<article><hdr>Ground shot of a Thomas-Morse/Boeing MB-3A</hdr><body>
<hi style=afpcap>The Thomas-Morse MB-3 evolved from the need for the fledgling US aircraft to design and produce aircraft which were not licensed built versions of , and were superior to the European fighter types then in service. Four prototypes were ordered, although these were obtained too late for service during the First World War. Nevertheless the design fitted the requirements of the Army, with a further 50 being obtained in 1919. A competitive bidding system was introduced whereby other manufacturers could contend for business with the design of a product which was not of their origin. Boeing was successful with a bid to build 200 MB-3s during 1920. These served to Air Corps in the fighter role until late in the '20s when they were relegated to training duties. </hi>
