The Miles M.100 CENTURION is the logical development of the STUDENT jet trainer. Using basically the same airframe as the STUDENT, the CENTURION is envisaged in three different marks, respectively powered with a de-rated Rolls-Royce R.B. 108 at 1,400 lb. thrust, a Turboméca Gourdon at 1,410 lb. thrust and a pair of Turboméca Arbizons at 550 lb. thrust each. One of the great features stressed during the design and manufacture of the STUDENT is its development capability; in the CENTURION is seen the first phase of this programme.

The fastest of the trio, the Gourdon engined version, has a top speed of 415 m.p.h., and a maximum cruising speed of 375 m.p.h. giving a lively performance for an advanced trainer, still with the inherent economy of the STUDENT.

The Miles M.100 airframe in its STUDENT and CENTURION forms, covers the widest range of training specifications ever offered. The Marboré powered STUDENT takes the pilot through the elementary stage, right from the moment of his first flight, while the R.B. 108 or Gourdon CENTURION carries him through his advanced training, including weapons exercises with guns, bombs and rockets. During the advanced stage the pilot is enabled on the Arbizon CENTURION to carry out twin engined training on the same airframe with almost identical controls to those to which he has become accustomed, thereby obviating the necessity of learning the layout of a completely new aircraft simply to carry out twin-engine training. This aspect is becoming increasingly important with the introduction of a number of twin-engined jet fighters in service to-day. Also of great value is the economy afforded by the interchangeability of airframe parts between all the aircraft in the M.100 range.

In addition to the training role for which they have been designed, the aircraft of the CENTURION range are eminently suited for economical high-speed communications work. All of them are able to carry four people in reasonable comfort, while the Arbizon CENTURION with its twin engined safety combined with a cruising speed of 300 m.p.h. makes the greatest appeal for commercial use.