Developed from the M.S.300 primary trainer prototype of 1930, and its M.S.301 and M.S.302 variants, the Morane-Saulnier M.S.315 flew for the first time in October 1932. Of typically robust parasol high-wing configuration, it was of mixed construction with divided main landing gear. Four prototypes were followed by 346 series aircraft, 33 of them built post-war. In addition, five higher-powered M.S.315/2 aircraft were built for civil use, plus a single M.S.316 with a Regnier inverted-vee engine. The type became the workhorse of the French Armee de I'Air and served also with the Aeronavale and various civil flying schools. It was a favourite at many pre-war airshows flown by such notables as Thoret, Fleurquin and Detroyat. Between 1960 and 1962, 40 M.S.315s then in use as civil glider tugs were re-engined with the 164kW war-surplus Continental W-670K radial, being redesignated M.S.317.