Production and Operations
After the war the Messenger 2A was built for the civilian market. The production aircraft were built at Newtownards in Northern Ireland and flown to Woodley for final fitting out. After 71 aircraft were built, production of the aircraft by Miles ceased in 1948. Several examples were sold to Australia and others to Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Egypt and South Africa.
During the war a prototype aircraft was built as the M.48 Messenger 3 with fully retractable electrically-operated split trailing-edge flaps and a 155 h.p. Cirrus Major III engine. This model was not further developed as it did not provide any advantage over the other variants.
When the RAF retired surviving Messenger 1 aircraft in 1948 they were in good condition and most were converted for civilian use as the Messenger 4A. They were flown by private pilot and business owners.
The aircraft was a popular touring and racing aircraft during the late 1940s and early 1950s. In 1954 Harold Wood in G-AKBO won the King's Cup Race air race at 133 mph.
Several examples were still flying in the United Kingdom in early 2011 with private owners and flying groups.
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