Morane-Saulnier AF explained
The
Morane-Saulnier AF, also known as the
Morane-Saulnier Type AF and the
MoS 28 was a French
First World War single-seat
biplane fighter prototype from 1917.
Development
Although the fuselage was similar to that of the contemporary Morane-Saulnier Type AI parasol monoplane and preceding Morane-Saulnier AC shoulder wing monoplane, this aircraft was designed as a biplane. It was Morane-Saulnier's first single-seat fighter biplane as the company normally specialized in monoplanes.The AF was first flown on 23 June 1917 and tested by the Aviation Militaire in late 1917 however it was passed over for production in favour of the SPAD XIII, Morane-Saulnier Type AI and Nieuport 28. In November 1917 a floatplane version of the AF was flight tested with a single central pontoon-like float, but was not adopted.
Variants
- Morane-Saulnier AC - shoulder wing fighter
- Morane-Saulnier AI - parasol wing fighter
- Morane-Saulnier AF - biplane fighter
- Morane-Saulnier AFH - floatplane version of biplane fighter
Bibliography
- Book: Bruce, J.M.. War Planes of the First World War: Volume Five Fighters. 1972. Macdonald. London. 0-356-03779-7.
- Book: Davilla. Dr. James J.. Soltan. Arthur . French Aircraft of the First World War. Flying Machines Press. Mountain View, CA. 1997. 978-1891268090.
- Book: Green, William . Gordon Swanborough . The Complete Book of Fighters . Salamander Books. Godalming, UK. 415.
Further reading
- Book: Lacaze . Henri . Lherbert . Claude . Morane Saulnier: ses avions, ses projets . 2013 . Lela Presse . Outreau, France . 978-2-914017-70-1 . fr. amp. Morane Saulnier: Their Aircraft and Projects.
