Morane-Saulnier

During the first half of 1917, Robert and Leon Morane, and Raymond Saulnier presented their newest fighter aircraft, the Morane Saulnier A-1 to the French military for review.  It was favourably accepted and was produced in large numbers.  Despite the fact that the Morane's flight characteristics were well liked by many pilots, the duration of its active service was limited to a mere three months.  It was withdrawn from combat as a result of alleged structural failures and reliability problems with the 160 hp Gnome engine.  Many remaining aircraft of this type were refitted with smaller, more reliable powerplants and used as advanced trainers for the duration of the war, and afterwards as well.

Famed aviator Charles Nungesser was known to demonstrate his aerobatic skills to the public with his own personal M.S. A-1 after the war.  In 1919, Lt. Temple Joyce became the world's champion "looper", completing 300 consecutive loops with his A-1.  One year later the record was raised to 1,111 consecutive loops performed by Alfred Fronval in his A-1.  Successful exhibition flying of this type seems to contradict the question of the aircraft’s lack of structural integrity.