Plane - Prop - The bullet
by Mike Savad
Title
Plane - Prop - The bullet
Artist
Mike Savad
Medium
Photograph - Hdr Photography
Description
The Morane-Saulnier A-I, commonly nicknamed the "Bullet" due to its sleek, bullet-like shape, was a French parasol-wing monoplane fighter introduced during World War I. Known for its lightweight and streamlined design, it was one of the first aircraft to feature a metal propeller, which, along with its powerful 150-horsepower Gnome Monosoupape rotary engine, gave it impressive speed and maneuverability. This advanced technology contributed to its excellent performance, making it a favorite among several French aces, including Charles Nungesser. Despite its agility in dogfights, the A-I's lightweight construction made it fragile and prone to structural failures in combat, limiting its widespread use.
Although the Morane-Saulnier A-I saw limited combat due to its sensitive handling characteristics, it found a second life as a racer after the war, where it gained fame for setting several speed records. Its elegant design and pioneering use of technology, such as the metal propeller, have made it a favorite among aviation enthusiasts and historians. While only a limited number were produced, and it was soon overshadowed by more robust designs, the "Bullet" remains a unique and noteworthy aircraft from the era, remembered for its blend of innovation and style.
Uploaded
September 1st, 2024
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