The MS 733 continued Morane-Saulnier’s tradition for building quality training aircraft. It served with both the air force and navy and later armed versions saw combat in Algeria.

Development of the Morane-Saulnier MS 733 Alcyon (kingfisher) basic trainer began with the first flight 11 August 1949. With the original 134-kW (180-hp) Mathis 8G.20 inverted V-8 engine replaced by a 179-kW (240-hp) Argus As 10, the prototype (F-WFOB) flew again in November and later that year as the MS 731.

Two MS 732 prototypes (F-WFOD) were flight tested in early 1951, each of them powered by a Potez 6D.30 engine and having gear replaced by a new design that retracts. This first example of the definitive version flew on 16 April 1951 as the MS 733.01

Five pre-production aircraft followed and series aircraft totalled 200, 40 for the French navy, 15 for Cambodia, and the balance for service with the Armée de l’Air as the Alcyon, 70 of them being fitted with machine-gun armament for use as gunnery trainers. In 1956 some of the gunnery trainers were converted for duties in Algeria. These aircraft were re-designated MS 733A, of which a number were sold later to Morocco.

Data:

• Powerplant: one 179-kW (240-hp) Potez 6D.30 inverted inline piston engine
• Performance: maximum speed 260km/h (162 mph), service ceiling 4800 m (15.750 ft), range 920 km (572 miles)
• Weights: empty equipped 1260 kg (2,778 lbs), maximum take-off 1670 kg (3,682 lbs)
• Dimensions: span 11.28 m (37 ft 0 in) ; length 9.32 m (30 ft 7in) ; height 2.42 m (7 ft 11 in) ; wing area 21.90 m2 (235.74 sq ft)