Morane-Saulnier Type BB

From Wings of Linen
Morane-Saulnier BB
Role Reconnaissance/Fighter
Manufacturer Morane-Saulnier
First flight 1915 [1][2]
Introduction late 1915 - 1916[2]
Primary users U.K. (RFC/RAF)
Russia
Number built ~80 [1]
Wingspan 8.66 m (28 ft 5 in) [3]-9.22 m (30 ft 3 in)[2]
Engine 80-110hp Le Rhône 9J rotary
Armament rear flexible Lewis [note 1]
Crew 2
Max Speed 126 km/h (78 mph)[2] - 134 km/h (83 mph)[4]
Climb 1,980 m (6,500 ft) in 13:00[4]
2,000 m (6,500 ft) in 20:00[3]
3,050 m (10,000 ft) in 26:48[4][3]
Ceiling 3,660 m (12,000 ft)[4]-4,000 m (13,100 ft)[3]

The Morane-Saulnier Type BB was a departure for the firm from their usual monoplanes. While a small number were provided to Russia, almost all BBs were built for the RFC. While they were ordered with the 110hp Le Rhône engine, those engines were removed and instead on the more capable Morane-Saulnier Type P. The BBs had to settle for the more available 80hp Le Rhône 9J. BBs were supplied to No.1 and 3 squadrons where they served alongside Type Ps, and they were used in small numbers by No.12 and 60 squadrons.

For more information, see Wikipedia:Morane-Saulnier BB.

Timeline [note 2]

Game Data

Wings of Glory

Unofficial Stats
Maneuver Damage Dmg Points Max Alt. Climb
Y -/B or B/B 10 9 5
Card Links

Blue Max/Canvas Eagles

Aircraft Chart

Miniatures and Models

1:144 Scale

References

Notes
  1. Sometimes also a fixed, upward-firing gun on the top wing.
  2. British usage numbers are approximate, derived from the squadron histories.[5]
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Updated card
Citations
  1. 1.0 1.1 Davilla, p.345.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Argus Vol. 3, p.38.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Lamberton, p.218-220.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Davilla, p.346.
  5. Philpott'13, pp.379-444.
Bibliography
  • Argus Books, Airplane Archive: Aircraft of World War One, Volume 3. Great Britain: Argus Books, 1989. ISBN 0-85242-998-3
  • Dr. James J. Davilla and Arthur M. Soltan. French Aircraft of the First World War. Flying Machines Press, 1997. ISBN 0-9637110-4-0.
  • W.M. Lamberton and E.F. Cheesman, Reconnaissance & Bomber Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War. Great Britain: Harleyford Publications Ltd., 1962. ISBN 9780900435027
  • Ian Philpott, The Birth of the Royal Air Force. Great Britain: Pen & Sword Books Limited, 2013. ISBN 978-1-78159-333-2