Salmson 2

The failure of the unconventional Salmson-Moineau S.M.1 saw the firm return to conventional designs, and their next production airplane was a winner, the Salmson 2A2. The Salmson 2 was powered by the powerful and reliable 260hp Salmson Canton-Unné 9Za radial engine and the airframe was strong and well-built. Starting in mid-1917 the Salmson 2 started replacing A.R.1's and Sopwith Strutters in reconnaissance escadrilles, and it was an immediate success. Its only drawback was the large separation between the pilot and observer, necessitated by the placement of the fuel tank. Provision for a camera was made via a trapdoor in the observer's compartment. Another innovation was the addition of self-sealing fuel tanks, which greatly cut the incidence of aircraft fire.

Fifty-five French escadrilles and ten American aero squadrons used the speedy Salmson 2 with great success. After the war, Czechoslovakia purchased fifty; Japan built 600-1000 under license; Poland equipped three squadrons; and Russia had a handful. On 1 Oct 1918 there were 448 at the front.

Card Links

 * USA
 * USA
 * 1st Sqn - Erwin/Bancom
 * 1st Sqn - Erwin/Bancom
 * 1st Sqn - Erwin/Bancom

Aircraft Chart

1:144 Scale

 * Shapeways: Kampfflieger, Reduced Aircraft Factory, wow
 * Metal kit:

1:200 Scale

 * Shapeways: wow

1:285/6mm/1:288 Scale

 * Shapeways: Kampfflieger, Reduced Aircraft Factory
 * Metal Cast:

1:350 Scale

 * Shapeways: Kampfflieger