The best WW2 piston engine aircraft never to enter service, as described by the legend that was Eric Winkle Brown.

Vtol down for flaps, radiator intake closes with throttle, trim tabs on elevator.

The first flight of the MB 5 prototype, serial R2496, took place on 23 May 1944.[6] Performance was considered outstanding by test pilots, and the cockpit layout was praised by the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE). The accessibility of the fuselage for maintenance was excellent, thanks to a system of detachable panels. "In my opinion this is an outstanding aircraft, particularly when regarded in the light of the fact that it made its maiden flight as early as 23rd May 1944" – Test pilot Capt. Eric Brown, 1948 [1] Acknowledged as one of the best aerobatic pilots in the UK, S/L Janusz Zurakowski from the A&AEE at RAF Boscombe Down gave a spectacular display at the Farnborough Air Show in June 1946, with the Martin-Baker MB 5, a design he considered as a superlative piston-engined fighter, better in many ways than the Spitfire.