Morane-Saulnier T

Type T
Role	Bomber
National origin	France
Manufacturer	Morane-Saulnier
First flight	July 1914

The Morane-Saulnier T was a bomber aircraft developed in France in 1914 and produced in small numbers during World War I.^[1][2] It was a large, five-bay biplane of conventional configuration, with unstaggered wings of equal span. The conical rear fuselage and large triangular tailfin were reminiscent of a scaled-up version of some Morane-Saulnier fighter designs. The engines were mounted tractor-fashion in streamlined nacelles supported by struts in the interplane gap and the propellers were fitted with large spinners. The undercarriage consisted of two main units, each of which had two wheels joined by a long axle, plus a tailskid and an auxiliary nosewheel. Three open cockpits in tandem were provided: one in the nose for a gunner, and others for the pilot and a second gunner placed further back.^[2]

Although designed as a bomber, the French Army ordered the type in 1916 hoping to use it either as a bomber escort^[2] or reconnaissance machine.^[1][3] While this order called for 100 aircraft, only a small number were built before production was cancelled.^[2]

Specifications

Data from Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War I, 117

General characteristics

• Crew: Three, pilot and two gunners
• Wingspan: 17.65 m (57 ft 11 in)
• Powerplant: 2 × Le Rhône, 60 kW (80 hp) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 156 km/h (97 mph)
• Service ceiling: 4,500 m (15,000 ft)

Notes

1. ^ ^{a b} Taylor 1989, 685
2. ^ ^{a b c d} The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft, 2540
3. ^ Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War I, 117

References

• The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft. London: Aerospace Publishing. 
• Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War I. London: Studio Editions. 2001. 
• Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions.