<p>The Salmson Type 2 biplane was introduced to the Western Front in French hands during 1917, where it was employed in the A.2 two-place observation category. It proved most satisfactory in the role, and over 3,000 were built. Supplies to the US Air Service numbered 705 to equip 11 squadrons, and these were as popular and effective in American hands as they were in French. Serving alongside the Breguet 14, and similarly procured due to the unavailability of the DH-4 'Liberty Plane', the 2A-2 (as it was designated in US service) served with distinction until the Armistice.
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<p>Featuring equal-span biplane wings, the 2A-2 was unusual in having all-moving tail surfaces and a nine-cylinder water-cooled radial engine with annular louvers. Armament consisted of a single Lewis gun in the upper fuselage decking, and twin Vickers guns on a ring mount in the observer's cockpit. A large cut-out in the upper wing provided the observer with a good field of fire upwards to the front.
