Time Period: Pre-WW1
Country of Origin: France
Type: Monoplane, Sporting / Racing Aircraft
Manufacturer: Morane-Saulnier
Morane-Saulnier G Aircraft Overview
The Morane-Saulnier G was a French single-engine monoplane fighter aircraft that was designed and produced by the Morane-Saulnier company during World War I. The aircraft was one of the first true monoplanes to be used in combat, and it was known for its speed and maneuverability.
The G had a wooden frame covered in fabric and was powered by a 110-horsepower Le Rhône rotary engine. It had a wingspan of 8.16 meters and a length of 5.82 meters. The aircraft was armed with a single .303 Lewis machine gun, which was mounted on the top wing and synchronized to fire through the propeller arc.
The Morane-Saulnier G was notable for its wing design, which featured a single wing with a pronounced backward sweep. This gave the aircraft a distinctive appearance and also improved its maneuverability at high speeds. The G was also equipped with a rudimentary form of synchronized machine gun fire, which allowed the pilot to fire the machine gun without striking the propeller.
The Morane-Saulnier G saw significant use in combat during World War I, and it was used by a number of French and other allied air forces. It was particularly effective in aerial combat, where its speed and maneuverability allowed it to outmaneuver and outfight its opponents. The aircraft’s success in combat helped to establish the monoplane as a viable alternative to the biplane for fighter aircraft design.
Morane-Saulnier G Specifications
- Crew: 1 pilot
- Capacity: 1 passenger
- Length: 6.30 m (20 ft 8 in)
- Wingspan: 9.20 m (30 ft 2 in)
- Wing Area: 16 m² (172 sq ft)
- Empty Weight: 95 kg (208 lb)
- Gross Weight: 370 kg (815 lb)
- Engine: 1 × Gnome rotary engine, 60 kW (80 hp)
Morane-Saulnier G Performance
- Maximum Speed: 123 km/h (76 mph)
- Climb Rate: 1.8 m/s (345 ft/min)