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| − | {|{{Infobox |
+ | {|{{Infobox aircraft begin |
|name = M.39B Libellula |
|name = M.39B Libellula |
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|image = Miles M.39b.jpg |
|image = Miles M.39b.jpg |
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|manufacturer = [[Miles Aircraft]] |
|manufacturer = [[Miles Aircraft]] |
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|designer = [[Ray Bournon]] and [[George Miles (aircraft engineer)|George Miles]] |
|designer = [[Ray Bournon]] and [[George Miles (aircraft engineer)|George Miles]] |
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| − | |first flight = 22 July 1943<ref name="Brown">Brown (1970) p236-242{{clarify|broad page range, can more specific page numbers be given?|date=February |
+ | |first flight = 22 July 1943<ref name="Brown">Brown (1970) p236-242{{clarify|broad page range, can more specific page numbers be given?|date=February 2014}}</ref> |
|introduced = |
|introduced = |
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|retired = |
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| − | The '''M.39B Libellula''' (from [[Libellulidae]], a |
+ | The '''M.39B Libellula''' (from [[Libellulidae]], a taxonomic family of [[dragonfly|dragonflies]]) was a Second World War [[tandem wing]] experimental aircraft built by [[Miles Aircraft]]; a scale version of the M.39 design proposed by Miles to meet [[List of Air Ministry Specifications|Air Ministry specification]] B.11/41 for a fast bomber.<ref name="Brown"/> The M.39B was used by Miles to generate data from which the M.39 design was improved but the M.39 project was cancelled and the B.39B broken up. |
==Design and development== |
==Design and development== |
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| − | |||
===M.39=== |
===M.39=== |
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| − | Though it had some problems, the earlier [[Miles M.35 Libellula|M.35]] proved sufficient to show the idea had merits, and the larger M.39 was drawn up as a twin-engined design prepared to meet Specification B.11/41 which had been issued by the Air Ministry for a high speed bomber. The specification had been written for the P.1005 proposal by |
+ | Though it had some problems, the earlier [[Miles M.35 Libellula|M.35]] proved sufficient to show the idea had merits, and the larger M.39 was drawn up as a twin-engined design prepared to meet Specification B.11/41 which had been issued by the Air Ministry for a high speed bomber. The specification had been written for the P.1005 proposal by Hawker, powered by two [[Napier Sabre]] engines, estimated to achieve 400+ mph at 25,000 ft and deliver a 2,000 lb bomb load over 1,600 miles.<ref>Buttler p83</ref> The P.1005 was cancelled after several delays on behalf of the Air Ministry and before Miles submitted his design to the Ministry<ref name="Brown"/> in July.<ref>Buttler p86</ref> In November 1943 a full-size prototype (to use the serial ''RR910'') was ordered, but not built.<ref name="Buttler p87">Buttler p87</ref> |
| ⚫ | Until the intended (three) [[Power Jets]] [[Rolls-Royce Welland|W.2]]/500 turbojets were available the M.39 would have had two Rolls-Royce Merlin 60 inline or [[Bristol Hercules]] VIII radial piston engines. The M.39 would have a crew of three in a pressurized cabin. As well as the bomb-bay amidships, the M.39 would carry two fixed [[Hispano-Suiza HS.404|20 mm cannon]] in the roots of the forward wings.<ref name="Buttler p87"/> |
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| − | |||
| ⚫ | Until the intended (three) [[Power Jets]] [[Rolls-Royce Welland|W.2]]/500 turbojets were available the M.39 would have had two |
||
===M.39B=== |
===M.39B=== |
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| − | To prove the concept Miles designed and built a 5/8th scale version, the '''M.39B''', which flew on 22 July 1943, showing no "undesirable handling" characteristics. It coincided with interest by the authorities in unorthodox designs for large aircraft. The rear wing was higher than the forward one to avoid downwash and give ground clearance for the propellers. The M39 design had inboard flaps and outboard ailerons on the rear wing and the front wing had a auxiliary aerofoil/flap/elavator device, which could vary the wing area without changing |
+ | To prove the concept Miles designed and built a 5/8th scale version, the '''M.39B''', which flew on 22 July 1943, showing no "undesirable handling" characteristics. It coincided with interest by the authorities in unorthodox designs for large aircraft. The rear wing was higher than the forward one to avoid downwash and give ground clearance for the propellers. The M39 design had inboard flaps and outboard ailerons on the rear wing and the front wing had a auxiliary aerofoil/flap/elavator device, which could vary the wing area without changing lift coefficient.<ref>Buttler p86-87</ref> |
The [[Ministry of Aircraft Production]] agreed a development contract and purchase of the M.39B. Miles continued testing, generating more flight data and submitted an improved M.39 design in early 1944.<ref name="Buttler p87"/> Meanwhile the sole M.39B passed to the [[Royal Aircraft Establishment]] at [[Farnborough Airfield|Farnborough]] in 1944, where it carried the serial ''SR392'', being damaged and repaired after two accidents, only to be broken up with the full-sized bomber project’s cancellation.<ref name="Brown"/> |
The [[Ministry of Aircraft Production]] agreed a development contract and purchase of the M.39B. Miles continued testing, generating more flight data and submitted an improved M.39 design in early 1944.<ref name="Buttler p87"/> Meanwhile the sole M.39B passed to the [[Royal Aircraft Establishment]] at [[Farnborough Airfield|Farnborough]] in 1944, where it carried the serial ''SR392'', being damaged and repaired after two accidents, only to be broken up with the full-sized bomber project’s cancellation.<ref name="Brown"/> |
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{{Aircraft specs |
{{Aircraft specs |
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| − | |ref=Miles aircraft since 1925<ref name="Brown"/ |
+ | |ref=Miles aircraft since 1925<ref name="Brown"/> |
| + | |prime units?=imp |
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| − | |prime units?=imp<!-- imp or kts first for US aircraft, and UK aircraft pre-metrification, |
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| − | met(ric) first for all others. You MUST choose a format, or no specifications will show --> |
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| − | General characteristics |
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| − | |capacity= |
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|length ft=22 |
|length ft=22 |
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|length in=2 |
|length in=2 |
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| − | |length note= |
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| − | |span m= |
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|span ft=37 |
|span ft=37 |
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|span in=6 |
|span in=6 |
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|span note= rear wing<br/> |
|span note= rear wing<br/> |
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** {{convert|25|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} front wing |
** {{convert|25|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} front wing |
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| − | |upper span m= |
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| − | |lower span note= |
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| − | |swept m=<!-- swing-wings --> |
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| − | |swept ft=<!-- swing-wings --> |
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| − | |swept in=<!-- swing-wings --> |
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| − | |swept note= |
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| − | |width m=<!-- if applicable --> |
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| − | |width ft=<!-- if applicable --> |
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| − | |width in=<!-- if applicable --> |
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|height ft=9 |
|height ft=9 |
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|height in=3 |
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| − | |wing area sqm= |
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|wing area sqft=187.5 |
|wing area sqft=187.5 |
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|wing area note= rear wing<br/> |
|wing area note= rear wing<br/> |
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**{{convert|61.7|sqft|sqm|abbr=on|}} forward wing |
**{{convert|61.7|sqft|sqm|abbr=on|}} forward wing |
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| + | |aspect ratio=<br/> |
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| − | |swept area sqm=<!-- swing-wings --> |
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| − | |swept area sqft=<!-- swing-wings --> |
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| − | |swept area note= |
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| − | |volume m3=<!-- lighter-than-air --> |
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| − | |volume ft3=<!-- lighter-than-air --> |
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| − | |volume note= |
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| − | |aspect ratio=<!-- give where relevant eg sailplanes --><br/> |
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**Front wing 10.1 |
**Front wing 10.1 |
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**Rear wing 7.5 |
**Rear wing 7.5 |
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| Line 98: | Line 58: | ||
**Front wing: NACA 23018 at root, NACA 2412 at tip |
**Front wing: NACA 23018 at root, NACA 2412 at tip |
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**Rear wing: NACA 23021 at root, NACA 2415 at tip |
**Rear wing: NACA 23021 at root, NACA 2415 at tip |
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| − | |empty weight kg= |
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|empty weight lb=2405 |
|empty weight lb=2405 |
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| − | |empty weight note= |
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| − | |gross weight kg= |
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|gross weight lb=2800 |
|gross weight lb=2800 |
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| − | |gross weight note= |
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| − | |max takeoff weight kg= |
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| − | |max takeoff weight lb= |
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| − | |max takeoff weight note= |
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|fuel capacity={{convert|25|impgal|l|abbr=on|2}} |
|fuel capacity={{convert|25|impgal|l|abbr=on|2}} |
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| − | |lift kg=<!-- lighter-than-air --> |
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| − | |lift lb=<!-- lighter-than-air --> |
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| − | |lift note= |
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|more general=<br/> |
|more general=<br/> |
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*'''Sweepback on leading edge''' rear wing 21° 0′ 48″ |
*'''Sweepback on leading edge''' rear wing 21° 0′ 48″ |
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| − | <!-- |
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| − | Powerplant |
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| − | --> |
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|eng1 number=2 |
|eng1 number=2 |
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|eng1 name=[[de Havilland Gipsy Major|de Havilland Gipsy Major IC]] |
|eng1 name=[[de Havilland Gipsy Major|de Havilland Gipsy Major IC]] |
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|eng1 type=inline piston engine |
|eng1 type=inline piston engine |
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| − | |eng1 |
+ | |eng1 hp=140 |
| − | |eng1 hp=140<!-- prop engines --> |
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| − | |eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines --> |
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| − | |eng1 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines --> |
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| − | |eng1 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines --> |
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| − | |prop blade number=<!-- propeller aircraft --> |
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| − | |prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft --> |
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| − | |prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft --> |
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|max speed kmh=164 |
|max speed kmh=164 |
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| − | |max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft --> |
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| − | |stall speed kmh= |
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|stall speed mph=59 |
|stall speed mph=59 |
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| − | |stall speed kts= |
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|stall speed note= flaps down |
|stall speed note= flaps down |
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| − | |never exceed speed kmh= |
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| − | |never exceed speed mph= |
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| − | |range miles= |
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| − | |combat range km= |
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| − | |endurance=<!-- if range unknown --> |
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| − | |g limits=<!-- aerobatic --> |
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| − | |roll rate=<!-- aerobatic --> |
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| − | |glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes --> |
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| − | |climb rate ms= |
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|climb rate ftmin=1,100 |
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| − | |lift to drag= |
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|wing loading lb/sqft=11.2 |
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| − | |fuel consumption kg/km= |
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|power/mass=0.1 hp/lb (0.16 kW/kg) |
|power/mass=0.1 hp/lb (0.16 kW/kg) |
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| − | |armament=<!-- add bulletted list here or if you want to use the following |
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| + | |armament= |
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| − | |avionics= |
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}} |
}} |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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| − | {{aircontent| |
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| − | |related= |
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| − | |similar aircraft= |
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* [[Kyushu J7W]] |
* [[Kyushu J7W]] |
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* [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-8]] |
* [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-8]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
| − | |lists= |
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| ⚫ | |||
* [[List of aircraft of the United Kingdom in World War II]] |
* [[List of aircraft of the United Kingdom in World War II]] |
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| − | |see also= |
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| − | }} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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* Amos, Peter and Don Lambert Brown. ''Miles Aircraft Since 1925, Volume 1''. London: Putnam Aeronautical, 2000. ISBN 0-85177-787-2. |
* Amos, Peter and Don Lambert Brown. ''Miles Aircraft Since 1925, Volume 1''. London: Putnam Aeronautical, 2000. ISBN 0-85177-787-2. |
||
* [[Leonard Bridgman|Bridgman, Leonard]] (ed.) ''Jane's fighting aircraft of World War II''. London: Crescent, 1998. ISBN 0-517-67964-7 |
* [[Leonard Bridgman|Bridgman, Leonard]] (ed.) ''Jane's fighting aircraft of World War II''. London: Crescent, 1998. ISBN 0-517-67964-7 |
||
| − | * [[Eric Brown (pilot)|Brown, Eric]]. "The Lovelorn Libellula." '' |
+ | * [[Eric Brown (pilot)|Brown, Eric]]. "The Lovelorn Libellula." ''Air Enthusiast Five'' November 1977-February 1978. Bromley, Kent, UK: Pilot Press Ltd., 1977. |
* "The Miles 'Dragonflies'" ''[[Aeroplane Magazine|Aeroplane Monthly]]'', June 1973. London: [[IPC Media|IPC Media Ltd]]. ISSN 0143-7240. |
* "The Miles 'Dragonflies'" ''[[Aeroplane Magazine|Aeroplane Monthly]]'', June 1973. London: [[IPC Media|IPC Media Ltd]]. ISSN 0143-7240. |
||
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*[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1944/1944%20-%200910.html Miles Tandem Monoplanes] Flight 1944 |
*[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1944/1944%20-%200910.html Miles Tandem Monoplanes] Flight 1944 |
||
*[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1944/1944%20-%200900.html pictures of Miles Tandem Monoplanes] - Flight 1944 |
*[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1944/1944%20-%200900.html pictures of Miles Tandem Monoplanes] - Flight 1944 |
||
| − | |||
| − | {{Miles aircraft}} |
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| − | {{Aviation lists}} |
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{{Wikipedia|Miles M.39B Libellula}} |
{{Wikipedia|Miles M.39B Libellula}} |
||
Latest revision as of 19:53, 14 June 2020
| M.39B Libellula | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Miles M.39B in flight | |
| Role | bomber |
| Manufacturer | Miles Aircraft |
| Designer | Ray Bournon and George Miles |
| First flight | 22 July 1943[1] |
| Primary user | Royal Aircraft Establishment[1] |
| Number built | 1[1] |
The M.39B Libellula (from Libellulidae, a taxonomic family of dragonflies) was a Second World War tandem wing experimental aircraft built by Miles Aircraft; a scale version of the M.39 design proposed by Miles to meet Air Ministry specification B.11/41 for a fast bomber.[1] The M.39B was used by Miles to generate data from which the M.39 design was improved but the M.39 project was cancelled and the B.39B broken up.
Design and development
M.39
Though it had some problems, the earlier M.35 proved sufficient to show the idea had merits, and the larger M.39 was drawn up as a twin-engined design prepared to meet Specification B.11/41 which had been issued by the Air Ministry for a high speed bomber. The specification had been written for the P.1005 proposal by Hawker, powered by two Napier Sabre engines, estimated to achieve 400+ mph at 25,000 ft and deliver a 2,000 lb bomb load over 1,600 miles.[2] The P.1005 was cancelled after several delays on behalf of the Air Ministry and before Miles submitted his design to the Ministry[1] in July.[3] In November 1943 a full-size prototype (to use the serial RR910) was ordered, but not built.[4] Until the intended (three) Power Jets W.2/500 turbojets were available the M.39 would have had two Rolls-Royce Merlin 60 inline or Bristol Hercules VIII radial piston engines. The M.39 would have a crew of three in a pressurized cabin. As well as the bomb-bay amidships, the M.39 would carry two fixed 20 mm cannon in the roots of the forward wings.[4]
M.39B
To prove the concept Miles designed and built a 5/8th scale version, the M.39B, which flew on 22 July 1943, showing no "undesirable handling" characteristics. It coincided with interest by the authorities in unorthodox designs for large aircraft. The rear wing was higher than the forward one to avoid downwash and give ground clearance for the propellers. The M39 design had inboard flaps and outboard ailerons on the rear wing and the front wing had a auxiliary aerofoil/flap/elavator device, which could vary the wing area without changing lift coefficient.[5]
The Ministry of Aircraft Production agreed a development contract and purchase of the M.39B. Miles continued testing, generating more flight data and submitted an improved M.39 design in early 1944.[4] Meanwhile the sole M.39B passed to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough in 1944, where it carried the serial SR392, being damaged and repaired after two accidents, only to be broken up with the full-sized bomber project’s cancellation.[1]
Specifications (M.39B)
The Miles M.39B Libellula
Data from Miles aircraft since 1925[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 22 ft 2 in (6.76 m)
- Wingspan: 37 ft 6 in (11.43 m) rear wing
- 25 ft (8 m) front wing
- Height: 9 ft 3 in (2.82 m)
- Wing area: 187.5 sq ft (17.42 m2) rear wing
- 61.7 sq ft (5.73 m2) forward wing
- Aspect ratio:
- Front wing 10.1
- Rear wing 7.5
- Airfoil:
- Front wing: NACA 23018 at root, NACA 2412 at tip
- Rear wing: NACA 23021 at root, NACA 2415 at tip
- Empty weight: 2,405 lb (1,091 kg)
- Gross weight: 2,800 lb (1,270 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 25 imp gal (113.65 l)
- Sweepback on leading edge rear wing 21° 0′ 48″
- Powerplant: 2 × de Havilland Gipsy Major IC inline piston engine, 140 hp (100 kW) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 102 mph; 89 kn (164 km/h)
- Stall speed: 59 mph (51 kn; 95 km/h) flaps down
- Rate of climb: 1,100 ft/min (5.6 m/s)
- Wing loading: 11.2 lb/sq ft (55 kg/m2)
- Power/mass: 0.1 hp/lb (0.16 kW/kg)
See also
- Miles M.35 Libellula
- Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender
- Kyushu J7W
- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-8
- List of experimental aircraft
- List of aircraft of the United Kingdom in World War II
References
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Brown, Don Lambert. Miles Aircraft Since 1925. London: Putnam & Company Ltd., 1970. ISBN 0-370-00127-3.
- Mondey, David. The Hamlyn Concise Guide to British Aircraft of World War II. London: Chancellor Press, 2002. ISBN 1-85152-668-4.
- Buttler, Tony. British Secret Projects Fighters & Bombers, 1935-1950. Hinckley: Midland Publications, 2004. ISBN 978-1-85780-179-8.
Further reading
- Amos, Peter and Don Lambert Brown. Miles Aircraft Since 1925, Volume 1. London: Putnam Aeronautical, 2000. ISBN 0-85177-787-2.
- Bridgman, Leonard (ed.) Jane's fighting aircraft of World War II. London: Crescent, 1998. ISBN 0-517-67964-7
- Brown, Eric. "The Lovelorn Libellula." Air Enthusiast Five November 1977-February 1978. Bromley, Kent, UK: Pilot Press Ltd., 1977.
- "The Miles 'Dragonflies'" Aeroplane Monthly, June 1973. London: IPC Media Ltd. ISSN 0143-7240.
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Miles M.39B Libellula. |
- "M.35 Libellula". Miles Aircraft History site. 13 January 2006. http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20060113150748/http://www.miles-aircraft.com/M.35_and_m.39b_libellula.html. Retrieved 29 March 2011.
- Teeuwen, Jaap. "Miles M.35". British Aircraft of WW2. www.jaapteeuwen.com. http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20080820080850/http://www.jaapteeuwen.com/ww2aircraft/html%20pages/MILES%20M35.htm. Retrieved 29 March 2011.
- Teeuwen, Jaap. "Miles M.39B". British Aircraft of WW2. www.jaapteeuwen.com. http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20080703165346/http://www.jaapteeuwen.com/ww2aircraft/html%20pages/MILES%20M39B.htm. Retrieved 29 March 2011.
- Miles Tandem Monoplanes Flight 1944
- pictures of Miles Tandem Monoplanes - Flight 1944
The original article can be found at Miles M.39B Libellula and the edit history here.