Martin Baker Five

摘要

I first became interested in the last aircraft prototype made by Martin Baker before they specialised in ejection seats after viewing a thread on a forum posted by a member who was planning on scratch-building one in 1/32. This was over three years ago now. The MB-5 was the last in a line of prototypes aimed at serial production for the Air Ministry, with the 5 incorporating the Laminar Flow wing for higher speed, an RR Griffon mated to a contra-prop via a complex gearbox to squeeze every ounce of thrust out of it, and designed with ease of maintenance in mind. The airframe was based on a framework 'chassis', with panels easily removed for repairs and maintenance. The cockpit was also a revelation, with a brief to make it simple and easy to use for the pilot, to allow him to concentrate on fighting and flying the aircraft. It flew as a prototype, and was well liked by the test pilots, but alas came too late to enter production, being overshadowed by the emerging jet-engined prototypes.