Morane-Saulnier M.S.221 - 223

Retaining the basic airframe of the M.S.121, the M.S.221, which appeared in 1928 as a replacement contender in the Jockey programme, carried a similar twin-7.7mm gun armament, but was powered by the Gnome-Rhone 9Ae Jupiter nine-cylinder radial rated at 600hp, and weighed 46kg less. Both lighter and more powerful than competing Jockey entries, the M.S.221 was nevertheless at a disadvantage in level speed, which proved appreciably lower than those of other contenders. One of the two prototypes of the M.S.221 was accordingly fitted with a turbo-supercharged G-R 9As Jupiter developing its full 600hp at 3800m. At the same time, an attempt was made to reduce aerodynamic drag by redesigning the wing bracing. Redesignated M.S.222, this prototype was 25kg heavier, but climbed to 7000m in 12 min. The maximum speed of 267km/h at 3650m remained inadequate, however, and in a further attempt to reduce drag, the cross-axle type undercarriage was replaced by one of split-axle type, the modified aircraft flying in 1930 as the M.S.223. In the meantime, Morane-Saulnier had initiated a more fundamental redesign of the fighter as the M.S.224, and, in consequence, further development of the M.S.223 was discontinued.

3-View

A three-view drawing of M.S.221 (1280 x 874)