In 1939, F.G. Miles began the design of a large transport aeroplane, the
X.2, intended to have the maximum degree of aerodynamic cleanness
obtainable. To this end the fuselage was made wide and shallow so that it
merged almost imperceptibly into the wing which was fitted with large root
fillets. Miles submitted it to the Air Ministry. However the Air Ministry
were not interested in civil aircraft or in research work other than that
directly connected with the urgent expansion of the RAF. In connection
with the X project, Miles decided to build a flying scale model, M.30 X
Minor in 1941. The aircraft was built of wooden construction, and flown in
the hope that some useful data might be obtained. The first flight was
made in February 1942, providing Miles with useful data for several years.
At a later date, extensions to the wingtips were fitted, thereby
increasing the wingspan from 33 ft to 28 ft 6 in. When the flight trails
had been completed, the X Minor was transferred to Apprentice Schoolas
technical equipment.
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