1/48 Miles M.35 Libellula

The Miles M.35 Libellula is a 1/48-scale resin model kit of the aircraft from CMK.

Before World War II, Phillips & Powis Aircraft Ltd. specialized in touring and training aircraft. Frederick George Miles was the company’s chief designer, technical director, and co-owner. Because he designed them, all the aircraft produced were named after him. In 1943, the company was renamed Miles Aircraft Ltd. Before and during the war, the company primarily produced the Magister, Master, and Marinet trainer aircraft for the RAF. However, F. G. Miles had higher ambitions. He sought to design combat aircraft as well, thereby breaking into the domain of the major manufacturers. His designs, however, were quite unorthodox. In 1941, together with designer R. Bournon, he began design work on a prototype light aircraft featuring a tandem wing, a pusher engine at the rear of the fuselage, and a cockpit located in the nose of the fuselage. He intended to use this aircraft to verify the flight characteristics of a future carrier-based fighter. An aircraft with this design would provide the pilot with an excellent forward view, essential for takeoff and, especially, landing on an aircraft carrier. Another advantage was that such an aircraft did not need folding wings. This would have a positive impact on its performance and maintainability. The aircraft, designated M.35 and named Libellula, took off on its maiden flight on May 1, 1942, piloted by the designer himself (Miles’ chief test pilot refused to fly the aircraft). The aircraft was reluctant to take off and nearly crashed. The culprit was an improper center of gravity. After the balance was adjusted, the aircraft flew well. Miles approached the Ministry of Aircraft Production and the Admiralty with a proposal for a naval fighter, but was met with rejection and criticism that the Libellula had been developed and built without the authorities’ knowledge. Miles applied the same wing design to a project for a twin-engine high-altitude, high-speed bomber meeting the B11/41 specifications. The flight characteristics were again verified on a scaled-down test aircraft, the M.39, which shared the name Libellula. This all-resin model of this interesting aircraft includes, in addition to resin parts, white metal-cast landing gear legs, decals, and vacuum-formed cockpit canopies.

The resin parts require trimming, test fitting, and gluing with a suitable adhesive. Paints, adhesive, and tools are not typically included in the package.

Recommended accessories

• adhesive for resin and plastic models
• primer to even out the surface before painting
• model paints for camouflage and details
• patina and weathering to highlight signs of wear and tear