Morane-Saulnier P

The Morane‑Saulnier P was a French single‑engine, two‑seat, parasol‑wing monoplane produced by Morane‑Saulnier during the early 1920s. Developed as a direct evolution of the wartime MS.35 trainer, the P incorporated a more powerful 120 hp Le Rhône 9J rotary engine and refined aerodynamics that gave it a higher top speed of roughly 170 km/h (105 mph). Its wooden frame, fabric covering, and fixed tailskid undercarriage were typical of the era, while the spacious cockpit offered side‑by‑side seating for both instructor and pupil, a configuration that facilitated advanced flight instruction and liaison duties. First flown in 1923, the aircraft entered service with the French Air Force and later with several colonial units, where its robustness and ease of maintenance proved valuable in harsh environments. Although only a few dozen were built, the Morane‑Saulnier P served as a bridge between World War I trainers and the more modern biplanes and monoplanes of the late 1920s, influencing Morane‑Saulnier’s subsequent designs such as the MS.230. Its legacy lies in demonstrating the viability of the parasol monoplane layout for training and utility roles, shaping French military aviation training standards for the interwar period.