| Miles Gemini | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Twin-engined touring aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Miles Aircraft |
| First flight | 26 October 1945 |
| Introduction | 1946 |
| Produced | 1945-1947 |
| Number built | 170[1] |
| Developed from | Miles Messenger |
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.[2]
Development of the Gemini was conducted at a rapid pace following the end of the Second World War, the company being keen to bring its new designs to the postwar civil aviation sector. The speed of development was greatly bolstered by basing the design on the single-engined Miles Messenger. First flying on 26 October 1945, the company's confidence in the aircraft was such that sales demonstrations using the prototype started only days later, while efforts to commence large scale production were started immediately.
Within its first year of availability, 130 Geminis had been sold, proving its popularity. It performance was such that it became a successful racing aircraft, with one example alone winning numerous competitions. The company endeavoured to introduce numerous improvements upon the type, along with early work to produce a successor to the Gemini. However, these ambitions were cut short by the company's collapse after its bankruptcy in 1947. While efforts to revive production were made, including the development of the improved Miles M.75 Aries, the type was never able to regain momentum.