Martin-Baker M.B.5
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The Martin-Baker M.B.5 was the ultimate development of a series of prototype fighter aircraft built during World War II by Martin-Baker Aircraft. Neither the M.B.5 nor its predecessors ever entered production despite what test pilots described as excellent performance.
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[edit] Development
The M.B.5 was actually begun as the second M.B.3 prototype, designed to Air Ministry Specification F.18/39 for an agile, sturdy Royal Air Force fighter faster than 400 mph. After the first M.B.3 crashed in 1942, the second prototype was delayed. A modified M.B.3 with a Rolls-Royce Griffon was planned as the M.B.4, but a full redesign was chosen instead.[1]
The redesigned aircraft, designated M.B.5, used wings similar to the M.B.3, but had an entirely new steel-tube fuselage. Power was a Rolls-Royce Griffon 83 liquid-cooled V-12 engine, producing 2,340 hp (1,745 kW) and driving two three-bladed contra-rotating propellers.[2] Armament was four 20mm Hispano cannon, mounted in the wings outboard of the widely-spaced retractable undercarriage.
[edit] Flight testing
First flight of the M.B.5 prototype, serial R2496, took place on May 23, 1944.[3] Performance was considered outstanding by test pilots, and the cockpit layout was praised by the Armament and Aircraft Experimental Establishment. The accessibility of the fuselage for maintenance was excellent, thanks to a system of detachable panels.
Serial production, had it been authorized, would have begun in time for squadron service over Germany. Instead, the RAF directed their attention towards jet fighters, and the M.B.5 remained unordered.
Perhaps one of the reasons that the M.B.5 did not go into production was because the Rolls Royce Griffon engine failed when the M.B.5 was being demonstrated to Sir Winston Churchill
[edit] Replica construction
A partial replica is being built in Reno, Nevada by John Marlin, and is nearing completion as of 2006 using wings from a P-51 Mustang. The original M.B.5 was destroyed on a gunnery range, mandating the scratchbuilding or modification of parts.
[edit] Specifications (M.B.5, as designed)
Data from Jane’s Fighting Aircraft of World War II[3] and British Aircraft of World War II[4]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Length: 37 ft 9 in (11.5 m)
- Wingspan: 35 ft 0 in (10.7 m)
- Height: 15 ft 0 in (4.5 m)
- Wing area: 262 ft² (24.3 m²)
- Empty weight: 9,233 lb (4,188 kg)
- Loaded weight: 11,500 lb (5,216 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 12,090 lb (5,484 kg)
- Powerplant: 1× Rolls-Royce Griffon 83 liquid-cooled V-12 engine, 2,340 hp (1,745 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 460 mph at 20,000 ft (740 km/h at 6,100 m)
- Range: 1,100 mi (1,770 km)
- Service ceiling: 40,000 ft (12,190 m)
- Rate of climb: 3,800 ft/min (19.3 m/s)
Armament
- 4× 20mm Hispano Mk.II cannon
[edit] References
- ^ Baugher, Joe (1995-11-19). Martin-Baker M.B.5. Aircraft of the World. Retrieved on 2006-04-09.
- ^ MB5. Martin-Baker History. Retrieved on 2006-04-09.
- ^ a b Bridgman, Leonard, ed. “The Martin-Baker F.18/39.” Jane’s Fighting Aircraft of World War II. London: Studio, 1946. 129-130. ISBN 1-85170-493-0.
- ^ Teeuwen, Jaap. Martin-Baker MB.5. British Aircraft of World War II. Retrieved on 2006-04-09.
[edit] Related content
Related development
- Martin-Baker M.B.3
Comparable aircraft
Designation sequence
- M.B.1 - M.B.2 - M.B.3 - M.B.5
