Morane-Saulnier Type AF

Morane-Saulnier · France · first flew 1917 · fighter

The Morane-Saulnier Type AF was a French single-seat biplane fighter prototype first flown on 23 June 1917, designed as an alternative to the dominant SPAD XIII but ultimately not selected for production.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• Single-seat WWI biplane fighter with Morane parasol-heritage fuselage form
• Rotary engine with circular cowling and short nose
• Equal-span wings with wire bracing and characteristic Morane-Saulnier interplane details

A compact single-seat biplane with the short, rounded nose typical of rotary-engined French fighters; distinguished from Nieuport types by Morane-Saulnier's characteristic wing planform and fuselage cross-section.

Specifications

• The Morane-Saulnier Type AF has a length of 5.15 m (17 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 7.47 m (25 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 207 km/h (129 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Morane-Saulnier submitted the Type AF to French Air Service evaluation in 1917, aiming to offer a competitive alternative to the rotary-engined fighters the company had built its reputation on and to the new generation of inline-engined SPADs. However, the SPAD XIII proved superior and the AF was not ordered into production.

Variants

A single prototype was evaluated; no further development followed.

Where you'll see it

The Type AF never entered operational service with the French Air Service.

Related aircraft

• Morane-Saulnier AI
• Morane-Saulnier BB
• Morane-Saulnier LA
• Morane-Saulnier Type P
• AEG D.I
• Albatros D.IX
• Albatros D.VII
• Albatros Dr.I

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