Most people's idea of the perfect aeroplane, is a small aeroplane, of high manœuvrability, which they would like to build for themselves, but rarely are such dreams attained. Fired by the urge to own and fly such a machine, F. G. Miles had built the Gnat biplane in 1925, reaching the final assembly stage, but never having the pleasure of flying it and having to wait another three years before the opportunity came again.
When, in 1928, thoughts were again directed to the question of a small manœuvrable aeroplane, the purpose was to design and build a machine capable of economical advanced flying training and in this Mr. Miles was successful, with the assistance of a small team of enthusiasts including his brother George, D. L. Brown and Harry Hull. Working chiefly in their spare time, they designed and built a small biplane, known as the Martlet, and had it ready for taxiing trials in a comparatively short space of time.
When the Martlet was first wheeled from the shed at New Salts Aerodrome, Shoreham, such was Mr. Miles' enthusiasm, that he decided to fly the machine there and then, and on lookers were amazed to see him airborne after an incredibly short run.
Thereafter five further Martlets were built, with five different types of engine, and the many pilots who handled the machine were unanimous in commending its extreme manœuvrability, positive controls, remarkable docility, and steep angle of climb from a short take-off.