MILES MASTER
- Advanced trainer based on Miles M.9
Kestrel, ordered for RAF to Specification 16/38 in June 1938 with
720 hp R-R Kestrel XXX. First production M.9B Miles Master I flown March
31, 1939, and seven delivered by time war began; total production 900,
of which three became prototypes for Miles Master II and III and 60 transferred
to FAA. Remainder used primarily at Nos 5, 8, 9, 14 and 15 FTS, and in
smaller numbers by (P)AFUs and OTUs. Starting in 1939, sliding canopy
replaced earlier upward-hinged type, and in 1942 all remaining aircraft
converted to M.9C Miles Master IA with wing tips clipped to reduce span
to 35 ft 9 in (10.89 m). In 1940, up to two dozen Miles Master Is fitted
with six 0.303-in (7.7-mm) Browning guns in wings as emergency fighters
(retrospectively designated Miles M.24). Max speed, 226 mph (363 kmlh).
Cruising speed, 160 mph (257 kmlh) at 10,000 ft (3,050 m). Endurance,
3 hn. Empty weight, 4,370 Ib (1,982 kg). Gross weight, 5,573 Ib (2,528
kg). Span, 39 ft 0 in (11.89 m). Length, 30ft 5 in (9.29 m). Wing area,
235 sq ft (21.83m2).
M.19 Miles Master II: As Miles Master I but powered by 810 hp Bristol Mercury XX engine,
to overcome shortage of Kestrels. First of two prototypes (Mk I conversions)
flown in November 1939, and first production Mk II on April 8, 1941. Total
production 1,748 (1,250 at Woodley, 498 at South Marston and Doncaster),
completed in 1942. Most Miles Master IIs built with long-span wings, later reduced
to 35 ft 9 in (10.89 m) as for Miles Master IA. Service use primarily at (Pilot)
Advanced Flying Units and, from 1942, as tugs for Hotspur gliders at Glider
Training Schools. Several hundred Miles Master IIs converted, or delivered new,
for the glider-towing role, with bottom of rudder cut away to allow fitting
of towing hook. Diversions from RAF stocks included 426 to SAAF, 52 to
FAA, nine to USAAF in UK, 23 to R Egyptian AF and, early in 1945, 23 to
Turkey. Eleven also went to Irish Air Corps and two to Portugal.
Max speed, 242 mph (389 kmlh) at 6,000 ft (1,828 m). Rate of climb, 2,120
ftlmin (10.8 ml sec). Service ceiling, 25,100 ft (7,650 m). Range, 393
mis (632 km). Endurance, 1.8 hrs. Empty weight, 4,293 Ib (1,947 kg). Gross
weight, 5,573 Ib (2,528 kg). Span, 39ft 0 in (11.89 m). Length, 29ft 6
in (8.99 m). Wing area 235 sq ft (21.83m2).
M.27 Miles Master III: Similar to Miles Master II, with 825 hp P & W R-1535-SB4G
Twin Wasp Junior engine. Prototype (Mk I conversion) first flown December
17, 1940 (or earlier). Production total 602 (at South Marston) and used
primarily at (P)AFUs. At least 12 to USAAF in UK and ten to Portugal.
Like Miles Master IIs, Miles Master Ills had wings clipped during their service life.
