Martin KF-1

The Martin KF-1 was an American biplane fighter aircraft designed and built by Captain James V. Martin.

KF-1
Role fighter
National origin United States
Designer James V. Martin
First flight May 1918[1]
Number built 4 (1 K-3 prototype, 3 K-IV)

Development

The KF-1 started as a proposed "high-altitude fighter" designated K-3. Powered by an ABC Gnat the K-3 first flew in May 1918, and was delivered to McCook Field the next month. The model was not ordered for production.

In 1921 Martin submitted an improved version with a larger engine and wider wings. The Navy ordered three, designated K-IV, then later KF-1. The version featured a central float and outriggers.[2]


Variants

Specifications (KF-1)

Data from Angelucci, 1987. p. 293.[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 17 ft 0 in (5.18 m)
  • Wingspan: 24 ft 2 in (7.36 m)
  • Wing area: 145 sq ft (13.47 m2)
  • Empty weight: 686 lb (311 kg)
  • Gross weight: 980 lb (444 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Lawrance L-3 , 60 hp (45 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 98 mph (158 km/h, 85 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 11,400 ft (3,475 m)
  • Rate of climb: 417 ft/min (2.12 m/s)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Port Victoria P.V.8 "Kitten"

Notes
  1. Angelucci, 1987. p. 293.
  2. Aviation History. March 1996. Missing or empty |title= (help)

Bibliography
  • Angelucci, Enzo (1987). The American Fighter from 1917 to the present. New York: Orion Books.
  • Passingham, Malcolm (February 2000). "Les hydravions embarqués sur sous-marins" [Submarine-carried Seaplanes]. Avions: Toute l'aéronautique et son histoire (in French) (83): 7–17. ISSN 1243-8650.
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