The MS.505’s exposed Jacobs radial engine looks far less elegant than the cowled Argus inverted V8 originally fitted in the Storch, but is more reliable.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Morane-Saulnier MS.500 Criquet - ФранцияFrance - 1944

Another angle on the spectacular steep climb-out.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Morane-Saulnier MS.500 Criquet - ФранцияFrance - 1944

The Storch is heavy on the controls and demands a constant eye on the turn-and-slip indicator.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Morane-Saulnier MS.500 Criquet - ФранцияFrance - 1944

20° flap gives maximum lift for a dramatic short and steep takeoff. The Storch’s wing spans 46ft 9in.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Morane-Saulnier MS.500 Criquet - ФранцияFrance - 1944

The long-stroke oleo legs absorb high landing loads. They extend by nearly 2ft after take-off.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Morane-Saulnier MS.500 Criquet - ФранцияFrance - 1944

The large upwards-opening door facilitates entry. Note the vertical float-type fuel gauge beneath the wing - drag reduction was not a vital requirement in the design of the Storch!

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Morane-Saulnier MS.500 Criquet - ФранцияFrance - 1944

Slats extending along the entire wing leading edge sustain lift at slow speeds and high angles of attack, an asset for short-field operations. The Storch’s slats are fixed, rather than being of the Handley Page automatic retracting type.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Morane-Saulnier MS.500 Criquet - ФранцияFrance - 1944

John Romain at the controls. The “fantastic” view is greatly enhanced by the angular outward projection of the glazing.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Morane-Saulnier MS.500 Criquet - ФранцияFrance - 1944

French instruments predominate in the cockpit, betraying the aircraft’s origin in the Morane-Saulnier factory, which produced 784 examples. The turn-and-slip indicator is in the centre of the second row. The large rudder pedals were common to most German-designed aircraft of the period.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Morane-Saulnier MS.500 Criquet - ФранцияFrance - 1944

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Morane-Saulnier MS.500 Criquet - ФранцияFrance - 1944