Anybody need a project? Martin Baker MB.5 for sale......

[retroaviation]

From Barnstormers.com........


WARBIRD MB5 • AVAILABLE FOR SALE • replica Martin Baker MB5. counter rotating props. simlar to WW ll Spitfire. For info. 775-624-2585. • Contact John L. Marlin - JOHN L MARLIN located Reno, NV USA • Telephone: 775-624-2585 • Posted April 14, 2007

[Randy Haskin]

Similar to a Spitfire???

[JohnH]

It's really not a replica, I'd be surprised if it ever flys.

JH

[JDK]

Similar to a Spitfire???

Actually, the (original) MB-5 was like a Spitfire - but much better.

[sabredriver]

its more a mustang then anything...

[Randy Haskin]

Still a ridiculous comparison.

Looks to me like the only things they have in common are:

- Fighter aircraft, made in England
- Rolls Royce Engine
- Counter-rotating props

I could make an argument that it's more like a big P-51 than a Spit. It doesn't even have the Spitfire's best feature, that sexy elliptical wing.

The MB.5 replica uses a number of modified Mustang parts (like the wing...)

[retroaviation]

I'd be curoius what something like this is worth, monetarily. On one hand, it would be a bastard child, with no originality (which is what today's Warbird crowds seem to prefer). However on the other hand, it would be unique enough to draw a crowd. I know it always did at the Air Races, when it's hangar doors were open. I'm on the fence with this airplane. Don't know if I like it or not.

Also, does anybody know how much work is left to make this thing fly? The last time I saw it (many years ago), they had just put the big pieces on to show visual progress, leaving all of the hidden, difficult items remaining. I've heard it'll be flying "next year" for about ten years now.

It would just be interesting to know the facts.

Gary

[JDK]

The photo I posted is actually of a Seafire 47; it's nearer a Spitfire 21, which was tested with a contraprop at one stage, and the 20 series and late Seafires didn't have that wing planform. The Spitfire used the same RR engine (Griffon) and while the rad setup is located differently, it used some of the same principles.

In fighter development, it's not a huge difference, and you could throw in the CAC CA-15 as well, if you want. The P-51K, MB-5 and CA-15 would make a three bears set of late war fighters - little, big biggest, all the 'same' planform. Interestingly, they all had completely different development routes. There's little argument that the MB-5 would outperform any production W.W.II fighter in the round - servicability, mass production, as well as aerial performance and punch - but there was this jet thing...

I think the comparison was made for the 'usual' crowd who need the subject to be compared to a Spitfire, Mustang or Jumbo. Go on, Randy, ask the guys in the flight like to name ~oh ~ five W.W.II era British fighters. Comparing the replica to a Mustang's much more sensible, but imagine the wailing and carrying on that would've inspired!

Gary - agreed.

[oz rb fan]

if only this thing looked as good as the original mb5 then it would be awsome instead it just doesnt look right at all
paul

[daveymac82c]

Well, it sure is an interesting looking machine. I'd never really heard of it before this post. I'd say that the MB5 reminds me most of the CA-15 from Australia. Just a BIG, FAST, and UNIQUE airplane!

It looks really cool.

I wonder what they're asking... hmm.... well, as if it matters, I don't have the money to even buy a half decent car...

Cheers,

David

[Fouga23]

That thing is no MB5! It even doesn't look like one!

[Old SAR pilot]

What would ya call it - a "Spitstang", or a "Mustfire"????
:::::::::ducking::::::::::

[retroaviation]

Some more info on the subject airplane......

http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.o ... d16ecf4191

Gary

[famvburg]

It's CONTRA rotating props, not COUNTER rotating. P-38s & F-82s have counter rotating props, this thing has contra rotating props.

Still a ridiculous comparison.

Looks to me like the only things they have in common are:

- Fighter aircraft, made in England
- Rolls Royce Engine
- Counter-rotating props

I could make an argument that it's more like a big P-51 than a Spit. It doesn't even have the Spitfire's best feature, that sexy elliptical wing.

The MB.5 replica uses a number of modified Mustang parts (like the wing...)

[Mudge]

famvburg...Thank you. I was having a difficult time getting through the "counter".

Mudge the CONTRAry