Photograph:
Airdrome Aeroplanes Morane Saulnier L in the United States (Airdrome Aeroplanes)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Replica World War I parasol wing trainer
Power Plant:
One 37 kw (50 hp) Rotax 503UL two-cylinder, two-cycle, engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 7.92 m (26 ft)
- Length: 5.18 m (17 ft)
- Wing area: 11.14 m² (120 sq ft)
- Cruising speed: 89 km/h (55 mph)
- Stalling speed: 48 km/h (30 mph)
- Rate of climb: 122 m/min (400 ft/min)
- Take-off run: 46 m (150 ft)
- Landing run: 91 m (300 ft)
- Fuel capacity range: 483 km (300 miles)
- Empty weight: 161 kg (356 lb)
- Loaded weight: 290 kg (640 lb)
History:
The Type L parasol monoplane was produced by Morane Saulnier in 1913 as a development of the Type G two-seat aircraft, and differed from the Type G in having the wing moved from the top of the fuselage to a parasol configuration. The Type L was the most famous parasol aircraft of its time and had new wing supports and modified cross-bracing in the underwing fuselage bay. Landing loads were taken by cables attached to a tall central cabane tripod of steel struts.
Fifty examples were supplied to Turkey and these were fitted with a 37 kw (50 hp) Gnome rotary engine. Following mobilisation of French forces in 1914 the Turkish aircraft were commandeered by French authorities and fitted with 60 kw (80 hp) Gnome or Le Rhone engines.
Two Escadrilles were formed with the type, MS.232 and MS.26. Roland Garros, the French ace, flew one on the first operational flights of the type on 19 August 1914. His observer carried a carbine and they attacked a German Euler but no damage was sustained. An Albatros was also attacked. The type was used for fighting duties and a rifle or carbine was often carried by the observer, or a Lewis machine-gun or similar weapon was mounted in the rear cockpit. Eventually, once an interrupter gear was developed, a machine gun was installed firing forward.
Airdrome Aeroplanes has produced a number of kits of World War I aircraft for construction by amateur builders and, usually to 75 per cent scale, these have been popular in recent years. Most have been fitted with engines in the 26 kw to 39 kw (35 hp to 52 hp) range but the prototype of the Type L scale replica was fitted with a Harley-Davidson Big Twin engine.
The first of the type completed in this region became ZK-MSP (c/n 1) registered to Mr F Price of Papakura, NZ on 30 August 2012.