MARTIN BAKER MB-5

The Martin-Baker MB-5 was a British prototype WWII fighter. The prototype's flight took place in 1944 - the machine never entered mass production. The drive was provided by a single engine Rolls-Royce Griffon 83 with 1900 hp . The plane reached the maximum speed of 740 km / h, and the maximum range was to reach 1990 kilometers. The deck armament was to consist of four 20mm HS.404 cannons. The MB-5 was created as a private initiative of the Martin-Baker company, which began working on it at the end of 1943. However, due to the relatively small funds that it was able to spend on research and development of the structure, the first prototype took to the air only in 1944. During the first tests, the machine showed many defects, especially related to the vertical and horizontal stability of the flight, which resulted in the lack of orders from the British Ministry of Aviation. However, the machine was still being developed and after dealing with defects it was ready for further tests, but only in 1945. Despite the fact that after the improvements, the Martin-Baker MB-5 turned out to be a machine with great performance, outstanding maneuverability and considerable ease of piloting, it did not enter mass production. This was due to the fact that the RAF had already served such successful machines as the Supermarine Spitfire or the de Havilland Mosquito, the inevitable end of World War II and the advent of the jet plane era.