29% (between 1/4 and 1/3rd scale) flying model of the unusual Miles M39b Libellula project. These are the models first few flights...once a basic test program has been completed the model will be stripped down and covered in fabric and painted....Cowls, undercarriage doors and canopy still to be built.
The model is powered by 2 x Saito 36FG with Zinger 20x8's, weighs 50lbs and took 9 months to complete to this stage.
The Libellula (pronounced 'Lee-Bell-Loo-Lah') was designed as carrier borne, high altitude bomber to be powered by three turbojets....to test the theory a five-eighths scale model of the bomber was built and designated M.39B, flying for the first time on 22 July 1943 and proving to be aerodynamically stable. Flight trials were initially on a private basis, but in 1944 the M.39B went to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough, where it suffered two accidents. After extensive repairs the work ended and the aircraft was scrapped in 1947.
