Air International 1979-02
??? - Mr Martin's memorable M.B.5 /Warbirds/
The M.B.5 in the form in which it was tested at the A & AEE Boscombe Down early in 1945. The enlarged fin and rudder are obvious, but the original M.B.3-type tailplane is still fitted here.
MB.5 сразу после изготовления с первоначальным вариантом оперения
The second of the F.18/39 prototypes was completed by Martin-Baker during 1944 as the M.B.5, and was first flown in the form shown here, with a tail unit (vertical and horizontal surfaces) identical with that of the M.B.3. The fin and rudder were enlarged soon after the first flight, the tailplane some time later.
Кабина MB.5 во время сборки
The cockpit of the M.B.5 incorporated a number of James Martin's innovations. The control column and rudder bar were a single unit, removable in one piece for repair and servicing, and the front panels hinged down in three pieces into the cockpit to give access to the backs of the instruments. As shown, almost the whole of the fuselage skin comprised detachable panels.
The MB.5 cockpit, less side and top panels and canopy, was praised as setting a new standard for piston-engined fighters but by then the new production standard was the pure jet fighter.
Martin-Baker M.B.5
The upper side view depicts the M.B.5 as first flown and the other three views show the final form of the aircraft, including a small revision of the lower sill of the windscreen quarter lights.
The first of the three prototypes ordered from Martin-Baker to Specification F.18/39, the ill-fated M.B.3 is shown here in August 1942 in the form in which it first flew and, less than two weeks later, crashed.
Much power in minimum package, the MB3 seen at RAF Wing for flight trials in August 1942.
Before being moved to RAF Wing for its first flight, the M.B.3 was photographed at Denham - where it had been built with the designed armament of six 20-mm cannon