MS.230

The Morane‑Saulnier MS.230 was a French two‑seat trainer introduced in the early 1930s and quickly became one of the most widely used basic aircraft in the interwar period. Designed by the Morane‑Saulnier company as a successor to the MS.129, the MS.230 featured a low‑wing monoplane layout, all‑metal tubular fuselage with fabric covering, and a fixed tailskid landing gear. Powered by a 230 hp (170 kW) Salmson 9Ab radial engine, it delivered reliable performance, a cruising speed of about 160 km/h and a service ceiling near 5,000 metres, making it suitable for pilot instruction, aerobatics and light liaison duties. Over 1,200 examples were built, serving the French Air Force, navy, and many civilian flying clubs, and the type was exported to Belgium, Spain and the United States. Its straightforward construction, forgiving handling characteristics, and low operating cost helped standardize primary flight training in France and contributed to the rapid expansion of the French pilot pool before World War II. The MS.230’s durability and popularity also influenced later trainer designs, cementing its place as a cornerstone of 1930s aviation training. Today, a few restored examples still fly at vintage airshows, demonstrating the type’s lasting legacy.