Morane-Saulnier MS.405 / MS.406

History

Morane-Saulnier MS. The 406 was a single-engine, piston-powered, single-seat fighter that appeared before the outbreak of hostilities between France and Germany.

Despite its robust design by 1930s standards, the system performed poorly compared to Luftwaffe fighter jets, which had better engines (and therefore performance), armor protection, and pilot training. Nonetheless, the MS 406 played a vital role in defending France - despite the country's eventual surrender - and was considered the best fighter design the country had deployed at the outbreak of war.

By design, MS. The 406 was modern in nature, with low monoplane wings, three-bladed propellers, and retractable landing gear. The 406 was introduced following changes to the existing M.S. 405 model.

The MS 406 has newer, lighter wings than its predecessor, and a retractable radiator under the fuselage. Power comes from a Hispano-Suiza 12Y-31 series liquid-cooled V12 engine with up to 860 horsepower, a speed of about 301 mph, a top speed of nearly 31,000 feet per hour, and a range of nearly 500 miles. The engine is mounted at the front of the fuselage, just forward of the cockpit. Visibility from the canopy is adequate despite being behind the wings. The roof shell is divided into three parts and is integrated into the bottom of the rear wing.

The overall armament can be considered quite inferior compared to other aircraft of the time, and is centered around the 20mm Hispano-Suiza HS. The 404 series cannons fired through the propeller hub, and there were also a pair of 7.5mm MAC 1934 series machine guns, one on each wing.

Morane-Saulnier MS begins the inevitable battle in 1938. The 406 offered hope for the defense of Germany. However, by 1940 the system had been completely surpassed by the Luftwaffe Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter jets and fell short of the numbers needed to achieve greater results. Unfortunately, many French-produced planes were doomed to delays as their airframes waited in warehouses without engines. In retrospect, the aircraft gained more favor and success in battles with other foreign operators of the system, including Finland and Switzerland.

The Finns probably did best against the Soviet Union with the M.S. 406, although it was a modified M.S. 406. By the time of the fall of France, the remaining M.S. 406s were in service with the Luftwaffe as trainers, while others were sold to the Allies.

Last is MS. The 406 is a viable fighter design that is appreciated by many factors. On the other hand, the system does more in terms of performance, protection and firepower than its opponents. At another time - maybe about five years ago - the system would have been scary, but the arrival of World War II on French soil set the unprepared country on the wrong side of that plane the way.

The M.S. 406 appeared in only 1,176 production examples - far less than the number used by the Luftwaffe and its Bf 109 series.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes