X
•Our 2023 Season: •Air Shows Jun 17-Oct 15, •Museum May 1- Oct 31, •Biplane Rides TBA. •The High Flyers Gala is May 20-Get Your Tickets Early •The Latest News on Aero-Log •Help Us Acquire a Rare Engine
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to footer
  • About Us
  • The Collection
  • Contact Us
  • Work At Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
Old Rhinebeck Aerorome Logo

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

We’re Living History and Family Fun

  • Gala
  • Air Shows
  • Museum
  • Biplane Rides
  • Air Show & Museum Tickets
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Donate

Morane-Saulnier N

Back to 1914-1918 - World War I

photo of a Morane-Saulnier N on the ground

Morane-Saulnier N

  • : France
  • : 1914
  • : Le Rhone Rotary
  • 80 - 100
  • 27 ' 3"
  • 103 mph (165 km/hr)
  • 1122 lbs (509 kg)

  • : Static Exhibit
  • : Reproduction

The Morane Saulnier N, “Bullet” was far ahead of its time. While contemporary designers were developing cumbersome pusher biplanes, the streamlined, tractor Morane Saulnier became the first aircraft to carry a forward firing machine gun. The back of the propeller was fitted with triangular steel blades that deflected the bullets. This method was crude, but effective.

Famed French aviator, Roland Garros shot down four German aircraft with this system (which he helped to design), before an engine failure brought him down behind enemy lines. He was captured and his aircraft was secured by German authorities before he had a chance to burn it. It was turned over to Anthony Fokker for evaluation. Within 24 hours, Fokker devised a far more practical method of synchronization for the gun to fire with the rotation of the propeller.

The Morane was regarded as highly maneuverable and tricky to land because of its high landing speed. Russian pilots, Ivan Smirnov and Alexander Kazakov trailed grappling hooks on ropes behind their machines to inflict damage on enemy aircraft.

Our Morane Saulnier N was constructed from an original Morane Saulnier A.I fuselage, obtained by Cole Palen in 1981, and new wings were fabricated to complete the reproduction. It is finished in the colors of Alexander Kazakov’s aircraft.


Click for more information about the Morane-Saulnier N


Subscribe to our mailing list

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Things to do

  • Gala
  • Air Shows
  • Museum
  • Biplane Rides
  • Air Show & Museum Tickets
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Donate

Get involved

  • Donate
  • Education
  • Work At Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
  • Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Facebook Fans
  • Volunteer at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
  • Donating an Item
  • Our Generous Sponsors
  • WWI Aero Publications

About Us

  • Aero-Log
  • The Collection
  • About Cole and Rita Palen
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • About the Website

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Copyright © 2023
9 Norton Rd., Red Hook, NY 12571 (Driving Address)
PO Box 229, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 (Mailing Address)
Telephone: (845)752-3200
Fax: 845-758-6481
info@oldrhinebeck.org