MILES M-65 Gemini (G-AKDC)

This was the aircraft that won the 1949 British King's Cup Air Race, the first 'King's Cup' after WWII. The pilot is Nat Somers A.F.C., the lady is the photographer's wife. This aircraft has 2 x De Havilland Gipsy Majors (145 hp ea) and won the '49 race at 164.25. On June 17, 1950, G-AKDC with Nat Somers at the controls took the 100 Kilometre Closed Circuit Speed Record for Class C.ic aircraft at 168.44 mph. For this record run, G-AKDC had 2 DH Gipsy Major 1c engines at 130 hp ea with an all up weight of 2630 lbs - the route was Wolverhampton Aerodrome - Abbots Bromley Aerodrome - Meir Airport - Newport - Wolverhampton Airport. The new World Record was certified by the Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom - info from original Certificate of Record signed by Lord Brabazon of Tara. Image from family archive.