Morane-Saulnier
M.S.325
The Morane‑Saulnier M.S.325 was a French single‑engine fighter‑trainer developed in the late 1930s as a transitional type between the company’s early biplanes and the more modern monoplane series that would dominate World II. Designed under the direction of designer André Herbemont, the M.S.325 first flew on 12 March 1938 at the Morane‑Saulnier factory at Puteaux. Its airframe combined a low‑wing metal structure with fabric‑covered control surfaces, a 560 hp Hispano‑Suiza 12Y-45 V‑12 engine, and a fixed, split‑type undercarriage that could be quickly converted to a retractable arrangement for advanced training. The cockpit was enclosed with a sliding canopy and offered dual controls, allowing instructor and trainee to operate the aircraft side‑by‑side. Armament consisted of two 7.5 mm MAC‑1934 machine guns synchronized to fire through the propeller arc, giving pilots realistic combat experience without compromising safety. Although production was limited to 48 units before the outbreak of war, the M.S.325 played a crucial role in preparing French pilots for high‑performance monoplanes such as the M.S.406 and later the Dewoitine D.520. Its blend of modern aerodynamics and forgiving handling earned it a reputation as one of the most effective trainer‑fighters of its era, influencing post‑war trainer design in several European air forces.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1933