Miles Hawk

Last updated

M.2 Hawk
MHawk.jpg
RoleTwo-seat light monoplane
Manufacturer Miles Aircraft Limited
Designer Frederick George Miles
First flight29 March 1933
StatusOut of production, out of service
ProducedMarch 1933-July 1934 [1]
Number built55 [1]
Variants Miles Hawk Major

The Miles M.2 Hawk was a twin-seat light monoplane designed and produced by the British aircraft manufacturer Miles Aircraft Limited during the 1930s. It is the first of the company's aircraft to attain quantity production.

Contents

The Hawk's development started in 1932 following a conversation between designer F.G. Miles and Charles Powis, the latter offering Miles hangar space at Woodley Aerodrome to build his proposed affordable twin-seat monoplane. The aircraft was designed by Miles and his wife, while construction of the prototype was mostly performed by the carpenter Harry Hull. On 29 March 1933, the prototype performed its maiden flight.

The aircraft quickly proved its performance to be roughly 50 per cent greater than biplane contemporaries. Within 15 months, 47 Hawks had been sold to various domestic customers. An advanced derivative, the Miles Hawk Major, was also quickly developed, alongside several specialised versions of the original aircraft. Amongst other uses, the Hawk was entered into numerous air races. Production of the original Hawk series came to an end during July 1934.

Development

Origins

The origins of the Hawk can be traced back to late 1932 and a discussion between F. G. Miles and Charles Powis in which the former expressed a desire to produce an affordable twin-seat low-wing monoplane. [2] Powis, recognising the potential value of such a venture, opted to provide hangar space at Woodley Aerodrome for Miles to construct such an aircraft. Coincidentally, a batch of ADC Cirrus IIIA were also available at a discounted price, substantially reducing the cost of the overall aircraft. [2] In light of these suitable conditions, construction of the first prototype commenced immediately following Powis' offer. [2]

The design of the aircraft was produced by Miles and his wife, while much of the construction was performed by the carpenter Harry Hull, with some work undertaken by the Miles themselves. [3] The design employed high-stress factors throughout, the calculations and blueprints all being produced by the Miles. Originally known as the Ibex, it was decided to change the name to Hawk to avoid possible confusion with the Hinkler Ibis. [3]

The prototype Hawk performed the type's maiden flight on 29 March 1933. [4] [3] As a consequence of its relatively clean design, it was quickly proven that its performance was about 50 per cent greater than that of its typical biplane contemporaries. Despite its performance, the control surfaces exhibited no tenancy to flutter even when intentionally flown to induce the phenomenon. [3] Within a week, 53 different pilots had flown the aircraft. [3]

Production

Orders for the Hawk quickly followed the early test flights; within 15 months, 47 aircraft had been sold domestically. [3] Its owners were typically keen to enter them in various air races; the first production aircraft, G-ACHJ, was promptly flown in the King's Cup air race of 1933, while the second, G-ACHK, was a contender for the Wakefield Cup. [5]

The aircraft sold relatively well for the time, partially as a consequence of its relatively low base purchase price of only £395. On the back of this success, Miles endeavoured to expand the production range in pursuit of further sales. [3] In response to individual customer requirements, the company constructed a number of special one-off models, which included a cabin monoplane (M.2A), a long-range single-seater (M.2B) and three-seat versions for joy riding (M.2D). [6]

During 1934, in reaction to the appearance of the inverted de Havilland Gipsy Major engine, an improved model of the Hawk was quickly introduced, known as the Miles Hawk Major. This was also accompanied by a specialised version intended for air racing, the principal changes of which being the removal of the front seat to permit the installation of a longer and more powerful six-cylinder de Havilland Gipsy Six; it is sometimes referred to the Miles Hawk Speed Six. Production of the original Hawk series came to an end in July 1934. [1]

Design

The Miles Hawk was a two-seat lightweight cantilever monoplane. Somewhat unusually for the era, it featured wings that were designed to be folded. The aircraft had an open cockpit with a tandem seating arrangement for two. The airframe was largely composed of spruce, with the exterior being covered by a combination of birch and ply; even elements such as the engine mounts were made of wood to reduce costs. [2] The undercarriage was supplied by Dowty Group, which were furnished with low-pressure tyres. [7] Some Hawks, but not all, were furnished with wheel brakes. [2]

Variants

M.2
Standard production two-seat version, powered by a single 95 hp A.D.C. Cirrus IIIA engine.
M.2A
Cabin version powered by a de Havilland Gipsy III engine, one built. [5]
M.2B
Long-range single-seater powered by an A.D.C Cirrus Hermes IV, one-built. [6]
M.2C
Re-engined with one 120 hp de Havilland Gipsy III engine, one built. [8]
M.2D
Three-seat version with one 95 hp A.D.C. Cirrus IIIA engine, six built. [9]

Hawk Major

The Hawk Major was developed to take advantage of the inverted design of the new de Havilland Gipsy Major engine. Lowering the cylinders below the propeller shaft axis greatly improved pilot visibility and allowed a shorter, lighter undercarriage.

The Hawk Speed Six was a single-seat racing variant of the Hawk Major, with a larger Gipsy Six engine.

Operators

Military operators

Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand
Flag of South Africa (1928-1994).svg  South Africa

Specifications (M.2)

Data fromBritish Civil Aircraft 1919–1972: Volume III, [10] Miles Aircraft Since 1925, Volume 1 [11]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miles Magister</span> Type of aircraft

The Miles M.14 Magister is a two-seat monoplane basic trainer aircraft designed and built by the British aircraft manufacturer Miles Aircraft. It was affectionately known as the Maggie. It was authorised to perform aerobatics.

de Havilland DH.60 Moth 1925 utility aircraft family

The de Havilland DH.60 Moth is a 1920s British two-seat touring and training aircraft that was developed into a series of aircraft by the de Havilland Aircraft Company.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miles Messenger</span> Type of aircraft

The Miles M.38 Messenger is a British four-seat liaison and private owner aircraft built by Miles Aircraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miles Mentor</span> Type of aircraft

The Miles M.16 Mentor was a 1930s British single-engined three-seat monoplane training and communications aircraft built by Miles Aircraft Limited.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foster Wikner Wicko</span> Type of aircraft

The Foster Wikner Wicko was a 1930s British two-seat cabin monoplane built by the Foster Wikner Aircraft Company Limited at Southampton Airport, Hampshire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Auster Autocar</span> 1940s British light aircraft

The Auster J/5 Autocar was a late 1940s British single-engined four-seat high-wing touring monoplane built by Auster Aircraft Limited at Rearsby, Leicestershire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miles Mercury</span> Type of aircraft

The Miles M.28 Mercury was a British aircraft designed to meet the need for a training and communications plane during the Second World War. It was a single-engined monoplane of wooden construction with a twin tail and a tailwheel undercarriage with retractable main units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Avro Club Cadet</span> British biplane trainer aircraft

The Avro Club Cadet was a 1930s single-engined British biplane trainer aircraft, designed and built by Avro as a development of the earlier Cadet. It was planned for private and club use and, unlike the Cadet, was fitted with folding wings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miles Hawk Major</span> 1930s British monoplane

The Miles Hawk Major was a 1930s British two-seat light monoplane, developed by Miles Aircraft from the Miles Hawk in order to take advantage of the new inverted de Havilland Gipsy Major engine. When fitted with the longer Gipsy Six in place of the forward crew member, it was known as the Miles Hawk Speed Six.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miles M.2 Hawk Trainer</span> Type of aircraft

The Miles Hawk Trainer was a 1930s British two-seat training monoplane designed by Miles Aircraft Limited.

de Havilland DH.71 Tiger Moth Type of aircraft

The de Havilland DH.71 Tiger Moth was a British single-seat monoplane, designed to research high-speed flight and to test replacement engines for the Cirrus. Only two were built.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miles Falcon</span> Type of aircraft

The Miles M.3 Falcon is a 1930s British three/four-seat cabin monoplane aircraft designed by Miles Aircraft Limited.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miles Merlin</span> Type of aircraft

The Miles M.4A Merlin was a 1930s British five-seat cabin monoplane built by Miles Aircraft Limited.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miles Sparrowhawk</span> Type of aircraft

The Miles M.5 Sparrowhawk was a 1930s British single-seat racing and touring monoplane designed by Miles Aircraft Limited.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miles Nighthawk</span> 1930s British civil utility aircraft

The Miles M.7 Nighthawk was a 1930s British training and communications monoplane designed by Miles Aircraft Limited.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elliotts of Newbury Eon</span> Type of aircraft

The Elliotts of Newbury EoN or Elliotts EoN A.P.4 was a 1940s British four-seat touring monoplane aircraft built by Elliotts of Newbury.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miles Gemini</span> British twin-engined four-seat touring aircraft designed and built by Miles Aircraft

The Miles M.65 Gemini was a British twin-engined four-seat touring aircraft designed and built by Miles Aircraft at Woodley Aerodrome. It was the last Miles aircraft to be produced in quantity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Westland Widgeon (fixed wing)</span> Type of aircraft

The Westland Widgeon was a British light aircraft of the 1920s. A single-engined parasol monoplane, the Widgeon was built in small numbers before Westland abandoned production in 1929.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miles M.15</span> Type of aircraft

The Miles M.15 was a 1930s British single-engined monoplane trainer aircraft with two open cockpits, designed and developed by Miles Aircraft. Like other aircraft constructed to the official specification, it failed to meet the performance requirements, and only two were built.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miles Hawk Speed Six</span> 1930s British monoplane

The Miles Hawk Speed Six was a 1930s British two-seat light monoplane, developed by Miles Aircraft from the Miles Hawk Major by fitting the longer and more powerful Gipsy Six engine and removing the forward crew member.

References

Citations

  1. 1 2 3 Brown 1970, p. 61.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Brown 1970, p. 56.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Brown 1970, p. 57.
  4. ↑ Jackson 1988, p. 43.
  5. 1 2 Brown 1970, p. 58.
  6. 1 2 Brown 1970, pp. 58-59.
  7. ↑ Brown 1970, pp. 57-58.
  8. ↑ Brown 1970, p. 59.
  9. ↑ Brown 1970, pp. 59-61.
  10. ↑ Jackson 1988, p. 467.
  11. ↑ Brown 1970, pp. 61-62.

Bibliography

  • Amos, Peter. and Brown, Don Lambert. Miles Aircraft Since 1925, Volume 1. London: Putnam Aeronautical, 2000. ISBN   0-85177-787-2.
  • Brown, Don Lambert. Miles Aircraft Since 1925. London: Putnam & Company Ltd., 1970. ISBN   0-370-00127-3.
  • The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing.
  • Jackson, A.J. British Civil Aircraft since 1919. London: Putnam, 1974. ISBN   0-370-10014-X.
  • Jackson, A.J. British Civil Aircraft 1192–1972 Volume 3. London: Putnam, 1988. ISBN   0-85177-818-6.


This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.