Flown for the first time on 12 May 1958, the prototype Morane-Saulnier M.S.1500.01 Epervier (sparrow-hawk) was a two-seat cantilever low-wing monoplane, with a high glazed canopy for its two-man crew. Power was from a single 522kW Turbomeca Bastan IV turboprop. Its fixed conventional landing gear had cantilever main legs. The first flight was on 12 May 1958.
The M.S.1500 was intended to meet an official Armee de I'Air requirement for a tactical reconnaissance and counter-insurgency aircraft for service in Algeria against the nationalist forces. A second prototype was built and tested, but no production orders were received.
Engine: 1 x 522kW Turbomeca Bastan IV turboprop Max take-off weight: 2850 kg / 6283 lb Wingspan: 13.06 m / 42 ft 10 in Max. speed: 315 km/h / 196 mph