Miles M.64 L.R.5

A small band of enthusiasts at Miles' Liverpool road factory, (L.R.5 - 5th design from Liverpool Road) gained permission from |George Miles]] to design and build a light aircraft for possible production after the end of the Second World War. Miles gave his permission and also agreed to the company supplying any materials required.[1]

The L.R.5 emerged in 1945 as a single-engined, wooden, low-wing monoplane with a fixed tricycle undercarriage, powered by a 100 hp (75 kW) Blackburn Cirrus Minor 4-cylinder, air-cooled, inverted, in-line piston aircraft engine. The spacious side-by-side configuration cockpit was covered by a large plexiglas canopy with car-type entry doors on both sides. The undercarriage included levered sprung main legs and a steerable nosewheel.[1]

Due to disappointing flight test results and higher priority given to established production aircraft, development of the L.R.5 was abandoned.[1]

George Miles flew the prototype, which had been allocated the experimental registration U-0253 (later U-6), on 3 June 1945, but although flight test results were disappointing at low speeds, on take-off and landing, the L.R.5 was pleasant to fly and had excellent visibility.[1]

Data from Miles Aircraft since 1925[1]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Capacity: one passenger
• Wingspan: 36 ft (11 m)
• Empty weight: 1,000 lb (454 kg)
• Gross weight: 1,550 lb (703 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Blackburn Cirrus Minor 4-cylinder, air-cooled, inverted, in-line piston engine, 100 hp (75 kW)

Performance

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

• Max Holste MH.52
• Ercoupe 415-C

• Miles M.64 L.R.5
• Photo of derelict L.R.5