Morane-Saulnier MS.230 — Primary-Source Technical Archive

The Morane-Saulnier MS.230 was the French Air Force's definitive primary pilot trainer throughout the 1930s — a parasol-wing monoplane that shaped an entire generation of French military aviators and earned an international reputation as a precision aerobatic platform. This Living Collection assembles the original factory nomenclature, military engine technical notices, and structural documentation that defined the type's operational life.

Every document is an archival, static-copy edition fixed at its original publication date — primary-source material for historians, restorers, flight simulation specialists, and serious collectors.

Document Manifest

1. Nomenclature des Pièces de Rechange — Aéroplanes Morane-Saulnier Type 230 — Factory Spare Parts Nomenclature. Issued by Société Anonyme de Constructions Aéronautiques Morane-Saulnier, Siège Social et Ateliers: 3, Rue Volta, Puteaux (Seine). Aérodrome Privé et École d'Aviation à Villacoublay. Capital: 4.000.000 de Francs. Code A B C 5e Édition. Language: French.
2. Notice Technique du Moteur Salmson — Type 9 AB, 230 CV — Engine Technical Manual. Issued by Ministère de la Guerre, Aéronautique Militaire. Catégorie: AV. Société des Moteurs Salmson, Billancourt. Approuvée par D.M. 1027 Aéro 6 du 5 Novembre 1927. Covers the 9-cylinder air-cooled radial in full technical detail. Language: French.

Aerodynamic & Structural Design

• Wing Configuration: Parasol monoplane with 4°45' sweepback angle.
• Airfoil Construction: Rigid metal-tubing internal structure covered with high-tension fabric.
• Forward Fuselage: Metal-clad panelling protecting the forward cockpit and engine bay controls.
• Wing Area: 19.7 m² (212 sq ft) total lifting surface.
• Dimensions: Wingspan 10.7 m (35 ft 1 in) · Length 6.94 m (22 ft 9 in).

Engine Technical Profile

• Standard Powerplant: Salmson 9AB — 9-cylinder, air-cooled radial piston engine.
• Power Output: 230 hp (170 kW) at sea level.
• Fuel System: Jettisonable 220 L (58 US gal) main fuselage tank + 22 L (5.8 US gal) centre-of-gravity tank.
• Propulsion: Two-bladed, fixed-pitch, laminated wooden propeller.
• MS.236 Variant: 215 hp Armstrong-Siddeley Lynx ICV — licence-built for Belgian production.

Handling & Stability

• Landing Gear: Exceptionally wide-track wheel placement to prevent ground loops during student training.
• Low-Speed Control: Generous control surface authority delivering stable, predictable stall handling.
• Aerobatic Rating: Robust structural load margins allowing continuous, intense G-force manoeuvres.
• Tandem Cockpits: Dual open cockpits optimised weight distribution and instructor override visibility.

Performance Data

This is an archival, static-copy edition fixed at its original publication date. Intended for historical reference, flight simulation, museum restoration, and educational use only. Not approved for active airworthiness maintenance under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13, EASA Part-M, or equivalent international regulations. Operators of active aircraft must use current, revision-controlled publications from the Type Certificate holder or an authorized distributor.

⚠️ Regulatory Notice: Under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13 and EASA Part-M, any mechanic performing maintenance on an active aircraft must use current, manufacturer-approved revision-controlled data. This archival document does not satisfy that requirement.

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