VAN A. SWINDELLE COLLECTION No. 7838. Morane-Saulnier MoS.30 (c/n MS.3786) French Air Force
Aeroplane Photo Supply (APS) Photo No. 701 via Michael Brannin & Craig Simpson
05/31/2008. Raymond Saulnier and the brothers Robert and Léon Morane, designed the AI fighter aircraft and a total of 1,210 aircraft was built. The version powered by an 150 hp Gnome Monosoupape 9Nb nine-cylinder rotary engine and fitted with a single 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Vickers machine gun was known as the MoS.27, fitted with two machine guns it was known as the MoS.29. The prototype was flown in July 1917, and deliveries began in December.
However, by May 1918 the type was withdrawn from combat duties, depending on the source, due to structural weakness, underpowered, or unreliable engine. Most aircraft were re-engined with an 120 hp Le Rhône 9JB or 135 hp 9Jby nine-cylinder rotary engine and used as single-seat fighter trainers, redesignated MoS.30. View also photo 8729.
