Miles M.30 X Minor Blended fuselage-wing project

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 School as technical equipment.