W.Green, G.Swanborough The Complete Book of Fighters

MORANE-SAULNIER TYPE AC (MoS 23) France

   Differing from earlier single-seat Morane-Saulnier shoulder-wing monoplanes essentially in having ailerons for lateral control rather than utilising wing warping and in employing rigid wing bracing, the Type AC appeared in the autumn of 1916. Powered by either the 110 hp Le Rhone 9J or 120 hp Le Rhone 9JB nine-cylinder rotary engine and carrying a single synchronised 7,7-mm gun, the Type AC was aerodynamically clean by contemporary standards, its fuselage being faired to a circular cross section. Thirty production aircraft were ordered for the Aviation Militaire, deliveries commencing late 1916. Although of advanced design and possessing a good performance, the Type AC was considered inferior to the SPAD S.VII, and, in consequence, was not adopted in quantity. Two examples were supplied to the UK for RFC evaluation.

Max speed, 111 mph (178 km/h) at sea level.
Time to 6,560 ft (2 000 m), 5.92 min.
Endurance, 2.5 hrs.
Empty weight, 959 lb (435 kg).
Loaded weight, 1,451 lb (658 kg).
Span, 32 ft 1 4/5 in (9,80 m).
Length, 23 ft 1 1/2 in (7,05 m).
Height, 8 ft 11 1/2 in (2,73 m).
Wing area, 161.46 sq ft (15,00 m2).