Gérard Muselli: Pilot and Test Pilot at Dassault Aviation

Gérard Muselli, after training as a military pilot, joined Dassault Aviation in 1952 as a test pilot. His career with the company involved test flight programs for several key Dassault aircraft, including the Ouragan, Mystère IV, and Mirage III. Muselli served in the French Air Force prior to his civilian roles.

With an early passion for aviation, Muselli began flying at a young age and served as a fighter pilot during World War II, undertaking numerous combat missions. After the war, he moved into military aeronautical experimentation before joining Dassault Aviation.

His work as a test pilot was significant. Muselli was responsible, among other tasks, for developing the anti-spin parachute for the Ouragan and conducted tests on the Mystère IV N prototype and Mystère II aircraft. He also tested the Etendard VI.

Among Muselli's notable achievements is breaking the 100 km speed record on May 18, 1959, with the Mirage III A03, reaching 1762 km/h. His flying career concluded in 1960 due to medical reasons, after which he retired to pursue hunting and fishing.