The SE-5 (Scout Experimental 5) and SE-5a share, with the Sopwith Camel, the distinction of being the best single-seat British fighter aircraft of World War I.

Developed during World War II as a liaison aircraft for the RAF, the prototype of the Miles M-38 Messenger series (U-0223) was flown for the first time on 12 September 1942 at Woodley, UK.