Martin MB-2 / NBS-1

Martin MB-2/NBS-1 History

The

Martin MB-2 series of twin-engine bombers has a unique footnote in the history of American bomber production, as it was the first mass-produced system of its kind on American origin. During World War I, it was common for the United States (and other countries) to purchase full-blown machines or designs for licensed production to fill gaps in their own military wage stockpiles.

So Martin stepped in with the first American-designed MB-1 bomber. Although produced in limited numbers before the end of the war, the MB-1 led to an evolved model of the MB-2, which would become the main bomber of the US Army Air Service (the precursor to the modern Air Force), and entered mass production in June 1920 put into use later.

The design of the MB-2 closely follows that of its predecessor, the MB-1, with a biplane wing assembly that houses two engine nacelles and can accommodate up to four people alongside the fuselage. Power comes from two liquid-cooled Liberty 12A V-12 engines, each producing about 420 horsepower.

Provides self-defense with a 5 x 7.62mm Lewis machine gun located above the design. The MB-2's offensive payload includes up to 1,800 pounds of internal ammunition and an additional 2,000 pounds of external ammunition.

A distinguishing feature of the MB-2 series is also the ability to fold the wings from the wingtips into the engine area for easy storage.

Production of the MB-2 was carried out by multiple contractors, although it was Martin's original design. At the time, it was AAS policy to enlist the help of low-cost agencies to handle production.

Companies involved include Martin Company (producing the first 20 samples), Curtiss producing 50 samples), Lowe, Willard & Fowler (producing 35 samples), and Aeromarine (producing 25 samples). The MB-2 remained in service until it was gradually replaced by the Keystone series of bombers, which would be available over the next decade.

MB-2/NBS-1 for use in the United States of America only.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes