Martin KF-1 explained

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

Development

The KF-1 started as a proposed "high-altitude fighter" designated the K.III. 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.^[1]

Variants

• J.V. Martin K.III Kitten the 45 hp prototype the KF-1 is based on.

Bibliography

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

External links

• Martin Kitten K-III museum record at Smithsonian NASM
• Aviation History March 1996 issue article

Notes and References

1. Aviation History. March 1996.