Martin-Baker M.B.3, M.B.4 и M.B.5
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Обозначение M.B.4 присвоили новому истребителю, который так и остался только проектом - в нем предполагалось объединить планер самолета M.B.3 с мотором Rolls-Royce Griffon. Компания "Martin-Baker" ДальшеMore>>>
продолжила работы по данной теме и реализовала их в самолете M.B.5. Это был одноместный истребитель с двигателем Griffon 83 мощностью 2340 л. с., который вращал в противоположных направлениях два трехлопастных воздушных винта. Первый полет самолет выполнил 23 мая 1944 года, имел хорошую управляемость и развивал максимальную скорость 740 км/ч (на высоте 6095 м). И все же он не был заказан для серийного производства. Последним проектом разработки "Martin-Baker" стал турбореактивный истребитель без хвостового оперения с треугольным крылом, получивший обозначение M.B.6, но так и оставшийся на бумаге. Впрочем, уникальная способность Джеймса Мартина, удостоенного позже рыцарского титула, к созданию новых образцов техники, прежде неведомых, все же принесла ему мировую славу и признание - слава пришла к нему благодаря катапультным креслам производства компании "Martin-Baker".
Martin Baker M.B.5 оснащался двигателем Griffon и воздушными винтами противоположного вращения. Эксперты считали, что он превосходил современные ему модели Spitfire.
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.
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.
The sole Martin Baker M.B.5, R2496, an outstanding fighter which could have been in production by the end of 1943 had it not been for the procrastination of the Ministry of Supply. In the event it did not fly until the summer of 1944.
MB.5, with convenient figure providing scale, makes plain its direct lineal origins in the MB 3. The canopy is now of tear-drop type and much further forward than on MB 3 while the powerplant is the Rolls-Royce Griffon 83.
The Martin-Baker M.B.5 Single-seat Fighter (2,305 h.p. Rolls-Royce Griffon 83 engine).
The Martin-Baker M.B.5 Single-seat Fighter (Rolls-Royce Griffon 83 engine).
MB.5, вооруженный четырьмя 20-мм пушками, на выставке в Фарнборо
M.B.5 был, по мнению летчиков, одним из лучших поршневых истребителей в истории авиации.
The exceptionally wide-track undercarriage and contra-rotating propellers aided the MB.5’s ground ride, manoeuvring, take-off and landing. The intake under the centre fuselage carries cooling air to the combined radiators for engine cooling, intercooling and oil cooling.
MB.5 перед моментом отрыва. Совок радиатора полностью опущен
The starboard main undercarriage appears to be completing its retraction sequence on the startling-looking MB.5.
In its final form, the M.B.5 had an enlarged tailplane, as well as the larger fin and rudder. In this view, the main wheels are just being retracted and can be seen under the wing ahead of the radiator intake.
MB.5 в демонстрационном полете
Вид на основную стойку шасси
Typical design accessibility in a Martin-Baker aeroplane was via many large detachable panels. In this picture alone there are no fewer than 46 positions for Dzus fasteners.
MB.5; visible is the starboard ‘A’ frame engine bearer in molybdenum steel tube which with its partner on the port side took all the loads in the Rolls-Royce Griffon installation
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.
The Martin-Baker M.B.5 was viewed by many as representing the peak of piston-engined single-seat fighter development.
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.
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