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Martin MB-1 / Glenn Martin Bomber

1918 WORLD WAR 1

Martin MB-1 / Glenn Martin Bomber History

The Martin MB-1 (also known as the "Glen Martin Bomber") became a heavily procured American-designed heavy bomber type during World War I and a mainstay of the United States Army Aviation (USAAS) for some time. The system was an indigenously created twin-engine bomber (early American bombers were only licensed derivatives of European origin), designed by Glenn Martin.

By the end of the war, only nine fully operational systems were ultimately available, but the type would continue to fight until it was replaced by the more powerful Martin MB-2 series in 1920.

Power comes from two Liberty 12-A engines mounted between the upper and lower wing assemblies. Each engine reportedly produces 400 horsepower, and with the fuselage unfolded, three to four crew members are required to manage the various open cockpit stations. The armament was defensive and consisted of no less than 5 x 7.62 mm machine guns located in various positions on the hull, including the nose mount.

Offensive firepower includes up to 2,000 pounds of ammunition. The landing gear is fixed and consists of four wheels. The first production samples were received in October 1918.

The MB-1 was developed to replace the British designed Handley-Page O/400 series of bombers and the Italian designed Caproni series of bombers. The MB-1 came at a time when the United States was heavily reliant on purchasing foreign-designed or fully completed production models to maintain a viable military presence, so the MB-1's arrival was a rather historic footnote for the country. The system is designed to fulfill the primary role of a reconnaissance platform, and a secondary role as a dedicated bomber.

It only served in military capacity for a few years before being replaced in frontline service by the aforementioned MB-2 series, which was essentially an evolved version of the MB-1 series.

Some improved MB-1 models exist and are worth mentioning. This includes an MB-1 with a 37mm cannon in a bow-mounted 7.62mm machine gun position. This particular MB-1 is called the GMC of "Glenn Martin Canon" and has serial number AS62951. In addition, a third Hispano-Suiza engine was installed on the nose of the MB-1 with serial number AS39059.

A 10-passenger model in the form of GMP ("Glen Martin Passenger"). In the form of the T-1, the MB-1 also served as a mail carrier aircraft for a while after the war.