Miles Magister

Following the success of the civil Miles Hawk Trainer, the Air Ministry drew up Specification T.40/36 for a development of the Hawk as an elementary trainer for the RAF. Design changes included the provision of larger cockpits and blind-flying equipment, production of the Miles M.14 Magister starting in early 1937 to the revised Specification T.37/37. Initial deliveries to the RAF were made in May 1937, these being the first low-wing monoplane trainers used in the history of the Royal Air Force. Also, it was also a radical departure from the declared policy of the Air Ministry that all future Service aircraft were to be of metal construction.

The Magister was, in addition, the first R.A.F. aeroplane in which magnesium alloy castings were used for stressed parts, and the first low-wing cantilever monoplane with full Air Ministry approval for acrobatic flying, including protracted spins. The Magister's spinning problem was soon rectified and modified aircraft and subsequent production aircraft had the designation M.14A.

At the time of the Magister's introduction, the first deliveries of Hurricanes and Spitfires were being made, and the new trainer, with its low-wing monoplane characteristics and split trailing-edge flaps, reproduced the handlings qualities of these types in a safe manner.

Built from 1937 to 1941, the total construction by Miles amounted to 1,293, and an additional 100 were built under licence in Turkey following the evaluation of four received from Miles. RAF contracts covered 1,229 aircraft, and other countries acquiring Magisters for military use included Eire (15), Egypt (42) and New Zealand (2). In addition, a number were supplied to civil customers, and after the end of World War 2 many ex RAF Magisters came on to the civil market under the designation Hawk Trainer III. At the peak of

RAF use Magisters equipped 16 Elementary Flying Training Schools and the Central Flying School, and were in use with the RAF commands, the last being retired in 1948; in addition, they saw service with the British army and the Fleet Air Arm.

Design Company:

Phillips & Powis Aircraft Ltd

First Flight:

Early 1937

M.14 Magister:

1293 - Phillips & Powis, Woodley
100 - Turkey

Type Specification

Applies to:

Miles M.14A Magister I

Type:

Elementary trainer for RAF to specification T.40/36 developed from Hawk Trainer

Wing:

Low wing cantilever monoplane of spruce structure covered in plywood. Centre section has no dihedral and is of constant section, outer sections have dihedral and taper towards the tip. Split flaps fitted as standard

Fuselage:

Fuselage of spruce structure with plywood covering

Tail Unit:

Cantilever tailplane with elevator at top of fuselage with single fin and rudder

Landing Gear:

Fixed main wheels beneath wing. Tail wheel

Power Plant:

One 130 hp de Havilland Gipsy Major in nose

Accommodation:

Seats for two in tandem open cockpits above the wing

Dimensions

Span:

33 ft 10 in

Length:

24 ft 7 in

Height:

6 ft 8 in

Wing Area:

176 sq ft

Weights

Empty:

1,286 lb

All-up:

1,900 lb

Performance

Max Speed:

140 mph at sea level

Initial Rate of Climb:

750 ft/min

Service Ceiling:

16,500 ft

Range:

367 miles