They began private venture work on unorthodox configurations potentially solving the visibility problem and the complications of folding wings required for storage of ship-borne aircraft.

[1] The front wing was moderately-tapered with a straight leading-edge, while the rear wing was in three parts: an unswept center section to clear the propeller and supporting the main undercarriage legs, plus outer sections from about ¼ span swept back at approximately 30°, supporting large end-plate fins at the tips.

The M.35 proved to be reluctant to take-off; eventually, Miles discovered if the throttle was closed sharply at speed, the little aircraft leapt into the air.

[1] Miles immediately submitted a proposal for a naval fighter based on the arrangement – called 'Libellula' – to the Admiralty and the Ministry of Aircraft Product.

[2] Building the M.35 without official authority, the company was castigated by the Ministry of Aircraft Production which, along with the Admiralty, rejected the proposed fighter.

This was submitted to the bureaucracy in July 1942 to meet the requirements of specification B.11/41; Miles immediately started work on a scale version – the M.39B.