Miles Gemini

[Hagar]

Mmm. I might look into that one. I've never really considered the relationship between the Cirrus and Gypsy. I'm wondering if the Gypsy line was developed as a higher performance successor to the Cirrus line, as the 6 cylinder Gypsy Queen powered aircraft such as the DH86 Dragon Rapide and the DH88 Comet, and of course the Gypsy line powered (relatively) high performance aircraft such as the Tiger Moth and the Chipmunk,whilst the Cirrus continued to power the majority of DH powered GA aircraft of the day...

I'm not an engine man but I've worked on both & knew there was a relationship.* The Cirrus & Gipsy engines were designed by the same man, Frank B Halford. http://100.rolls-royce.com/people/view.jsp?id=118
He originally worked as a freelance engine design consultant to various companies including DH until 1944 when he was put in charge of the new DH Engine Company. He also designed the Napier Sabre & was responsible for the DH range of jet engines. Quite a man.

[quote]You're making me jealous old friend!

[beaky]

Wow. I'm no Miles expert, but I know that's a rare one. Kinda like spotting a coelacanth or something. Good to see her flying!!

[Hagar]

I can only find 3 airworthy examples on the UK register. G-AKHP, G-AKKB & G-AKKH. I know there's another one in Belgium* but as most Miles airframes are all-wood construction they deteriorate with age, especially in humid climates & when stored outside. The main problem is not the wood itself but failure of the old-fashioned glues used in their construction. The plywood covering also tends to delaminate.

*PS. http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=203408

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

Wonderful Doug...very nice

I wonder, did the main gear retract part way on the aircraft and was she a bit underpowered?

Thanks for posting it.

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

[Felix/FFDS]

Similar but not the same. The Gemini 1A has 2x 100 hp (Blackburn) Cirrus Minors & the Chippie has the DH Gipsy Major (later production versions were fitted with the 145 hp Gipsy Major 10 Mk 2). I believe both the Cirrus & Gypsy 4-cylinder inverted engines were derived from the same original design. The single-engined Miles Messenger is fitted with the 150 hp Cirrus Major which is very similar to the Gipsy Major.

According to the engine section of "British Light Aeroplanes" the Cirrus line (ne

[ozzy72]

Beautiful Doug, a pity there aren't more Miles aircraft in FS....

[Hagar]

[quote]According to the engine section of "British Light Aeroplanes" the Cirrus line (ne

[Rifleman]

Once again you've proven that being retired has its benefits Doug.........

I'm glad that the adhesive you use to afix your camera to your hand is stronger than mine......I know I've missed some shots but you always seem to come home with the gold !.........very nice indeed  8)