Morane-Saulnier AI

AI

National origin: France
Manufacturer: Morane-Saulnier
First flight: August 1917
Primary user: French Air Force
Number built: 1210

The Morane-Saulnier AI (also Type AI) was a French parasol-wing fighter aircraft produced by Morane-Saulnier during World War I.

Development and design

The AI was developed to replace the obsolete Morane-Saulnier Type N. Its engine was mounted in a circular open-front cowling. The parasol wing was swept back. The spars and ribs of the circular section fuselage were wood, wire-braced and covered in fabric. The production aircraft were given service designations based on whether they had 1 gun (designated MoS 27) or 2 guns (designated MoS 29).

Operational history

A number of escadrilles were created to operated the AI, but by mid-May 1918, most of the aircraft were replaced by the SPAD XIII. The aircraft became an advanced trainer, designated MoS 30.

Fifty-one MoS 30s were purchased by the American Expeditionary Force as pursuit trainers.

Variants

MoS 27 Production fighter variant with one 0.303in (7.7mm) Vickers machine gun and powered by a Gnome Monosoupape 9NI rotary engine. MoS 29 Production fighter variant with two 0.303in (7.7mm) Vickers machine guns and powered by a Gnome Monosoupape 9NI rotary engine. MoS 30 Production advanced trainer with either a 89kW (120hp) Le Rhone 9Jb or a 101kW (135hp) Le Rhone 9Jby rotary engine. MoS 30bis Variant of the MoS 30 with a de-rated Le Rhone 9Jby engine 67kW (90hp).

Operators

Belgium France

French Air Force
Escadrille 156
Escadrille 158
Escadrille 161

Japan Soviet Union Switzerland United States

American Expeditionary Force

Survivors

Three AIs are flown by Jean Salis at La Ferté-Alais. An original AI is part of the Fantasy of Flight collection in Florida.

Specifications (MoS 27)

Data from Holmes, 2005. p 36

General characteristics

Crew: 1
Length: 5.65 m (18 ft 6.2 in)
Wingspan: 8.51 m (27 ft 11 in)
Height: 2.40 m (7 ft 10.5 in)
Empty weight: 414 kg (912 lb)
Gross weight: 674 kg (1,486 lb)
Powerplant: 1 x— Gnome Monosoupape 9Nb, 112 kW (150 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed: 221 km/h (137 mph)
Endurance: 1 hours 45 min
Service ceiling: 7000 m (22,965 ft)

Armament

1 or 2 Vickers 0.303-in machine gun forward of cockpit

Bibliography

Donald, David, ed (1997). The Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. Prospero Books. pp. 659. ISBN 1-85605-375-X.
Holmes, Tony (2005). Jane's Vintage Aircraft Recognition Guide. London: Harper Collins. pp. 36. ISBN 0 0071 9292 4.
Lamberton, W.M. (1960). Fighter Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War. Herts: Harleyford Publications Ltd.. pp. 84-85.

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Source: WikiPedia