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Morane-Saulnier L [France]
Morane-Saulnier L

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.

Specifications
Country:France
Manufacturer:Société des Aéroplanes Morane-Saulnier
Type:Fighter Reconnaissance
First Introduced:1913
Number Built:600
Engine(s):Gnome, 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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