Salmson aircraft of WW1

[hesham]

Hi,


we know that company very well, and here is its products during WW1,
the S.M. mean Salmson Moineau;


S.M.1 recce aircraft
S.M.2 enlarge version of S.M.1
Sal 2A2 observation aircraft
Sal 3 fighter aircraft
Sal 4 ground attack aircraft
Sal 5 recce aircraft developed from 2A2
Sal 6 army co-operation
Sal 7 recce aircraft

 

[Avimimus]

Sources on the S.M.1 are confusing - early sources speak of it as being prototypical. Later sources suggest 155 ordered and service continuing into 1918... Any thoughts?

I wish someone would make larger S.M.1 kit (1/72nd scale).

 

[Arjen]

'French Aircraft of the First World War' by James J Davilla & Arthur M Soltan, Flying Machines Press 1997:

The aircraft was tested at Villacoublay in 1916, and it was successful enough to warrant production. It was given the STAé designation S.M.1 A3. When the aircraft designation system was changed on 1 May, 1918, the S.M.1 was redesignated the Sal. 1 A3. A total of 100 S.M.1s had been ordered by 11 November 1916. (Based on the tail code numbering sequence it appears that at least 155 may have been built.)
[...]
At least one machine belonging to AR 289, was still in use in 1918. This S.M.1 flew reconnaissance in support of the 66e Division des Chasseurs à Pied until late 1918.

 

[Avimimus]

Thank you!

 

[hesham]

From Air Magazine 03.