Miles M.5 Sparrowhawk

Miles Aircraft · United Kingdom · first flew 1935 · light aircraft

The Miles M.5 Sparrowhawk was a 1930s British single-seat racing and touring monoplane designed by Miles Aircraft Limited.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Low-wing single-seat racing monoplane
• Shortened Miles Hawk fuselage with a reduced top decking
• Pilot sits as low as possible

It looks like a shortened Miles Hawk with a single-seat cockpit and a low top decking. It is a low-wing monoplane with a widened undercarriage track.

Specifications

• The Miles M.5 Sparrowhawk has a length of 7.16 m (23 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 8.53 m (28 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 290 km/h (180 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The prototype was developed from standard Miles Hawk components as an entry into the King's Cup Race of 1935, piloted by F.G. Miles. The standard Hawk fuselage was shortened, the top decking was reduced in height and the undercarriage track was widened.

Variants

The M.5 prototype had a 147 hp de Havilland Gipsy Major, and the M.5A production version had a 130 hp Gipsy Major I. The prototype was later modified as the jet-powered M.77 Sparrowjet.

Where you'll see it

The Sparrowhawk won the 1935 speed prize at an average of 163.64 mph, but came only ninth overall because of heavy handicapping. Six were built in total and three were delivered to customers, one of which served with the South African Air Force.

Related aircraft

• Miles M.2 Hawk Trainer
• Miles M.4A Merlin
• Miles M.6 Hawcon
• Miles M.7 Nighthawk
• Adaro 1.E.7 Chirta
• Ambrosini SAI.1
• American Gyro AG-4 Crusader
• Arup S-4

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