Morane-Saulnier MoS-121

Last updated
MoS 121
MoS 121 left front photo NACA Aircraft Circular No.75.jpg
RoleFighter
National originFrance
Manufacturer Morane-Saulnier
First flight1927
Number built1

The Morane-Saulnier MoS-121, also known as the Morane-Saulnier MS.121 was a French fighter prototype of the 1920s. It was Morane-Saulnier's first fighter design after World War I.

Contents

Development

As a direct result of concern over the escalating cost of fighter manufacture, the French government and air force instituted a program for chasseurs légers or 'light fighters' in 1926. This was unofficially known as the 'Jockey' program, and it envisaged the use of moderate guns, minimal equipment and small amounts of ammunition. Emphasis was placed on climb rate, endurance and a ceiling (high for the time) of 8000 metres. To meet this requirement, Morane-Saulnier designed the MoS-121, renamed the MS 121 in 1927, as a single-seat parasol monoplane of mixed construction.

Operational history

After flying for the first time in mid-1927, it proved underpowered and incapable of climbing easily and was discarded in favour of the Morane-Saulnier MS.221.

Specifications (MoS-121)

Morane-Saulnier MS.121 3-view drawing from L'Aeronautique June,1928 Morane-Saulnier MS.121 3-view L'Aeronautique June,1928.png
Morane-Saulnier MS.121 3-view drawing from L'Aéronautique June,1928

Data from Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1928, [1] The Complete Book of Fighters [2]

General characteristics

Performance

250 km/h (160 mph; 130 kn) at 2,500 m (8,200 ft)
246 km/h (153 mph; 133 kn) at 3,500 m (11,500 ft)
3,500 m (11,500 ft) in 9 minutes 19 seconds
4,500 m (14,800 ft) in 13 minutes 11 seconds
6,500 m (21,300 ft) in 25 minutes 25 seconds
7,500 m (24,600 ft) in 36 minutes 5 seconds

Armament

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References

  1. Grey, C.G., ed. (1928). Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1928. London: Sampson Low, Marston & company, ltd. p. 113c.
  2. Green, William; Swanborough, Gordon (1994). The Complete Book of Fighters. London: Salamander. p. 416. ISBN   1-85833-777-1.

Further reading