Miles M.65 Gemini / M.75 Aries

Conceived as a twin-engine retractable landing gear version of the Messenger, the Miles M.65 Gemini flew first on 26 October 1945 and was an immediate success. It was the last Miles aircraft to enter quantity production and in its Gemini Mk 1A initial form was powered by 75kW Blackburn Cirrus engines, and had non-retractable auxiliary trailing-edge flaps. About 150 were built in the first year of production.

One Gemini Mk 1B was built with retractable flaps.

The single Gemini Mk 2 was created by installing 93kW Continental engines, while production Gemini Mk 3A aircraft had 108kW de Havilland Gipsy Major 10s. There were several sub-variants with detail differences, but the most powerful version with two 116kW Blackburn Cirrus Major III engines, a strengthened structure and larger fins and rudders, was deemed sufficiently different to be designated M.75 Aries.

A total of 170 Geminis and two Aries were built, around two-thirds of them being exported, before the company collapsed in 1947.

M.65 Gemini
Engines: 2 x 100 hp Blackburn Cirrus Minor
Wing span: 11.02 m / 36.1 ft
Length: 6.78 m / 22.25 ft
Weight empty 1,900 lb / 860 kg
Cruise speed: 125 mph / 200 kph
Ceiling: 13,500 ft / 4,100 m
Range: 820 miles  1,320 km
Seats: 4

M.75 Aries
Engines: 2 x 116kW Blackburn Cirrus Major III