The glider was designed in 1941 at the request of the Ministry of Youth and Sport, which was looking for a twin seat trainer glider for all the French gliding clubs. It first flew in 1942. More than 300 were built after the end of WW II, particularly in the Aire sur Adour factory of the Fouga company.
For more than 20 years the C 800 has been the French standard trainer glider, but also able to reach high performances in the hands of good pilots: ceiling height of 5300 m, 17 hours duration, 180 km distance. It was well known for its robustness and ease of servicing. Several C 800's are still flying today.
