The Hawcon monoplane, was so called as it was a combination of the Hawk and Falcon design features and was built for the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, for the purpose of investigating the effect of wing thickness on the speed of an aircraft.

Four different sets of wings were built, with root thickness-to-chord ratios of 15 per cent, 20 per cent, 25 per cent and 30 per cent. From a structural point of view the thicker wings were the most advantageous, and also provided useful internal space suitable for housing engines, undercarriages or fuel tanks, while the thinner wings, although theoretically faster, were very heavy, owing to the amount of material required to ensure the necessary strength and rigidity.

The result of tests with the various wings was somewhat surprising, as there was only 5 mph difference between the four sets. From this, however, it will be appreciated that for all round utility the thick wing is the better proposition, and that it will occupy a prominent position in future aerodynamic development.
 

Design Company:	Phillips & Powis Aircraft Ltd
First Flight:	29 November 1935
M.6 Hawcon:	1 - Phillips & Powis, Woodley
Type Specification
Applies to:	Miles M.6 Hawcon
Type:	Experimental aircraft to research affect of wing thickness
Wing:	Low wing cantilever monoplane of spruce structure covered in plywood. Split flaps fitted as standard. Four different sets of wings built to various thicknesses
Fuselage:	Fuselage of spruce structure with plywood covering
Tail Unit:	Cantilever tailplane with elevator at top of fuselage with single fin and rudder
Landing Gear:	Two main wheels, each in aerodynamic fairing beneath wing. Tail skid
Power Plant:	One 200 hp de Havilland Gipsy Six engine in the nose
Accommodation:	Enclosed cabin above wing
Dimensions
Span:	33 ft
Length:	25 ft
Height:	6 ft 6 in
Wing Area:	161 sq ft
Weights
Empty:	1,550 lb
All-up:	2,400 lb
Performance
Max Speed:	181 mph