Martin Baker MB-5
The Martin Baker MB-3 was the company's design for 1939 Air Ministry call for a sturdy, maneuverable fighter plane capable of over 400 mph. The prototype was completed in 1942 and test flights showed much promise. Unfortunately it was crashed and destroyed when its Napier Sabre engine failed shortly after takeoff. The second prototype was named the MB-5. More than a repeat, this aircraft was a new bubble canopy design using a Rolls Royce Griffon engine with contra rotating 3 blade props. Unfortunately it did not fly till May of 1944 and although it too was considered to be a very good airplane with great potential, it arrived too late, jet propulsion had arrived- obsoleting piston powered fighters. The single prototype continued to be flown and tested into 1946. The MB-5 was scrapped but for the last twenty years or so there is a replica/tribute being constructed in America by a John Marlin. The last entry on his website is dated 2014, when it was described as being almost ready for short hops. The Martin Baker company started developing ejection seats in 1944 and is still in business in that field.
Replica has Mustang wing from crashed racer. Still no airworthiness certificate that I can find, probably never fly. I have seen quite a few older builders just run out of time. Maybe someone else will pick up the torch.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was an odd choice for a replica project. Apparently a great airplane but virtually unknown and born in the wrong time. 50 or 60 years later still wasn't the right time.
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