The first prototype Messenger M.38/28 U-0223, converted from the first prototype M.28 U-0232, still has the twin fins. The right side stub exhausts of the 145 hp Gipsy Major IIA are too short to show from this angle.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Messenger M.38 / M.48 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

After trying three fins and rudders, U-0223 was flown with a large single fin and rudder but this was no better and the triple unit was reinstated. Note the long undercarriage and high angle of attack of the wing.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Messenger M.38 / M.48 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

U-0245, the first prototype M.38/II with 155 hp Cirrus Major III and large square-corner rear windows. While in use as Gen Montgomery's first Messenger it was given the serial RH368.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Messenger M.38 / M.48 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

U-0223 in Mariner guise with arrester hook fitted and flaps down successfully engages the bungee cord during a simulated deck trial at Woodley.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Messenger M.38 / M.48 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

RG327 became civil Messenger 4A G-ALBE in August 1948. It is seen at Redhill 15.10.49 with the registration just visible in the original photograph.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Messenger M.38 / M.48 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

In the early 1950s owner Ernest Westbrook raced the grey painted G-ALBE in many national competitions. Seen here as race no.28, the venturi has been moved up from the centre-section into the concentrated flow of air behind the engine cooling air outlet. The warm air should also discourage icing.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Messenger M.38 / M.48 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

A well-known sequence in which George Miles flies U-0223 into the net barrier to demonstrate short deck-landing safety in 1943. The propeller and nose passed through the gap in the net which held the wings and brought the Mariner to an undamaged halt.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Messenger M.38 / M.48 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

The tail-end of RH368 at Woodley in September 1944 showing the General's four stars on the centre fin and the invasion stripe ending immediately below the serial.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Messenger M.38 / M.48 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

The prototype in its final standard form posing for an official photograph at Woodley. The caption reads "Miles M.38 Mk.I (Prototype). Gipsy Major. Mar. 1944." It would appear that the roundels have been removed from the wings at this time.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Messenger M.38 / M.48 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

U-0223 with three fins and horn-balanced rudders, auxiliary flaps lowered, and an experimental installation of wingtip leading edge slats to provide a slotted wing. The slots were not adopted for production.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Messenger M.38 / M.48 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

Postwar RH368 became Messenger 4A G-ALAP, retaining its nonstandard windows but now with a 145 hp Gipsy Major ID, seen here at Panshangar 2.4.61 shortly before its demise.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Messenger M.38 / M.48 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

Messenger I RG333, the second pre-production prototype, was Montgomery's second Messenger and is seen here taking off with Union Jack and a general's four stars on the centre fin. It had no need of Invasion stripes as it was not delivered until 3 months after DDay. RG333 was written off in a crash landing following engine failure.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Messenger M.38 / M.48 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

The Miles M-38 Messenger Light Communications Monoplane (140 h.p. D.H. Gipsy-Major engine).
RG327 c/n 4691 was the first pre-production prototype M.38/II Messenger I with 145 hp Gipsy Major ID. For some reason it was painted in PR blue before delivery to Boscombe Down for testing.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Messenger M.38 / M.48 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942