Post by flyboy on Mar 15, 2019 21:18:16 GMT
The Miles Gemini:
The Gemini was described by the manufacturers, Miles Aircraft as 'the safest light aircraft in the world'. This was a British designed and built twin-engined light aircraft manufactured by Miles Aircraft at their Woodley Aerodrome, Reading factory. The aircraft was a four seat, low-winged retractable under-carriage monoplane with a tail wheel, manufactured from
plastic-bonded plywood and was produced with the distinctive Miles twin rudders.
Following a first flight on 26th October 1945 it was to prove popular with private owners and sales of 170 were achieved between 1945 and 1947, many having been exported to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Proving popular for air racing J.N 'Nat' Somers won the 1949 King's Cup Air Race flying Gemini G-AKDC at a speed of over 164 mph when fitted with 145hp de Havilland Gipsy Major engines.
The aircraft also proved popular with companies who used them extensively to transport their company executives, Fairey Aviation, Shell and BKS Engineering being among the larger ones. Some were also used by smaller UK airlines on charter work throughout the UK and into Europe. Production of the Gemini ceased at Woodley in 1947.
In 1951 two examples were produced with modified heightened and enlarged fins when fitted with 155hp (116kW) Blackburn Cirrus Major engines and were designated as the Miles M.75 Aries.
Out of interest I was lucky enough to fly a number of times in Gemini G-AIIF from Lasham where it was based in the late 50's. Painted all white with lime green stripe and registration it was the first twin-engined aircraft I had flown in. Having previously only flown in open cockpit Tiger Moths and gliders I recall those enjoyable experiences of flying in a comfortable aircraft with an enclosed cabin at what seemed a great speed, something I will always remember. Pleased to see it made it to Blackbushe on a couple of occasions! JSM
Variants:
Gemini 1 1x prototype with 2x 100hp Blackburn Cirrus Minor 2 engines and fixed undercarriage.
Gemini 1A Production version. 134 built plus on built by Handley Page (Reading).
Gemini 1B Productio version similar to !A. 1 built.
Gemini 2 Version with 2x 130hp Lycoming 0-290-3/1 engines. 2 built.
Gemini 3 2x 145hp de Havilland Gipsy Major 1C engines.1 Miles built + 1 by H.P (Reading).
Gemini 3A 2x 145hp de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Mk.1 engines.2 built +5 at Wolverhampton Aviation.
Gemini 3B Version with 2x de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Mk.1-3 engines.
Gemini 3C or 7 2x 145hp de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Mk.2 engines. 2 built.
Gemini 8 Early aircraft modified to Aries standard with 2x 155hp Blackburn Cirrus Major 3 engines.
Aries As Gemini 8 above with Miles-Reed propellers.
Specification:
(Gemini 1A)
Crew 1
Capacity 3 passengers.
Length 22' 3'' (6.78m)
Wing span 36' 2'' (11.02m).
Height 7' 6'' (2.29m).
Weight Empty 1,910lb (866kg).
Weight Max T.O 3,000lb (1,361kg).
Power 2x Blackburn Cirrus Minor 11 4-cylinder inline piston engines 100hp (75kW) each.
Performance:
Speed Max 150mph (241km/h) at 2,800lb (1,300kg).
Cruise speed 130mph (209km/h)
Stall 35mph (56km/h).
Range 520mi (837km).
Endurance 5.8hrs.
Ceiling 13,500ft (4,100m).
Rate of Climb 870ft min (4.4m/s).
Visitors Noted:
Reg Type c/n Operator/information Date Noted
EI-AGF Gemini 6291 ................................................ 00.9.53.
G-AIHI --..-- 6283 ................................................ 19.3.47.
G-AIIF --..-- 6312 ............usual base Lasham.......... 22.7.57,26.7.57.
G-AIRS --..-- 6315 ................................................ 7.9.53.
G-AISM --..-- 6454 ................................................ 9.9.53,4.3.57.
G-AISO --..-- 6326 Air Contractors........................... 00.00.47.
G-AJEX --..-- 6324 Hearts & Essex Aero Club............. 9.9.55,10.9.57.
G-AJKR --..-- 6455 ................................................ 8.9.53.
G-AJKS --..-- 6289 Eagles, home based.................... 15.5.55,18.6.55,10.7.55->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 23.7.55,29.7.55,10.8.55->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 16.8.55,25.8.55,4.9.55->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 18.3.56,3.4.56,7.4.56->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 27.5.56,23.6.56,7.8.56->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 10.8.56,15.8.56,22.8.56->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 29.8.56,14.3.57,3.4.57->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 22.7.57,1.10.57,1.12.57->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 30.12.57,7.1.58,15.4.58->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 26.8.59.(Also later visits)
G-AJTG --..-- 6459 ............................................. 00.12.51,30.4.59,10.5.59.
G-AJWC --..-- 6295 ............................................. 6.9.55
G-AJWE --..-- 6452 ............................................. 22.3.59.
G-AJWF --..-- 6291 Blackbushe Flying Club ............ 26.4.54->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ............ 6.10.57.
G-AJZJ --..-- 6465 ............................................. 00.9.52.
G-AJZO --..-- 6446 ............................................ 10.4.57.
G-AJZS --..-- 6297 ............................................ 00.00.51,15.4.57,00.5.58->
--..-- --..-- --..-- ............................................. 8.7.59,26.8.59,6.9.59.
G-AKDB --..-- 6294 ........... based 1948 ............... 00.00.48.
G-AKDD --..-- 6284 Shell Aviation.......................... 2.7.59->
--..-- --..-- --..-- ............................................ 2.4.60.
G-AKDJ --..-- 6448 Air Couriers ............................ 24.7.59,9.8.59.
G-AKEJ --..-- 6482 Newcastle Corporation .............. 21.1.56.
G-AKEK --..-- 6483 K. McAlpine ............................. 12.1.57,27.12.59.
G-AKEL --..-- 6484 ............................................ 22.1.60,5.3.60.
G-AKEM --..-- 6485 ............................................ 30.6.59,26.8.59,29.8.59->
--..-- --..-- --..-- ............................................ 6.9.59.
G-AKEN --..-- 6486 ............................................ 10.9.53.
G-AKEX --..-- 6502 ............................................ 14.8.59.
G-AKFU --..-- 6494 ............................................ 3.9.57,5.9.57,7.9.57,->
--..-- --..-- --..-- ............................................ 9.9.59.
G-AKFX --..-- 6502 Bees Flight.............................. 00.12.51,00.9.52,00.8.54.
G-AKFY --..-- 6503 Air Couriers ............................ 16.8.55,5.8.57,31.5.58.
G-AKGC --..-- 6489 ............................................. 5.9.56-6.9.56,8.9.59.
G-AKGD --..-- 6492 ............................................. 9.4.58.
G-AKGE --..-- 6488 .............................................. 28.12.51,3.9.56-4.9.56->
--..-- --..-- --..-- .............................................. 4.9.57.
G-AKHB --..-- 6508 .............................................. 14.6.59,6.8.59,9.5.60.
G-AKHC --..-- 6490 Flight Magazine ....................... 29.3.60.
G-AKHF --..-- 6399 F.G Miles ................................. 00.9.51.
G-AKHP --..-- 6519 ............................................... 00.9.52,8.9.55,31.5.58.
G-AKHV --..-- 6523 ............................................... 7.7.50,9.9.53.
G-AKHW --..-- 6524 Plymouth Airport Ltd................... 7.9.54,7.9.55-8.9.55->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 5.9.57.
G-AKHY --..-- 6526 Smiths Instruments ................... 25.7.59.
G-AKKH --..-- 6479 ............................................... 11.9.53,7.9.55,9.9.59.
G-ALCS --..-- WAL/C 1001 ............................................... 24.6.57,3.4.60.
G-ALMU --..-- WAL/C 1004 ............................................... 4.9.52,10.9.59.
G-ALUG --..-- 6320 ............................................... 4.9.52->
--..-- --..-- --..-- Yorkshire Aeroplane Club ........... 7.9.55.
G-AMGF --..-- WAL/C 1003 Shell Aviation............................ 5.9.59,1.11.59,29.11.59->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- home based ex Croydon 1.10.59.
G-AMRG --..-- 6313 ............from Croydon............... 19.6.57.
G-AOXW --..-- 6478 ............................................... 14.6.57,6.9.58,25.5.59->
--..-- --..-- --..-- ............................................... 9.9.59.
OO-ODR --..-- 6460 ............................................... 10.9.53,6.9.57.
Credits:
Wikipedia
rj for use of his record sheets
The enthusiasts who noted the visitors.
pb for his help and supply of photographs.
complete JSM 17.3.2019.
The Gemini was described by the manufacturers, Miles Aircraft as 'the safest light aircraft in the world'. This was a British designed and built twin-engined light aircraft manufactured by Miles Aircraft at their Woodley Aerodrome, Reading factory. The aircraft was a four seat, low-winged retractable under-carriage monoplane with a tail wheel, manufactured from
plastic-bonded plywood and was produced with the distinctive Miles twin rudders.
Following a first flight on 26th October 1945 it was to prove popular with private owners and sales of 170 were achieved between 1945 and 1947, many having been exported to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Proving popular for air racing J.N 'Nat' Somers won the 1949 King's Cup Air Race flying Gemini G-AKDC at a speed of over 164 mph when fitted with 145hp de Havilland Gipsy Major engines.
The aircraft also proved popular with companies who used them extensively to transport their company executives, Fairey Aviation, Shell and BKS Engineering being among the larger ones. Some were also used by smaller UK airlines on charter work throughout the UK and into Europe. Production of the Gemini ceased at Woodley in 1947.
In 1951 two examples were produced with modified heightened and enlarged fins when fitted with 155hp (116kW) Blackburn Cirrus Major engines and were designated as the Miles M.75 Aries.
Out of interest I was lucky enough to fly a number of times in Gemini G-AIIF from Lasham where it was based in the late 50's. Painted all white with lime green stripe and registration it was the first twin-engined aircraft I had flown in. Having previously only flown in open cockpit Tiger Moths and gliders I recall those enjoyable experiences of flying in a comfortable aircraft with an enclosed cabin at what seemed a great speed, something I will always remember. Pleased to see it made it to Blackbushe on a couple of occasions! JSM
Variants:
Gemini 1 1x prototype with 2x 100hp Blackburn Cirrus Minor 2 engines and fixed undercarriage.
Gemini 1A Production version. 134 built plus on built by Handley Page (Reading).
Gemini 1B Productio version similar to !A. 1 built.
Gemini 2 Version with 2x 130hp Lycoming 0-290-3/1 engines. 2 built.
Gemini 3 2x 145hp de Havilland Gipsy Major 1C engines.1 Miles built + 1 by H.P (Reading).
Gemini 3A 2x 145hp de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Mk.1 engines.2 built +5 at Wolverhampton Aviation.
Gemini 3B Version with 2x de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Mk.1-3 engines.
Gemini 3C or 7 2x 145hp de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Mk.2 engines. 2 built.
Gemini 8 Early aircraft modified to Aries standard with 2x 155hp Blackburn Cirrus Major 3 engines.
Aries As Gemini 8 above with Miles-Reed propellers.
Specification:
(Gemini 1A)
Crew 1
Capacity 3 passengers.
Length 22' 3'' (6.78m)
Wing span 36' 2'' (11.02m).
Height 7' 6'' (2.29m).
Weight Empty 1,910lb (866kg).
Weight Max T.O 3,000lb (1,361kg).
Power 2x Blackburn Cirrus Minor 11 4-cylinder inline piston engines 100hp (75kW) each.
Performance:
Speed Max 150mph (241km/h) at 2,800lb (1,300kg).
Cruise speed 130mph (209km/h)
Stall 35mph (56km/h).
Range 520mi (837km).
Endurance 5.8hrs.
Ceiling 13,500ft (4,100m).
Rate of Climb 870ft min (4.4m/s).
Visitors Noted:
Reg Type c/n Operator/information Date Noted
EI-AGF Gemini 6291 ................................................ 00.9.53.
G-AIHI --..-- 6283 ................................................ 19.3.47.
G-AIIF --..-- 6312 ............usual base Lasham.......... 22.7.57,26.7.57.
G-AIRS --..-- 6315 ................................................ 7.9.53.
G-AISM --..-- 6454 ................................................ 9.9.53,4.3.57.
G-AISO --..-- 6326 Air Contractors........................... 00.00.47.
G-AJEX --..-- 6324 Hearts & Essex Aero Club............. 9.9.55,10.9.57.
G-AJKR --..-- 6455 ................................................ 8.9.53.
G-AJKS --..-- 6289 Eagles, home based.................... 15.5.55,18.6.55,10.7.55->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 23.7.55,29.7.55,10.8.55->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 16.8.55,25.8.55,4.9.55->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 18.3.56,3.4.56,7.4.56->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 27.5.56,23.6.56,7.8.56->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 10.8.56,15.8.56,22.8.56->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 29.8.56,14.3.57,3.4.57->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 22.7.57,1.10.57,1.12.57->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 30.12.57,7.1.58,15.4.58->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 26.8.59.(Also later visits)
G-AJTG --..-- 6459 ............................................. 00.12.51,30.4.59,10.5.59.
G-AJWC --..-- 6295 ............................................. 6.9.55
G-AJWE --..-- 6452 ............................................. 22.3.59.
G-AJWF --..-- 6291 Blackbushe Flying Club ............ 26.4.54->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ............ 6.10.57.
G-AJZJ --..-- 6465 ............................................. 00.9.52.
G-AJZO --..-- 6446 ............................................ 10.4.57.
G-AJZS --..-- 6297 ............................................ 00.00.51,15.4.57,00.5.58->
--..-- --..-- --..-- ............................................. 8.7.59,26.8.59,6.9.59.
G-AKDB --..-- 6294 ........... based 1948 ............... 00.00.48.
G-AKDD --..-- 6284 Shell Aviation.......................... 2.7.59->
--..-- --..-- --..-- ............................................ 2.4.60.
G-AKDJ --..-- 6448 Air Couriers ............................ 24.7.59,9.8.59.
G-AKEJ --..-- 6482 Newcastle Corporation .............. 21.1.56.
G-AKEK --..-- 6483 K. McAlpine ............................. 12.1.57,27.12.59.
G-AKEL --..-- 6484 ............................................ 22.1.60,5.3.60.
G-AKEM --..-- 6485 ............................................ 30.6.59,26.8.59,29.8.59->
--..-- --..-- --..-- ............................................ 6.9.59.
G-AKEN --..-- 6486 ............................................ 10.9.53.
G-AKEX --..-- 6502 ............................................ 14.8.59.
G-AKFU --..-- 6494 ............................................ 3.9.57,5.9.57,7.9.57,->
--..-- --..-- --..-- ............................................ 9.9.59.
G-AKFX --..-- 6502 Bees Flight.............................. 00.12.51,00.9.52,00.8.54.
G-AKFY --..-- 6503 Air Couriers ............................ 16.8.55,5.8.57,31.5.58.
G-AKGC --..-- 6489 ............................................. 5.9.56-6.9.56,8.9.59.
G-AKGD --..-- 6492 ............................................. 9.4.58.
G-AKGE --..-- 6488 .............................................. 28.12.51,3.9.56-4.9.56->
--..-- --..-- --..-- .............................................. 4.9.57.
G-AKHB --..-- 6508 .............................................. 14.6.59,6.8.59,9.5.60.
G-AKHC --..-- 6490 Flight Magazine ....................... 29.3.60.
G-AKHF --..-- 6399 F.G Miles ................................. 00.9.51.
G-AKHP --..-- 6519 ............................................... 00.9.52,8.9.55,31.5.58.
G-AKHV --..-- 6523 ............................................... 7.7.50,9.9.53.
G-AKHW --..-- 6524 Plymouth Airport Ltd................... 7.9.54,7.9.55-8.9.55->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- ................... 5.9.57.
G-AKHY --..-- 6526 Smiths Instruments ................... 25.7.59.
G-AKKH --..-- 6479 ............................................... 11.9.53,7.9.55,9.9.59.
G-ALCS --..-- WAL/C 1001 ............................................... 24.6.57,3.4.60.
G-ALMU --..-- WAL/C 1004 ............................................... 4.9.52,10.9.59.
G-ALUG --..-- 6320 ............................................... 4.9.52->
--..-- --..-- --..-- Yorkshire Aeroplane Club ........... 7.9.55.
G-AMGF --..-- WAL/C 1003 Shell Aviation............................ 5.9.59,1.11.59,29.11.59->
--..-- --..-- --..-- --..-- home based ex Croydon 1.10.59.
G-AMRG --..-- 6313 ............from Croydon............... 19.6.57.
G-AOXW --..-- 6478 ............................................... 14.6.57,6.9.58,25.5.59->
--..-- --..-- --..-- ............................................... 9.9.59.
OO-ODR --..-- 6460 ............................................... 10.9.53,6.9.57.
Credits:
Wikipedia
rj for use of his record sheets
The enthusiasts who noted the visitors.
pb for his help and supply of photographs.
complete JSM 17.3.2019.