Southern Martlet

The Southern Aircraft factory based at Shoreham in Sussex was established by F G Miles who, in 1926, acquired a number of airframes and components including a two seat Avro Baby from the former Avro factory at Hamble in Hampshire.

The wooden airframe of the Baby was completely rebuilt and, following the installation of a 75hp ABC Hornet engine, was test flown in 1929 by Miles from the factory airfield.

A number of Southern Martlets were entered in the King’s Cup air races with disappointing results. However, they were to be seen at aviation meetings giving aerobatic displays and participated in C W Scott’s air displays. During 1931 a metal framed variant was produced, powered by a 105hp ADC Hermes I engine, and known as the ‘Metal Martlet’. This development was unsuccessful and only the one example was
completed.

About this aircraft

This aircraft, G-AAYX, was owned for a number of years by F.G. Miles who used it as a personal mount while based at Woodley near Reading. Having been stored during WWII, the Martlet was acquired by the Butlin’s organisation and used to give displays for holiday makers, notably at their Broomhall camp in Pwllheli, Wales.

The aircraft was then stored again for over thirty years, since then it has undergone an extensive restoration programme by the Shuttleworth Collection’s engineering staff and members of the SVAS. It flew again on 25 September 2000.

Specification