Phillips and Powis Aircraft
Aircraft manufacturers, of Woodley Airfield, Reading
The company was founded by Charles Powis and Jack Phillips as Phillips and Powis Aircraft at Woodley airfield in Reading, operating a club and repairing aircraft[1].
1933 The Hawk, designed by Frederick George Miles and his wife (Maxine) Blossom Miles, was built by Phillips and Powis Aircraft.
The Hawk was faster, cheaper, and easier to fly than the De Havilland Moth, previously the most popular private plane.
Following the success of the Hawk, Frederick and Blossom Miles joined Phillips and Powis; Frederick Miles became technical director and chief designer.
1933 Sole concessonaires of De Havilland aircraft for Bucks., Berks. and Oxon; Midlands, West of England and Wales. Managing Director: C. O. Powis. Registered Office: 470-478 Oxford Road, Reading.[2]
1933 (Flying School) - Managing Director: C. O. Powis. Instructors: C. W. Croxford and J. F. Lawn. Aircraft: D.H. Moths. Aerodrome: Woodley, Reading.
1934 The company concentrated on light aircraft; in October a Falcon broke the light aeroplane record for the journey from Australia to England.
1935 The firm had a number of successes in the King's Cup air race
1935 Public company incorporated with financial support from Rolls-Royce Ltd.
1936 Colonel Charles Lindbergh asked Miles to build him a fast, long range, light aeroplane for European business trips. This became the Mohawk, first flown in 1937.
1936 Began producing training airplanes for the Air Ministry; the Magister (a development of the Hawk) remained a standard trainer for the RAF throughout the Second World War with more than 1200 built.
1937 Aircraft manufacturers. "Falcon" Aircraft. "Hawk" Aircraft. "Night Hawk" Aircraft. "Sparrowhawk" Aircraft. F. G. Miles became managing director.
1938 £2 million order for the Miles Master from the Air Ministry, more than 3000 produced in total.
WWII the Ministry of Aircraft Production requisitioned the factory of Risboro' Furniture at Princes Risborough to produce for Phillips and Powis Aircraft.
1941 Rolls-Royce sold its shares to Frederick George Miles who became chairman as well as managing director; his wife and brother also became directors[3]
1943 the firm became Miles Aircraft Ltd.
Aircraft Models
For a list of aircraft designed by the Miles brothers see Production of Miles aircraft