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Today in History

 
 
A "parasol" monoplane, the Morane Type L was a fragile two-seat reconnaissance aircraft. It was the first aircraft armed with a fixed machine gun that fired through the propellor arc. Bullets which struck the propellor were deflected by steel plates. Armed with a Hotchkiss machine gun firing 8 mm solid copper bullets, Roland Garros tested the design in April 1915. He scored three victories in three weeks before the plane was captured by the Germans.
 
Units
French Air Service: MS12
Imperial Russian Air Service:
Royal Flying Corps: 1, 3
Royal Naval Air Service: 1W, 2W
 
Morane-Saulnier L Specifications
Country: France
Manufacturer: Société des Aéroplanes Morane-Saulnier
Type: Fighter Reconnaissance
First Introduced: 1913
Number Built: 600
Engine(s): Gnôme, rotary, 80 hp
Wing Span: 36 ft 9 in [11.2 m]
Length: 22 ft 6¾ in [6.88 m]
Height: 12 ft 10½ in [3.93 m]
Empty Weight: [385 kg]
Gross Weight: 1,441 lb [655 kg]
Max Speed: 71.5 mph [115 kmh]
Ceiling: 13,123 ft [4000 m]
Endurance: 2½ hours
Crew: 1 or 2
Armament: 1 machine gun
 
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