Engineering:Baker MB-1 Delta Kitten

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For the similar named Martin Aircraft, see Martin MB-1.
MB-1 Delta Kitten
General information
TypeExperimental aircraft
National originUnited States
ManufacturerBaker Air Research
Designer
Marion Baker
History
First flight1960

The Baker MB-1 was a 45 degree delta winged experimental aircraft designed to maximize use of its 85 hp (63 kW) engine and experiment with delta-winged design.[1]

Design and development

The prototype was built around the remains of a wrecked Cessna 140 using its engine, propeller, and wheels.[2] The landing gear was fashioned from truck springs. The controls were conventional with the elevator in the center of the delta's trailing edge and ailerons outboard operated by push-pull tubes.[3] Plans for the aircraft were available for homebuilt construction.[4]

Operational history

The aircraft first flew in 1960. It was destroyed on July 29, 1976, when Baker was flying the Delta Kitten from Shelby, Ohio to Mansfield, Ohio. It was reported that the Delta Kitten sputtered, dipped, and crashed, killing Baker.[5]

Specifications

Data from Sport Aviation January 1962

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 13 ft 3 in (4.04 m)
  • Wingspan: 18 ft (5.5 m)
  • Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
  • Wing area: 98 sq ft (9.1 m2)
  • Empty weight: 584 lb (265 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 843 lb (382 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Continental C85 four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine, 85 hp (63 kW)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 117 kn (135 mph, 217 km/h)
  • Cruise speed: 100 kn (115 mph, 185 km/h)
  • Service ceiling: 12,000 ft (3,700 m)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

  1. ↑ "[title not known]". Sport Aviation (EAA). July 1960. 
  2. ↑ K.O. Eckland, ed. "American airplanes: Ba – Bl" (in EN). http://aerofiles.com/_ba.html. 
  3. ↑ Baker, Marion (January 1962). "The Story Of My Delta-Winged Airplane". Sport Aviation (EAA): 4–5. 
  4. ↑ "[title not known]" (in en). Air Trails (New York, NY: Street & Smith): 80. Winter 1971. 
  5. ↑ "Killed on Routine Flight – Air Race Pilot Crashes". News Journal (Mansfield, Ohio): p. 1. July 30, 1976. 



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