Aircraft [Miles M65 Gemini Mk1a ZK-ANT]
Maker and role
Phillips and Powis Aircraft Limited, Manufacturer
Production date
1947
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
1964.249
Production period
Description
Miles M65 Gemini PV 6322; ZK-ANT - Wellington Aero Club - imported for the Wellington Aero Club and donated to the Museum in 1964. Miles Gemini Executive - twin engine monoplane. The internal structure of the aeroplane is made from wood with a metal covering. There are 2 x 100 HP Blackburn Cirrus Minor II engines. The propellers are double-bladed and they are painted silver with yellow tips. There are several Perspex windows covering the cabin - one at the front, 2 over the top and 3 on each side of the fuselage. Inside the cabin, there is accommodation for 4, including the pilot, with 2 seats at the front and 2 behind. The interior of the cabin is lined with a grey fabric with a diamond pattern. There is a door on either side of the fuselage (there is no handle currently on the port side). There are 3 wheels for landing and take off - one under each engine and one under the tail. The fuselage and wings are painted white. There are 2 red stripes on the fins and rudders, and a black and red stripe down the length of the fuselage. There is a section painted black on the wings and the nose of the aeroplane and there is a red stripe on the engine compartments.
Brief History
This aircraft was purchased directly from Miles Aircraft Limited by the Wellington Aero Club in 1947. It was used for ambulance and charter work, as well as club flying. In 1955 it was registered to Mr A B Baker, who went on to donate it to MOTAT in 1964. The last recorded flight of this aircraft was on 31 January 1963.
In total, five Geminis were brought to New Zealand and this is one of two surviving examples. Geminis were economical to manufacture and purchase, and this contributed to their world wide popularity.
Specifications:
Date: 1947
Manufacturer: Miles Aircraft Ltd, Reading, England
Type: Twin-engined four-seat cabin monoplane
Wing span: 11.02 m
Length: 6.78 m
Accommodation: Pilot and 4 passengers
In total, five Geminis were brought to New Zealand and this is one of two surviving examples. Geminis were economical to manufacture and purchase, and this contributed to their world wide popularity.
Specifications:
Date: 1947
Manufacturer: Miles Aircraft Ltd, Reading, England
Type: Twin-engined four-seat cabin monoplane
Wing span: 11.02 m
Length: 6.78 m
Accommodation: Pilot and 4 passengers
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Phillips and Powis Aircraft Limited. 1947. Aircraft [Miles M65 Gemini Mk1a ZK-ANT], 1964.249. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
Public comments
Be the first to comment on this object record.