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{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
| name = MS.180
| image = Morane Saulnier MS 180 right side photo NACA Aircraft Circular No.93.jpg
| caption =
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
| type = [[Aerobatic aircraft]]
| national origin = [[France]]
| manufacturer = [[Morane-Saulnier]]
| designer =
| first flight = 1929
| introduced =
| retired =
| status =
| primary user =
| more users = <!--Limited to three in total; separate using <br /> -->
| produced = <!--years in production-->
| number built = c.17
| program cost = <!--Total program cost-->
| unit cost = <!--Incremental or flyaway cost for military or retail price for commercial aircraft-->
| developed from =
| variants with their own articles =
}}
|}
The '''Morane-Saulnier MS.180''' is a single engine [[parasol wing]] [[aerobatic]] [[trainer aircraft]] that was designed and produced by the [[France|French]] aircraft manufacturer [[Morane-Saulnier]].
Designed during the late 1920s, the MS.180 built on the company's legacy of competent light aircraft. Specifically designed to performing aerobatics and the trainer role, it bore more than a passing resemblance to the [[Morane-Saulnier MS.230]], save for its single-seat cockpit and its slightly smaller size. The aircraft was intended for military air services as well as by private pilots; as such, it not only possessed a relatively high safety margin but also favourable flight characteristics for carrying out a broad range of aerobatic manoeuvres.
The prototype performed its [[maiden flight]] in 1929 and performed remarkably well during flight testing. About seventeen production standard MS.181 were produced; these were mainly used in French [[flying club]]s. Multiple aircraft were operated by [[Spanish Republican]] forces to train combat pilots during the [[Spanish Civil War]]; two MS.181s were supposedly still airworthy by the end of the conflict. Several aircraft survived the [[Second World War]] and continued to be flown in France; at least one remained in regular use by Compagnie Française d'Aviation through to the 1970s.
==Development==
By the late 1920s, Morane-Saulnier had established a good reputation for their light aircraft, which included a series of [[parasol wing]] fighter aircraft.<ref name = "naca 1"/> What would become the MS.180 was built in that tradition, however, it was specifically designed to function as an aerobatics trainer, a single seat near contemporary of the twin seat but otherwise similar [[Morane-Saulnier MS.230]]; other differences included it being somewhat smaller and much lower powered. Furthermore, the MS.180 was designed to achieve a safety factor of 15.<ref name = "naca 1">NACA 1927, p. 1.</ref> It was anticipated that the type would be adopted by various training centres and military air services as well as by private pilots.<ref name = "naca 2">NACA 1927, p. 2.</ref>
During 1929, the MS.180 conducted its [[maiden flight]], powered by a Salmson 9Ad [[radial engine]].<ref name=Flight/> The flight test programme went remarkably well throughout. Final refinements were performed by Michael Detroyat at [[Velizy-Villacoublay]].<ref name = "naca 12">NACA 1927, pp. 1-2.</ref> Later aircraft, designated ''MS.181'', were powered by the larger capacity (5.1&nbsp;L, 315&nbsp;cu&nbsp;in)<ref name=Flight/> 60&nbsp;hp (40&nbsp;kW) Salmson 5Ac five-cylinder radial.<ref name=Howson/> Reconstructions of the French civil aircraft register suggest that only a single MS.180 was ever built and that it was subsequently outfitted with the more powerful engine.<ref name=GY/>
==Design==
The Morane-Saulnier MS.180 was a single engine [[aerobatic]] [[trainer aircraft]]. Having been specifically designed to perform pilot training, various features of the aircraft facilitated this use in this capacity, including a relatively high safety factor and the autostabilising doubly-curved profile of its [[parasol wing]], which was broadly similar to that already in use upon Morane-Saulnier's earlier training aircraft. It was suitable for the training of military pilots, its [[flight envelope]] and flying characteristics were well suited to performing all customary aerobatic manoeuvres, including all manner of looping, spinning, and rolling.<ref name = "naca 1"/>
The aircraft comprised mixed construction, elements being made of either wood or metal.<ref name=Howson/> The structure of the fuselage consisted of four [[longeron]]s, which were either [[spruce]] or [[ash]], that were joined at the front via a pair of metal frames. Other than these frames, a conventionally-arranged girder was present, along with spruce uprights, cross beams and piano-wire bracing.<ref name = "naca 3"/> This framework supported a light wooden cowling that was covered with [[aircraft fabric covering|fabric]] throughout the whole length of the fuselage, except for the forward end which was instead provisioned with removable metal hoods.<ref name = "naca 3"/><ref name=Howson/> The fuselage was connected to the parasol wing via a series of inverted V-shaped metal [[cabane struts]].<ref name = "naca 2"/>
The wing was divided into two symmetrical sections; each half-wing was rigidly [[Bracing (aeronautics)|braced]] to the lower fuselage using parallel pairs of [[lift strut]]s composed of [[duralumin]] tubing;<ref name=Howson/> these tubes were covered with [[streamliner|streamlined]] fairings and were sufficient for their purpose that no use of cross wires was made.<ref name = "naca 2"/> The wing lacked any lateral [[Dihedral (aeronautics)|dihedral]] but was [[swept wing|swept back]] at an angle of 15 degrees.<ref name = "naca 23">NACA 1927, pp. 2-3.</ref> The ailerons were unbalanced and ran parallel to the wing's trailing edge.<ref name=Howson/><ref name = "naca 3"/> The wing structure comprised both metal elements, such as the [[spar (aeronautics)|spar]]s and [[aileron]]s, and wooden portions, such as the [[rib]]s.<ref name=Howson/><ref name = "naca 3"/> The exterior of the wing was covered with fabric that was both [[Aircraft dope|doped]] and painted.<ref name = "naca 3"/> The cockpit was located beneath the wing's trailing edge. It was relatively easy to access and was also designed with the use of a [[parachute]] in mind, sufficient space for which was intentionally provided.<ref name = "naca 3"/>
The tail unit had a light metal framework and a fabric covering; a total of eight streamlined high-resistance steel wires were used to secure the tail.<ref name = "naca 4">NACA 1927, p. 4.</ref> The tailplane was positioned on top of the fuselage; the [[fin]] had a rounded [[leading edge]] while the [[rudder]] extended to the bottom of the fuselage, moving between separate [[elevator (aeronautics)|elevators]].<ref name=Howson/> Neither the rudder or elevator were balanced, being mounted on [[ball bearing]]s in a similar manner to the ailerons. The horizontal stabiliser was adjustable on the ground..<ref name = "naca 3">NACA 1927, p. 3.</ref>
The MS.180 was furnished with a large fixed [[conventional undercarriage]] that comprised single mainwheels mounted in an axleless arrangement on V-shaped struts that were hinged to the lower fuselage. It had a relatively wide track that made it suitable for landing on a rough field or amid [[crosswind]]s.<ref name = "naca 14"/> Its controllability on the ground was bolstered by its use of a movable tail skid, the direction of which was set by the pilot. The legs, which were equipped with [[rubber]]-based [[shock absorber]]s, were near vertical and directly attached to the forward lift struts; these struts were further braced to the upper fuselage at the leg attachment points.<ref name=Howson/><ref name = "naca 14">NACA 1927, pp. 1, 4.</ref>
The aircraft was powered by a single Salmson 9Ad nine cylinder [[radial engine]] that could output up to 40&nbsp;hp (30&nbsp;kW).<ref name=Flight/> It directly drove a twin-bladed wooden propeller and was mounted on a removable frame that was attached to the nose of the aircraft, lacking any cowling.<ref name = "naca 4"/> The fuel tank, which held sufficient fuel to permit up to three hours of flight at full power, was positioned in the bottom of the fuselage. In an emergency situation, the entire fuel tank could be jettisoned.<ref name = "naca 4"/>
==Operational history==
In total, about 17 examples of the MS.180 and its variants were produced, mostly MS.181s.<ref name=GY/> Fifteen MS.181s were owned by Compagnie Française d'Aviation and used in its flying schools from 1930.<ref name=Howson/><ref name=GY/> One was still flying with them in the 1970s.<ref name=Howson/>  Four of them were acquired by the Republican air force in 1937 for pilot training early in the Spanish Civil War.<ref name=Howson/>
==Variants==
[[File:Meeting de la Ferté-Alais 2010 - 062.JPG|thumb|Morane-Saulnier MS.185.]]
;MS.180
*Prototype with 40&nbsp;hp (30&nbsp;kW) Salmson 9Ad nine-cylinder radial engine. One built, converted to MS.181.<ref name=Howson/><ref name=GY/>
;MS.181
*Production version with 60&nbsp;hp (40&nbsp;kW) Salmson 5Ac five-cylinder radial engine. About 15 built.<ref name=Howson/><ref name=GY/>
;MS.185
*One built.<ref name=GY/>
<!-- ==Units using this aircraft/Operators (choose)== -->
==Surviving aircraft==
Two MS.180-series aircraft are still flying in France. MS.181 ''N304JX/F-AJXN'', previously at [[EAA AirVenture Oshkosh]] is privately owned. The MS.185 ''F-AZAZ'' is in the [[Amicale Jean-Baptiste Salis]] collection at [[Cerny, Essonne|Cerny]] and is also on display.<ref name=Ogden/>
The Salis collection has another, non-flying MS.181, though it is not on general display.<ref name=Ogden/> The [[Museo del Aire (Spain)|Museo del Aire]] at [[Cuatro Vientos]] near [[Madrid]] displays a non-flying MS.181<ref name=Ogden/> marked up in [[Spanish Republican Air Force]] colours.<ref name=M.181Es/>
==Operators==
[[File:Morane-Saulnier_MS.181-cv.jpg|thumb|Morane-Saulnier MS.181 of the [[Spanish Republican Air Force]]]]
;{{flag|Spain|1931}}
* [[Spanish Republican Air Force]]
==Specifications (MS.180)==
[[File:Morane_Saulnier_MS.180_3-view_Aero_Digest_December_1929.png|thumb|Morane Saulnier MS.180 3-view drawing from Aero Digest December 1929]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref= ''Aircraft of the Spanish Civil War'',<ref name=Howson>Howson 1990, pp. 240–241.</ref> ''[[National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics]]''<ref name = "naca 57">NACA 1927, pp. 5, 7.</ref>
|prime units?= met
<!--
General characteristics
-->
|genhide=
|crew= 1
|capacity=
|length m= 6.04
|length note=
|span m= 9.0
|height m= 2.29
|height note=
|wing area sqm= 13.2
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- give where relevant eg sailplanes  -->
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg= 379
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg= 510
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=
|max takeoff weight lb=
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number= 1
|eng1 name= [[Salmson air-cooled aero-engines|Salmson 9Ad]]
|eng1 type= nine-cylinder air-cooled [[radial engine]], 3.65 L swept volume.<ref name=Flight/>
|eng1 hp= 40
|eng1 note=
|power original=
|prop blade number=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop name=
|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop note=
<!--
Performance
-->
|perfhide=
|max speed kmh= 133
|max speed note=at sea level. It is not certain if these performance figures relate to the MS.180 or the MS.181.
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed mph=
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=<!-- aerobatic -->
|stall speed mph=<!-- aerobatic -->
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed mph=
|minimum control speed kts=
|minimum control speed note=
|range km=
|range miles=
|range nmi=
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|combat range note=
|ferry range km=
|ferry range miles=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=
|ceiling ft=
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude= 1,000 m (3,280ft) in 11 minutes and 15 seconds
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|power/mass=
|more performance=
}}
==See also==
{{aircontent
|see also=
|related=<!-- related developments -->
|sequence=
|similar aircraft=<!-- similar or comparable aircraft -->
|lists=<!-- related lists -->
* [[List of Interwar military aircraft]]
* [[List of aircraft of the Spanish Republican Air Force]]
}}
<!--==Notes==-->
==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name=Ogden>{{cite book |title=Aviation Museums and Collections of Mainland Europe |last= Ogden |first=Bob |year=2009 |publisher= Air Britain (Historians) Ltd |pages=182, 535 |isbn=978-0-85130-418-2}}</ref>
<ref name=Flight>{{cite magazine |date=25 July 1929  |title=Foreign engines at Olympia |magazine= [[Flight International|Flight]] |volume=XXI |issue=30 |page=778 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1929/1929-1%20-%200535.html }}</ref>
<ref name=GY>{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_F-7.htm |title=Golden Years - French Civil Aviation Register |access-date=30 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705035455/http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_F-7.htm |archive-date=5 July 2012}}</ref>
<ref name=M.181Es>{{cite web |url=http://www.airliners.net/photo/Spain---Air/Morane-Saulnier-MS-181/1869802/L/ |title=MS.181 at Museao del Aire |access-date=30 August 2011}}</ref>}}
===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |title= Aircraft of the Spanish Civil War |last=Howson |first=Gerald |year=1990 |publisher=Putnam Aeronautical Books |location=London, UK |isbn=0-85177-842-9}}
* [https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930090685 "Morane-Saulnier 180 light airplane (French) : a single-seat training monoplane"] ''[[National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics]]'', 1 March 1929. NACA-AC-93, 93R19975.
==Further reading==
* {{cite book |last1=Lacaze |first1=Henri |last2=Lherbert |first2=Claude |title=Morane Saulnier: ses avions, ses projets |date=2013 |publisher=Lela Presse |location=Outreau, France |isbn=978-2-914017-70-1 |language=fr |name-list-style=amp |trans-title=Morane Saulnier: Their Aircraft and Projects}}
==External links==
{{commons category|Morane-Saulnier MS.181}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.abpic.co.uk/search.php?q=Morane%20Saulnier%20MS.181&u=type |title=Images of MS.181s |access-date=30 August 2011}}
{{Morane-Saulnier aircraft|MS.180}}
[[Category:Morane-Saulnier aircraft|MS.180]]
[[Category:Aerobatic aircraft]]