Martinsyde F.1

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Martinsyde F.1
Martinsyde F1.jpg
Role Biplane fighter aircraft
National originUnited Kingdom
Manufacturer Martinsyde
First flight1917
Primary user Royal Flying Corps
Number built2

The Martinsyde F.1 was a British two-seat biplane fighter designed and built by Martinsyde Limited, only two prototypes were built. [1]

Contents

Design and development

The F.1 was designed as a fighter for the Royal Flying Corps and it was a large tractor biplane powered by a 250 hp (186 kW) Rolls-Royce Mk III piston engine. [1] It had two tandem open cockpits with unusually the observer forward and the pilot behind. [1] A rectangular aperture was cut-out of the upper wing above the observer's cockpit which would allow the observer to use a gun. [2] It was tested at Martlesham Heath in July 1917, where it demonstrated good handling but was criticised for the awkward crew arrangement. [2] It was not ordered into production and only one prototype (of two ordered) was built. It continued in use at Farnborough until after the end of the war. [1] [3] [4]

Specifications

Data from War Planes of the First World War: Volume 1 Fighters [3]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

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References

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 Orbis 1985, p. 2296
  2. 1 2 Bruce 1965, pp. 154, 156.
  3. 1 2 Bruce 1965, p. 156.
  4. Robertson 1987, p. 29

Bibliography

  • The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing.
  • Bruce, J.M. (1965). War Planes of the First World War: Volume 1 Fighters. London: Macdonald.
  • Robertson, Bruce (1987). British Military Aircraft Serials 1878-1987. Letchworth, England: Midland Counties Publications. ISBN   0-904597-61-X.