Summer Air Display at Old Warden yesterday. I ignored the rotten weather forecast & went anyway. I had no idea what a treat was in store. For a Miles Aircraft freak like me this was paradise. A rare chance to see examples of 5 different Miles types (6 with the Southern Martlet, F.G. Miles first design) together on the same airfield & in the air where they belong. 8)
This shows the development of the classic range of trainers & racing aircraft designed by "FG" & his wife Blossom in the 1930s.
The M.2W Hawk Trainer II. Development of the original Miles M.2 Hawk. AFAIK this is the only airworthy example in the world.
Peter Holloway's M.3A Falcon Major. Three/four-seat cabin version of the Hawk. The prototype competed in the 1934 England-Australia Race (won by the DH.88 Comet) & later set up a solo Australia-England record of 7 days and 19 hours. Again the sole survivor.
Two examples of the M.14A Hawk Trainer III, better known as the Magister. An improved version of the Hawk Trainer II for the RAF. I think there are only 3 airworthy Maggies in the world.
Peter Holloway's Maggie in pre-war RAF trainer yellow.
The Shuttleworth Trust's example in wartime camouflage.
Now younger brother George enters the scene. His first design in 1942, the remarkable M.38 Messenger. Intended as an Army cooperation aircraft it was used in the communications role. Very popular with civil owners after WWII.
Twin-engined variant, the M.65 Gemini intended for the post-war civil market. This one is owned by Sir John Allison who flies the Collection's Spitfire. This was the last Miles aircraft to enter mass production. 170 Geminis were built before the company folded in 1947.
A rare treat indeed.
This reminds me of the King's Cup air races held at Shoreham in the 1950s.
Miles aircraft were very popular & used to be a common sight but being mainly of wooden construction there aren't too many left. Messenger G-AJOE was badly damaged during a forced-landing in Holland a few weeks ago.
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