Morane-Saulnier P

Type P
Role	Reconnaissance
Manufacturer	Aéroplanes Morane-Saulnier
Introduction	1914
Primary users	Aéronautique Militaire Royal Flying Corps
Number built	595

The Morane-Saulnier Type P was a French parasol wing two-seat reconnaissance aeroplane of the First World War. Morane-Saulnier built 595 for the French air force, and it was also used by the British until 1916-17.

The Type P was larger, more powerful, and better armed than its predecessor, the Type L. It was also more popular than its sister plane, the Type LA.

Operators

Brazil

France

Japan

Russia

Imperial Russian Air Service

United Kingdom

Royal Flying Corps

Specifications (Type P)

Data from The Aeroplanes of the Royal Flying Corps (Military Wing)

General characteristics

• Crew: two
• Length: 7.2 m (23 ft 7⅜ in)
• Wingspan: 11.2 m (36 ft 8⅞ in)
• Height: 3.47 m (11 ft 4⅝ in)
• Wing area: 18 m² (194 sq ft)
• Empty weight: 433 kg (953 lb)
• Loaded weight: 733 kg (1,613 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Le Rhone 9J rotary engine, 82 kW (110 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 156 km/h (97 mph) at 2,000 m (6,560 ft)
• Endurance: 2½ hours
• Service ceiling: 4,800 m (15,740 ft)
  
• Climb to 3,000 m (9,840 ft): 15 min 50 s

Armament

• Guns: 1 × Vickers machine gun and 1× Lewis gun or 2× Lewis guns
• Bombs: Light load of bombs

See also

• Morane-Saulnier Type LA
• List of military aircraft of France

References

• Bruce, J.M. The Aeroplanes of the Royal Flying Corps (Military Wing). London: Putnam, 1982. ISBN 0-370-30084-X.