INDEX OF NAVAL AIRCRAFT

 

  

Miles M.20  
 
Miles M.20 with Rolls Royce Merlin engine

History


The Miles M.20 fighter was of all-wood construction and powered by a Rolls Royce Merlin XX engine, giving it a speed of 333 mph.  It was regarded as well adapted for its purpose of training fighter pilots.  The moulded windscreen with its flat optical glass and rear windows give all-round visibility, and the aircraft could attain a height of over 30,000 feet.

Only one was sent for Naval trials at the A&AEE, Boscombe Down. It was the second prototype Miles M.20 U-0228 (later designated DR616). A&AEE carried out a short assessment in April 1941 of the aircraft as a possible naval fighter. It proved faster and with greater ceiling than it competitor the American Matlet/Wildcat.

Aircraft Type:
 Miles M.20
Mark:
 2nd prototype 
Primary Role:
 Prototype, possible naval carrier fighter
First Flight: 
 1941
Date operating with FAA squadrons:
 April 1941 to A&AEE. Not to squadrons.
Manufacturer:
 Miles
Engine:
 Rolls Royce Merlin XX engine
 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: 
 -
Empty Weight: Max.Weight:
 7,556 lb
Speed: 

Ceiling: 

Range:

 speed: 333 mph (dive speed 450 mph)
ceiling: 32,800 ft
range: 610 miles at 900 ft
Armament: 
 eight 0.303' guns
Crew:
 1
Squadrons:
 none
Battle honours:
 none
Additional references and notes:
 Mason, T (1998). The Secret Years, Flight Testing at Boscombe Down, 1939-1945. Hikoki Publications, ISBN: 0 951899 9 5

Battle Honours and Operational History
None with FAA

Surviving aircraft and relics
Extinct
Associations and reunions
No information
 
FURTHER INFORMATION
  
Miles Aircraft Production Miles Aircraft Production A Summary of Miles Aircraft and their Histories 
Tim Mason (1998)  Mason, T (1998). The Secret Years, Flight Testing at Boscombe Down, 1939-1945. Hikoki Publications, ISBN: 0 951899 9 5
   
Created 3-4-1999, Modified 3-4-2000
 

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