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Retaining the wings, undercarriage and fuselage
primary structure of the M.B.3, the M.B.5, first flown on
23 May 1944, was considered by many to represent the
peak of single-seat piston-engined fighter development. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Griffon 83 affording
1,900hp for take-off and driving a six-bladed counterrotating
propeller, the M.B.5 carried an armament of
four 20mm Hispano cannon. Lack of directional
stability resulted in the introduction of taller vertical
tail surfaces at an early flight development stage, but
despite superlative qualities subsequently demonstrated,
the M.B.5 proved of no more than academic interest
to the RAF in view of the availability of jet
fighters. Flight testing continued into 1947, the sole
prototype being scrapped thereafter.
 | A three-view drawing (1280 x 812) |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 4994 kg | 11010 lb |
| Empty weight | 4192 kg | 9242 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 10.67 m | 35 ft 0 in |
| Length | 11.30 m | 37 ft 1 in |
| Height | 4.37 m | 14 ft 4 in |
| Wing area | 24.40 m2 | 262.64 sq ft |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Max. speed | 740 km/h | 460 mph |
| Range | 1770 km | 1100 miles |
john Bucko, johnwbucko(@)yahoo.com, 08.04.2008
MB5 Seems to have a lot of P51 H attributes... radiator scoop, laminar flow wing with square tips Edwards AFB has a P51H converted to turboprop with counter rotating props. It sits in a compound with lots of other cool stuff. It looks real similar to the MB5 with out the radiator scoop. Probably similar problems to early Douglas Turbo-prop fight/bomber (skyshark?) that had problems with contraprops on early turboshafts. Similarity with Grumman Bearcat is unmistakable too. Same tail and wings? That companies didn't save their prototypes for museums is sad!!
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Do you have any comments concerning this aircraft ?
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