Work on the Aerovan commenced during early 1944, being envisioned from the onset as a low-powered affordable freighter that was suited to both civilian and military purposes. Throughout the Second World War, George Miles had advocated for the use of such an aircraft within the British military in place of the then-standard practice of largely relying on gliders. Following the completion of the Miles Messenger's development, it was felt by Miles' design team that an aircraft of roughly double the power and weight would be a valuable pursuit; in particular, it was believed that such an aircraft would be a capable military transport for theatres such as the Burma campaign against Imperial Japan, as well as working in niche roles such as an air ambulance.