Mew Gull

The Mew Gull, produced by Hunting Aircraft in the post‑war era, was a single‑seat, low‑wing monoplane that quickly earned a reputation as one of Britain’s most successful light sport aircraft. Designed by J. D. Miles and first flown in 1947, the Gull was built around a wooden fuselage with a stressed‑skin plywood shell, while its wings were wooden ribs covered with fabric. Powered initially by a 65‑hp Continental A65, later versions received the more robust 85‑hp Continental O‑200, giving the aircraft a top speed of around 150 mph and a cruising range of 400 mi. Its sleek, elliptical wing planform and retractable landing gear contributed to exceptionally low drag, allowing pilots to set several class records for distance and speed in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Over 300 Mew Gulls were manufactured before production ceased in 1956, and the type remains popular among vintage‑aircraft enthusiasts for its elegant handling and classic British workmanship. The Mew Gull’s blend of lightweight construction, efficient aerodynamics, and reliable powerplant cemented its place as a milestone in the evolution of light aeronautical design. Many restored examples fly regularly at air shows, and the aircraft’s design principles continue to influence modern ultralight and home‑built projects.