Morane-Saulnier AI
Morane-Saulnier · France · first flew 1917 · fighter
The Morane-Saulnier AI was a French World War I single-seat fighter monoplane featuring a distinctive parasol wing configuration, where the wing was mounted above the fuselage on struts. It was fast and agile but had poor pilot visibility and some handling vices.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | High-mounted single wing on struts above fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI French parasol monoplane fighter
- High-mounted single wing on struts above fuselage
- Used by French Aviation Militaire and briefly USAS
Parasol monoplane with the wing mounted clearly above the fuselage on a pair of struts. The rotary engine cowling and single-bay strut configuration are identifying features alongside the high wing position.
Specifications
- The Morane-Saulnier AI has a length of 5.65 m (19 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.51 m (28 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 225 km/h (140 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Morane-Saulnier was a pioneer of monoplane fighter design in WWI. The AI appeared in 1917 as an advanced single-seater. It entered service with the French Aviation Militaire and was also supplied in small numbers to the United States Air Service. Although fast, its sensitive controls and restricted view led to it being withdrawn relatively quickly in favour of more conventional biplanes.
Variants
The basic AI was the only significant variant. A two-seat version was explored but not pursued. The type is also known as the Type AI or MS.AI.
Where you'll see it
Served with French escadrilles on the Western Front from 1917 and briefly with early USAS units. It was not widely used due to handling concerns and was largely replaced by more docile biplane fighters.
Related aircraft
- Morane-Saulnier Type AF
- Morane-Saulnier BB
- Morane-Saulnier LA
- Morane-Saulnier Type P
- AEG C.VIII
- AEG D.I
- Albatros C.X
- Albatros C.XII
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