Salmson-Moineau S.M.1

One of the most unusual designs for an aeroplane saw realization in the Salmson-Moineau S.M.1. René Moineau was a pre-war aviator who wanted to use the powerful 240hp Salmson 9A2c radial engine to meet a three-seater requirement, but the engine was bulky and would have had a lot of drag if mounted conventionally. Instead, Moineau mounted the engine "sideways" and added driveshafts and gearing to drive two front-mounted propellers rotating in opposite directions. The pilot sat high between the wings where there was limited visibility, which led to several SM.1's being lost to landing crashes.

S.M.1's were parceled out in ones and twos to various units flying Farmans, Caudrons, and A.R.'s. In practice the plane was found to be hard to land, slow, and prone to engine problems, and they did not serve very long. Two were sent to Russia where they met a similar fate.

Lamberton says they were withdrawn in April 1918.

Card Links

 * Plane Card
 * Crew Card

1:144 Scale

 * Shapeways: Columbia Aerodrome