SUPER MYSTERE B1 : dans l’ombre du SMB2

1955, Brétigny. A French prototype nearly reaches Mach 1. The goal: to break the world speed record. But a theodolite failure puts an end to the dream. This is the story of the Super Mystère B1, an ambitious aircraft equipped with a powerful British engine, advanced aerodynamics, and impressive performance. However, it was quickly discarded in favor of its successor, the SMB2. Why this abandonment? Technical reasons, dependence on a foreign engine, lack of operational need according to the General Staff, and a difficult political context. Despite excellent flight results—Mach 1.05, good handling, maneuverability, and export capabilities—the B1 was never followed up. A prototype too far ahead of schedule, or simply a hiccup? A look back at a little-known milestone in French aviation, between innovation and missed opportunity.