Miles Messenger -
The Miles M.38 Messenger was an adaptation of Miles
M.28 design in 1942 to meet perceived Army need for an AOP for frontline
use, able to operate from small unprepared fields. Prototype modified
from Miles M.28 Mk I, flown as Miles M.28/38 (U-0223) on September 12,
1944, featuring new thinner wing with external trailing-edge flaps and
145 hp Gipsy Major II engine. First flown with Miles M.28 twin tail unit;
large single fin and rudder tested later as alternative to definitive
triple tail unit.
Miles M.38/II: Further redesign
of Miles M.28/38 to conform with Specification A. 17/43 for four-seat
Army AGP/communications aircraft. Definitive triple tail unit. Prototype
U-0245 flown early 1944.
Miles Messenger I: Production form of Miles M.38/11. Two prototypes (RG327
and RG333) flown early 1944, of which one temporarily assigned as personal
aircraft for Field Marshal Montgomery. Production order for 250, with
138 hp Gipsy Major I Srs II engine; first deliveries late-1944, used primarily
in communications role, including one for FM Montgomery. Production, mostly
post-war, terminated with 21 aircraft built, of which 10 from new Miles
factories in Northern Ireland (Banbridge and Newtownards).
Max speed, 116 mph (187 km/h).
Rate of climb, 660 ftlmin (3.35 ml sec). Time to 10,000 ft (3,050 m),
30 mins. Service ceiling, 14,000 ft (4,267 m). Range 260 mis (418 km).
Empty weight, 1,518 Ib (689 kg). Gross
weight, 1,900 Ib (862 kg). Span, 36 ft 2 in (11.02 m). Length, 24ft (7.32
m). Wing area, 191 sq ft (17.74 m2).
Miles M.38A Mariner: Prototype Miles M.28/38 modified to evaluate potential
of Messenger to operate from 60 ft (18,3 m) square decks on merchant ships.
Fitted with two rockets for assisted take-off, and lightweight arrester
hook. Aircraft flown into deck-edge safety net (with gap for propeller)
to cater for 'missed-wire' case, during trials at Woodley in 1943.
Miles M.48 (M.38 Mk HI): Single prototype (U-0247), flown September 1944,
based on Miles M.38 with four seats, retractable trailing-edge flaps and
150 hp Blackburn Cirrus Major III engine.
