Morane-Saulnier Type AF (MoS 28)

The Morane-Saulnier Type AF was a single seat biplane fighter developed in 1917, but that didn't enter large scale production.

During 1916 Morane-Saulnier had tried and failed to produce a single seat conversion of their Type P two seat parasol wing reconnaissance aircraft. During 1917 the company produced two new single seat fighters - the parasol wing Type AI, which briefly entered service early in 1918, and the biplane Type AF.

Both new aircraft were powered by the 150hp Gnome Monosoupape rotary engine. This was contained within a well contoured cowling, replacing the large spinners used on earlier Morane-Saulnier aircraft. Like the Type AI, the AF had a fuselage with a circular cross section, built around a wooden framework rather than as a monocoque. The Type AF was nearly two feet shorter than the AI.

The Type AF was Morane-Saulnier's first biplane. It was a staggered wing biplane, with the slightly smaller lower wing mounted behind the upper wing. Both carried ailerons.

The Type AF (official designation MoS 28.C1) made its maiden flight on 23 June 1917 and underwent official trials later in the summer. It had a top speed of 129mph and excellent handling characteristics, but it wasn't significantly better than the existing SPAD S.XIII and was outperformed by the Type AI. As a result it wasn't ordered into production, although later in the year a naval version, the Type AFH, was developed and tested.

Engine: Gnome Monosoupape N
Power: 150hp
Crew: 1
Wing span: 24ft 6in
Length: 16ft 10 3/4in
Height: 7ft 8 1/2in
Empty Weight: 928lb
Loaded Weight: 1,431lb
Max Speed: 129mph at 3,280ft
Armament: One 7.7mm Vickers machine gun

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How to cite this article: Rickard, J (24 November 2011), Morane-Saulnier Type AF (MoS 28) , http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_morane_saulnier_Type_AF.html

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