Mirage 3C Dassault Mirage 3E Dassault Mirage 3E Dassault Mirage 3EX Dassault Mirage 3RS Dassault Mirage 3S Dassault Mirage 3T Dassault Mirage 4P Dassault Mirage 5BA Dassault Mirage F1B Dassault Mirage F1BQ (cockpit) Dassault Mirage F1C Dassault Mirage F1CT Dassault Mirage 2000C Dassault Mirage 2000B Dassault Mirage G8 Dassault Mystere 4A Dassault Mystere 4A Dassault Super Mystere B2 Dassault Super Mystere B2 de Havilland Vampire FB.6 de Havilland Vampire T.11 de Havilland Venom FB.50 de Havilland Venom FB.50 Dornier Alpha Jet Douglas A-4SU Skyhawk Douglas C-53C Douglas DC-7C (forward fuselage) Embraer EMB312F Tucano Embraer EMB312F Tucano Fiat G91T/3 Fouga CM170R Magister Fouga CM170R Magister Fouga CM170R Magister Fouga CM170 Magister Gloster Meteor NF.11 Hawker Hunter F.58 Lockheed F-104S-ASA Starfighter Lockheed T-33A Lockheed T-33AN Lockheed T-33AN Matra R422 Max Holste MH1521M Broussard Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21U-600 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-23MF Morane Saulnier MS733 Alcyon Morane Saulnier MS760B Paris Nord N1002 Pingouin II Nord N1002 Pingouin II Nord N1002 Pingouin II North American T-28D Trojan Piper PA-22 Tripacer PZL TS-11bis Iskra Republic F-84F Thunderstreak Rockwell OV-10B Bronco Rockwell OV-10B Bronco SAAB Sk37E Viggen SEPECAT Jaguar A SEPECAT Jaguar E SNCAN Stampe SV-4A SOCATA TB-30 Epsilon Sud SO-4050 Vautour 2N Sud Aviation SE3130 Alouette 2 Sud Aviation SE210-3 Caravelle 3 Transall C-160R Vought  F-8J Crusader (cockpit) Vought  F-8P Crusader WSK Lim-5R Yakolev Yak-52

Key Highlights of the Musée Européen de l’Aviation de Chasse:

1. Impressive Collection of Fighter Aircraft:
   • The museum is home to one of the most important collections of fighter planes in Europe, with more than 50 aircraft on display, many of which are significant in the history of French aviation and global military aviation.
   • The aircraft displayed span several decades and cover multiple air combat eras, from the early World War I to the modern-day Jet Age.
   • Notable aircraft in the collection include:
     • Mirage III: A legendary French supersonic jet fighter used by the French Air Force and several other countries.
     • Mirage 2000: Another iconic aircraft in the Mirage series, which became a mainstay of the French Air Force during the 1980s.
     • Dassault Etendard: A carrier-capable jet used by the French Navy.
     • Dornier Do 17: A German bomber used in World War II.
     • F-100 Super Sabre: An American supersonic fighter jet.
     • T-33: A post-World War II American trainer aircraft used by several air forces around the world.
2. Focus on French Fighter Aviation:
   • The museum offers a special focus on French military aviation, with many aircraft produced by Dassault Aviation, a major manufacturer of military aircraft in France.
   • The Mirage series, in particular, is well represented, as it is one of France’s most successful lines of fighter jets, used extensively by the French Air Force and several other countries.
3. Aircraft Restoration and Maintenance:
   • One of the key aspects of the Musée Européen de l’Aviation de Chasse is its focus on aircraft restoration. Many of the aircraft on display have been carefully restored to their original condition by the museum’s team of aviation enthusiasts and experts.
   • Visitors can often learn about the restoration process, which is an integral part of the museum’s mission to preserve military aviation history for future generations.
4. Historical Exhibits and Educational Displays:
   • In addition to the aircraft on display, the museum provides historical exhibits detailing the development of fighter aviation, air combat, and military aviation tactics.
   • The exhibits cover key moments in aviation history, including the air battles of World War II, the Cold War, and the modern conflicts where French fighter jets have played a pivotal role.
   • There are also displays dedicated to the technological innovations in aviation, including advances in jet propulsion, weaponry, and aerodynamics.
5. Pilot and Aircrew Contributions:
   • The Musée Européen de l’Aviation de Chasse also honors the pilots and aircrews who flew these remarkable machines in times of war and peace. It includes personal stories, photographs, and memorabilia to illustrate the human side of aviation, celebrating the courage and sacrifices of the men and women involved in these important operations.
6. Interactive Exhibits and Simulations:
   • Some of the exhibits include interactive displays, allowing visitors to experience aspects of air combat and aviation technology in a hands-on way.
   • The museum also offers flight simulators, where visitors can experience the thrill of flying a fighter jet, providing a more immersive experience for aviation enthusiasts.
7. Educational Programs:
   • The museum has a range of educational activities designed for school groups, families, and aviation enthusiasts. These programs typically involve guided tours, workshops, and in-depth explanations about the aircraft and their historical context.
   • There are also special events and lectures throughout the year on topics related to military aviation and aviation history.
8. Temporary Exhibitions:
   • The Musée Européen de l’Aviation de Chasse frequently hosts temporary exhibitions on various topics related to aviation, ranging from specific aircraft models to the broader history of air combat and its influence on military strategy and global conflicts.
   • These exhibitions provide visitors with the chance to learn about niche topics in aviation and explore deeper into specialized areas, such as aviation art, propaganda, and aviation in popular culture.
9. Museum Grounds and Layout:
   • The museum is located on a large open-air site, where visitors can see aircraft displayed outdoors, giving them the opportunity to get up close to the planes.
   • The indoor galleries focus on the history of aviation, aircraft technology, and the role of fighter planes in modern warfare. The museum’s layout ensures a fluid flow between indoor exhibits and the outdoor aircraft displays.

Practical Information:

• Accessibility: The museum is generally accessible to all visitors, and wheelchair access is available in most areas.

Conclusion:

The Musée Européen de l’Aviation de Chasse in Montélimar offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the world of fighter aviation and military aircraft, with an emphasis on French aviation history. Whether you are an aviation enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone interested in military technology, the museum provides a comprehensive and immersive experience.

Photos Rob Vogelaar