In the Martlet, Mr. Miles had his light advanced training aeroplane, and the many R.A.F. pilots who flew it were of the opinion that it was the ideal medium for economical training in fighter tactics and aerobatics, but the fact that it was a wooden machine would be a point against its adoption for Service use.
In any case, at the time metal was considered to be the best material to construct aircraft from, and therefore Mr. Miles adapted the Martlet fuselage to meet the current requirements.
The Metal Martlet, of which only one example was produced, was similar in shape to the original Martlet, but the latter's heavy stagger was modified to enable the wings to fold. The fuselage was of square-section steel tubing, plate jointed, and notable for the complete absence of internal bracing wires and welded joints, features which prevented any need for rigging or adjustment and made the replacement of damaged members very simple.
Powered by a 105 hp Cirrus Hermes engine, the Metal Martlet was highly manœuvrable, both in the air and on the ground. This even led to Mr. Miles devising an amusing dance, to music, which became a feature of the Shoreham Air Displays of that time.