Miles M.39B -
Single-seat research aircraft of 'libellula' configuration (see Miles
M.35), built as five-eighths model of Miles M.39 designed to Specification
B.I 1/41 for a lightly-armed, high-altitude high-speed bomber. Powered
by two 140 hp DH Gipsy Major 1C engines, Miles M.39B was built at Liverpool
Road (as L.R.3) and first flown on July 22, 1943, as U-0244. Transferred
to RAE Farnborough in January 1944 as SR392, for official evaluation:
returned to Woodley for modifications in February 1945 and remained with
Miles for the remainder of the war, becoming marked as U-4.
Max speeed, 164 mph (264 km/h).
Rate of climb, 1,100 ftlmin (5.5 ml sec). Empty weight, 2,405 Ib (1,091
kg). Gross weight, 2,800 Ib (1,270 kg). Span (front), 25ft 0 in (7.62
m). Span (rear), 37 ft 6 in (11.43 m). Length, 22 ft 2 in (6.76m).
