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Morane Saulnier MS 406

After the collapse of France, Germany captured many French planes. There was unknown number of airworthy Morane Saulnier MS 406 and MS 410 fighters (no less than 120 planes) and Germans tried to recover as many as possible. One plane (with German markings) was exhibited in Aviation Museum in Berlin. Other captured planes were transfered to SNACAO plants in Bourges, where, after repairs, they were repainted in typical German camouflage (RLM 70/71/65) and German markings. Planes were used mainly for training purposes together with older versions of Messerschmitt Bf 109 (B, C and D) and Focke Wulf Fw 56. In 1941 Germans sold 25 of these captured MS 406s and MS 410s to Finland.


MS 406C1, N° 689 or 720, during transfer to Finland (probably 1941). Plane has Frech camouflage, German markings and typical for Finland planes yellow stripes and bands.
(G. Botquin collection)

After seizing non-occupied part of France in November 1942, Germany captured more Morane fighters resulting in as many as 46 of these fighters entering Luftwaffe service. Transfered to Morane Saulnier plants in Ossun-Tarbes, these aircraft were modified to German standards (i.e. they were equipped with FuG 7 R/T set). Later planes were repainted and sent to operational traning units such as JG 101, JG 103 and JG 105.


MS 406C1, TP+ZM, seized and tested by Germans. Ossun-Tarbes, France 1943.
(G. Botquin collection)

They were used together with Dewoitine D.520C1, older Bf 109 (B-E versions) and older Fw 190A. Intensive and fast training of many young pilots caused many accidents. Soon only 33 Moranes survived and were sold to Bulgaria and Croatia. Fate of plane exhibited in museum in Berlin in still unknown, probably destroyed by Allied bombing.

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