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

KF-1
Role	fighter Type of aircraft
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

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

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

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.

External links

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

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