Overview
Peter Rake's Morane-Saulnier AI is a beautifully designed 1/8 scale model of the distinctive French parasol fighter of World War I. With a 42-inch wingspan and an innovative "clamshell" fuselage construction method, the model is designed for electric power and offers a fast, accurate build with excellent flying characteristics. The model is something a bit different to Peter's normal style, featuring a virtually circular fuselage section and a rather complicated centre section strut arrangement, all solved with clever design.
This Varlocity Laser & Models laser-cut short kit provides the precision-cut components required to begin construction, allowing builders the satisfaction of completing the structure using traditional techniques. The kit is ideal for modellers looking for a practical and enjoyable electric scale park flyer with a unique historical background.
Aircraft History
The Morane-Saulnier AI was probably the last of the Morane line of aeroplanes to make it to the front lines in WWI. Morane-Saulnier aircraft had been involved throughout the war in one version or another. The 'propeller shield' method of installing a machine gun on a plane was pioneered on an earlier Morane-Saulnier design, using deflector plates mounted on the propeller blades to prevent damage caused by any bullet striking them.
The Morane-Saulnier AI came in three varieties: a single Vickers gun version, a twin-gun version, and a trainer version without guns. Many of the Morane-Saulnier designs were monoplanes, a configuration that many pilots mistrusted as being inherently weak. That feeling was not enhanced when the first few of the AI shed their wings in flight. Despite these early problems, the aircraft was sturdy enough that the French air ace Charles Nungesser chose the AI as his air show platform after the war.
The Morane-Saulnier AI actually gained more renown after the war when two French pilots succeeded in setting the record for the most loops in an aeroplane, each performing well over 1,000 loops. The aircraft served with the French Air Force and also with the American Expeditionary Force, where it was used as a fighter and fighter-bomber.
About the Model
Peter Rake's Morane-Saulnier AI is a scale model for electric power. The construction method is very different from most of Rake's designs. The traditional 'box-and-formers' are replaced by a clamshell design, with side 'keels' that the formers fit into. Everything is notched for perfect alignment, making for a fast and accurate build. One builder noted that it took just eight hours to completely frame up the airplane, with most of that time being waiting for the glue to dry.
The design features a virtually circular fuselage section and a rather complicated centre section strut arrangement, both of which were given considerable thought and innovative solutions by the designer. For those who want to install guns, there is a variation in the fuselage drawing that is not present in the standard build, with a hump in front of the cockpit covering the receivers of the machine guns, similar to the Sopwith Camel.
Features
- Precision laser-cut balsa and plywood components
- Based on the original Peter Rake design from Flying Scale Models
- Innovative 'clamshell' fuselage construction with side keels
- Notched formers for perfect alignment
- Lightweight design for excellent flight performance
- Designed for electric power (brushless outrunner)
- Four-channel control (aileron, elevator, rudder, throttle)
- Scale-faithful parasol monoplane outlines
- Option for scale machine gun installation
- Proven flying characteristics
- Manufactured by Varlocity Laser & Models
Why You'll Love Building It
- Unique clamshell fuselage construction that's fast and accurate.
- A rewarding project for scale enthusiasts.
- The parasol design provides an interesting and straightforward build.
- Excellent flying characteristics make this a perfect electric scale park flyer.
- Peter Rake's innovative design is a great flyer and a worthy addition to any collection.
What's Included
- Precision laser-cut balsa wing ribs
- Laser-cut plywood formers
- Laser-cut fuselage components including side 'keels'
- Wing ribs
- Tailplane components
- Fin and rudder components
- Lite-ply structural parts
- Additional laser-cut structural components shown on the original plan
Only the precision laser-cut wooden parts are supplied. Strip and sheet wood, hardware, covering materials, adhesives, electronics, and power system are not included.
What's Required
Mandatory Items
- Original Peter Rake plans - Available separately on Outerzone
- Strip wood
- Sheet balsa
- Plywood sheeting where required
- Building board
- Adhesives
- Covering materials
- Hinges
- Control linkages and pushrods
- Hardware
- Power system
- Radio system
Recommended Equipment
- Brushless outrunner motor (appropriate size for the model)
- Appropriate speed controller
- 4-channel radio system
- Mini or micro servos
- Battery pack for electric power
- Appropriate propeller
Verified Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|
| Designer | Peter Rake |
| Aircraft | Morane-Saulnier AI |
| Scale | Not specified on the original plan |
| Wingspan | 42.75 in (1086 mm) |
| Length | Not specified on the original plan |
| Wing Area | Not specified on the original plan |
| Flying Weight | Not specified on the original plan |
| Power Type | Electric (brushless outrunner) |
| Construction | Balsa and plywood |
| Radio Functions | 4 (Aileron, Elevator, Rudder, Throttle) |
| Difficulty | Intermediate builder |
Recommended Equipment
- Brushless outrunner motor (appropriate size for the model)
- Appropriate speed controller
- 4-channel radio system
- Mini or micro servos
- Battery pack for electric power
- Appropriate propeller
These recommendations are based on the original design documentation. Builders may select equivalent modern equipment to suit their preferences.
Builder Notes
- Suitable for intermediate builders with some experience in traditional balsa construction.
- The clamshell fuselage construction with side keels and notched formers is a unique feature of this design, making for a fast and accurate build.
- Study the plans carefully before starting to build, paying particular attention to the circular fuselage section and centre section strut arrangement.
- For those who want to install guns, there is a variation in the fuselage drawing that is not present in the standard build.
- Dry-fit major assemblies before gluing.
- Maintain accurate alignment throughout construction.
- Keep the tail structure as light as practical.
- Balance the completed aircraft carefully at the recommended centre of gravity.
- Lightweight covering is recommended for best performance.
- Pay particular attention to the wing struts and rigging, which are essential for structural integrity in a parasol model.
Historical Information
Manufacturer: Morane-Saulnier
Country: France
First Flight: 1917
Primary Role: Fighter / Scout
The Morane-Saulnier AI was a French parasol monoplane fighter that entered service in the final year of World War I. It was the last of the Morane line of aeroplanes to make it to the front lines, and it served with both the French Air Force and the American Expeditionary Force. The aircraft was powered by a 150 hp Gnome 9N rotary engine, giving it a top speed of 127 mph.
The AI gained more renown after the war than during it. Two French pilots succeeded in setting the record for the most loops in an aeroplane, each performing well over 1,000 loops. The aircraft was sturdy enough that the French air ace Charles Nungesser chose the AI as his air show platform, performing aerobatic displays that thrilled crowds across France and Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does this kit include the plans?
No. The original Peter Rake plans are required separately and are available as a free download from Outerzone. - Is hardware included?
No. This is a laser-cut short kit only. - Is this suitable for beginners?
Some experience with traditional balsa construction is recommended. - Can it be covered with film covering?
Yes. Lightweight iron-on film is suitable. - Can modern radio equipment be used?
Yes. Modern micro receivers and servos are entirely suitable. - Does the kit include strip wood?
No. Strip wood and sheeting must be supplied by the builder. - What motor is recommended?
A brushless outrunner motor appropriate for a 42-inch span model is recommended. - What is the clamshell construction method?
This design features side 'keels' that the formers fit into, with everything notched for perfect alignment, making for a fast and accurate build.
Safety & Disclaimer
This product is a precision laser-cut short kit. Strip wood, hardware, covering materials, adhesives, electronics, power system and building supplies are not included unless specifically stated. Builder experience is recommended. Power system recommendations are suggestions only and should be selected to suit the completed aircraft and intended flying style. All specifications are based on the original Peter Rake design documentation and are subject to builder interpretation. The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for the final assembly, airworthiness, or operation of the completed model. The builder assumes all responsibility for the safe construction and operation of the model aircraft.
