A Detailed Look at WWII’s Iconic French Fighter “Morane-Saulnier M.S.406”

The Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 is a chapter of aviation history that marks a notable, albeit challenging, phase of aircraft development in the interwar period. Delivered to the French Air Force in 1938, the M.S.406 faced its share of technical hurdles, particularly with its radiator and undercarriage. These elements would later reveal their impact during the aerial engagements of World War II.

Early Development and Test Flights of the MS.406

The journey of the M.S.406 began in 1934 when the French Air Ministry outlined the need for a single-seat fighter that could reach speeds of approximately 280 mph, equipped with robust armament including 20mm cannons. Morane-Saulnier stepped up with their Paul-Rene Gauthier designed MS.405. This prototype would undergo crucial modifications leading to the creation of the M.S.406.

Test flights executed by pilot Michel Detroyat initiated on the 8th of August, 1935, from Villacoublay, earmarking the start of the MS.405’s airborne life. Critical examinations of the aircraft began on the 20th of February, 1936, at the Centre d’Essais du Materiel. It was during this phase that engineers identified issues with the design. Notably, the absence of a locking mechanism on the undercarriage would sometimes cause it to lower unintentionally. The ventral radiator introduced a limitation: when raised, it resulted in the engine overheating at full power, and when lowered, it created drag, hindering top speed.

Despite these challenges, France remained undeterred. They procured 16 pre-production units on March 1, 1937. The MS.406, distinguishable as the fourth pre-production iteration, first took to the skies on May 20, 1938. Orders quickly accumulated to 1,082 aircraft. These planes began service with Groupe de Chasse 11/7, where pilots transitioned to this new fighter.

The MS.406: Transition to Mass Production and Wartime Combat

The stage was set for mass production, with the first model completed on the 29th of January, 1939. Dubbed the MS.406 C-1, it boasted an 860-hp Hispano-Suiza 12Y-31 engine, a max velocity of 302 mph, a range of 466 miles, and could reach altitudes of 30,840 feet. Its arsenal featured one 20mm cannon and two 7.5mm machine-guns—a formidable package for its time.

By the 3rd of September, 1939, the outbreak of World War II saw ten frontline Groupe de Chasse units in France equipped with the MS.406. Conflict with the German air force commenced later that month. The very first loss faced by the MS.406 took place on September 21, 1939, when a 1/3 Groupe de Chasse aircraft was downed by a German Messerschmitt Bf 109 from I./JG 53. Increased clashes took flight in the coming months, offering a prelude to what would be an intense combat chapter during the Battle of France, from May 10 to June 25, 1940.

In the teeming skies of the German invasion on May 10, 1940, the MS.406 pilots quickly realized they were outpaced, as the German aircraft boasted superior speed. Despite this, the MS.406s were also deployed for ground attack missions. The French Navy’s air arm similarly utilized a select number of these fighters during this time. With the signing of an armistice and the emergence of Vichy France on June 25, 1940, the MS.406 assumed a role in the reshaped French air force’s inventory.

Legacy and Conclusion: The MS.406’s Place in Aviation History

By the time production ended, a total of 1,176 Morane-Saulnier MS.406s had been constructed. It’s a figure that speaks to both the urgency and the scale at which France sought to strengthen its aerial might in a time of rising conflict.

While the M.S.406 was not without its flaws, it stands as a significant piece of aviation heritage, reflecting the technological endeavors and wartime experiences of French aviation. Though none are currently on public display in the UK, the memory of the MS.406 still takes to the skies in the annals of history, where valor faced the storm.