Morane-Saulnier MS.43

Morane-Saulnier MS.43
Role	Biplane trainer
National origin	France
Manufacturer	Morane-Saulnier
First flight	1924
Retired	1929
Primary user	French Air Force
Number built	79
Developed from	Morane-Saulnier MS.42

The Morane-Saulnier MS.43 was a French two-seat training biplane designed and built by Morane-Saulnier for a 1924 French War Ministry requirement for an intermediate training biplane.

The MS.43 was developed from the prototype MS.42; the equal-span wings of the MS.42 were replaced with the upper wing having a greater span than the lower. The structure was also strengthened for its training role, it being expected that trainee pilots would land it hard on airfields with rough surfaces. The aircraft had tandem cockpits with dual controls and was powered by a 180 hp (134 kW) Hispano-Suiza V-8 engine. The aircraft entered service with the French Air Force and 79 were built. In 1929 the aircraft were withdrawn from service and sold on the civilian market.

Specifications (variant)

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Wingspan: 10.88 m (35 ft 8¼ in)
• Gross weight: 1120 kg (2469 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Hispano-Suiza 8Ab V-8 piston engine, 134 kW (180 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 162 km/h (101 mph)