Kovozávody Prostějov (KP) – KPH7203 – Martin-Baker M.B.5 “British Prototype” 1944 (Hi-Tech Limited)

Description:

Unassembled plastic model kit in 1/72 of a British Martin-Baker M.B.5 fighter aircraft developed during WWII.

The Martin-Baker M.B.5 was a British prototype fighter developed during World War II, considered one of the finest piston-engine aircraft never to enter production. Designed by Martin-Baker Aircraft Company, it was the final iteration in a series of experimental fighters and featured a powerful Rolls-Royce Griffon 83 engine with a contra-rotating propeller, providing excellent performance and stability.

The M.B.5 was praised for its superb handling, high speed (over 740 km/h or 460 mph), and ease of maintenance, with an innovative design that allowed quick access to internal components. It was heavily armed with four 20mm Hispano cannons, making it a formidable interceptor. However, by the time it flew in 1944, the era of piston fighters was ending, and attention had shifted to jet-powered aircraft like the Gloster Meteor. Despite its promise, the M.B.5 never went into production, but its design philosophy influenced later British aircraft development.

Update of AZ Model Martin-Baker M.B.5 kit (tooled in 2016) reissued with new decal sheet, adhesive paint mask and 3D printed parts for exhausts and wheels. The kit is a basic kit, less than 60 parts, with the little update of the 3D printed parts, though an interesting subject.