Due
to the shape of its nose, the Morane-Saulnier Type N was aptly
nicknamed the "Bullet." Built in small numbers, it was the first French
aircraft specifically developed as a fighter. Armed with a fixed,
forward firing machine gun, its propeller was protected by the metal
deflector plates pioneered by Roland Garros on the Morane-Saulnier Type
L. Although it was faster and more manoeuvrable than previous aircraft,
the Bullet was extremely difficult to fly and unpopular with pilots.
Country: France
Manufacturer: Société des Aéroplanes Morane-Saulnier
Type: Fighter
First Introduced: 1914
Number Built: 49
Engine: Le Rhône 9C, 9 cylinder, air cooled rotary, 80 hp
Wing Span: 26 ft 8½ in [8.15 m]
Length: 19 ft 1½ in [5.83 m]
Height: 7 ft 4½ in [2.25 m]
Empty Weight:
Gross Weight: 976 lb [444 kg]
Max Speed: 90 mph [144 km/h]
Ceiling: 13,123 ft [4000 m]
Endurance: 1½ hours
Crew: 1
Armament: 1 machine gun |