Pfalz E.I-VI

The Pfalz E.I‑VI series, produced under licence by the French firm Morane‑Saulnier during the latter part of World War I, represented a pragmatic blend of German aerodynamic concepts and French manufacturing expertise. Development began in early 1917 when Morane‑Saulnier acquired the rights to the original Pfalz monoplane designs, adapting them for the French armed forces and for export to allied nations. The six variants – E.I through E.VI – shared a common wooden frame, fabric covering, and a 80‑horsepower Oberursel rotary engine, but differed in wing stagger, aileron implementation and cockpit instrumentation. Notable features included a streamlined, rounded fuselage, a balanced two‑wing configuration that provided modest lift‑to‑drag ratios, and interchangeable wing panels that facilitated field repairs. Though not as celebrated as contemporary fighters such as the SPAD S.XIII, the Pfalz E series proved valuable as a reconnaissance and trainer aircraft, offering reliable handling and ease of maintenance. Its significance lies in demonstrating early international collaboration in aircraft production, influencing post‑war design practices and paving the way for the standardisation of licence‑built fighters across Europe. The aircraft’s modest performance nevertheless earned it a place in several air‑clubs, preserving its legacy into the interwar period.