WW2 aircraft

[Sergej]

Junkers planed a 8-engine aircraft but the Reichsluftfahrtministerium never give this designation.
Anyway this is the next:
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/3492/68456mk2.jpg

[Librarian]

What? Two days and not a single speculation? That is completely unacceptable, honorable ladies and gentlemen! OK, my dear Mr. Sergej – here is my offer: North American XB 21. :)

[Sergej]

If I cut your offer in three parts, only one will be correct.
And an other hint: this aircraft had an other design in the
beginning, an unsual design.

[Librarian]

Oh, silly me! :oops: Of course, your mystery machine is the Boeing - Stearman XA - 21. Please, just follow this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Stearman_XA-21.jpg

[Sergej]

Yes this is the correct answer!

The original aircraft was designated as X100 and
it had a streamlined canopy.
The United States Army Air Corps bought it and
designated it as XA-21. Later they rebuilt the
canopy into a steped cockpit. Only one XA-21
was build.

Your turn Librarian!:)

[Librarian]

Excellent, my dear Mr. Sergej! So here is another pretty forgotten construction:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/Langnasen/001.jpg

Do you recognize this machine? ;)

[SS Ouche-Vittes]

thats not the dc3, right?:eek:

[Librarian]

No, my dear Mr. SS Ouche-Vittes. However, the DC 3 indeed inspired the origination of our mystery machine. ;)

[Major Walter Schmidt]

Lisunov Li-2
L2D Tabby (Type Zero Transport)
Saab 90
DC-2

If its not one of those, I give up....

[SS Ouche-Vittes]

i was gona say the japanese and the russian copies of the dc-3:neutral:

[Librarian]

Alas, my dear Herr Major, the answer is no. :)

Although your general approach is very good, you are tremendously concentrated on diferent lookalikes of the DC 3. Yes, that magnificent airplane indeed inspired constructors of our mystery machine, but in the very same time it represents a truly original, unique construction. Its first public appearance occurred in 1936, and in that same year this machine participated in a very distinguished, long-distance international air-race. ;)

[Major Walter Schmidt]

I think I saw it in a book somewhere... gotta look.

[Librarian]

Please, my dear Herr Major – take your time. We are not in a hurry. :)

[Sergej]

It's a Bréguet 470T "Fulgur"!

[Librarian]

Bravo, my dear Mr. Sergej! Yes, Breguet 470 Fulgur was our mystery airplane. This machine participated in the Paris - Saigon air race back there in 1936, with Mr. Michel Detroyat in the cockipt as the pilot in command.

Your turn! :D

[Sergej]

Thank you Librarian.

This time it's a bit easier but I want to hear at least
3 names connected with this aircraft(s).;)
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/7155/3477443rb3.jpg

[Librarian]

Oh, no problem: Boeing B 29, Tu 4, B-4, Самолет "Р", DFS 346. Any further wishes, my dear Mr. Sergej? ;)

[Sergej]

No - no wishes today.;)

You're correct!

The DFS 346 was a German rocket-powered,
high-speed research aircraft, captured by the
Red Army and modified by the OKB-2.

Your turn!

[SS Ouche-Vittes]

here, http://www.warbirdphotographs.com/ArmyJB&W2/Ki-93-9.jpg

[kiwimac]

Kawasaki KI-93-9 aka Rikugun

http://www.samoloty.ow.pl/fot/fot338.jpg

http://www.samoloty.ow.pl/rys/rys142.jpg

[Librarian]

OK, honorable gentlemen, tell me please - what in tophet is this contraption? ;)

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/Langnasen/004.jpg

[kiwimac]

Is this not the Passenger aircraft that the Savoia-Marchetti SM-79 was based on? Although it seems lower to the ground than that bird.

[Librarian]

No, my dear Sir. This truly amazing, but in the very same time sorrowfully unsuccesful aircraft, was primarily designed and classified as a high-speed transporter. As far as I know, this machine did not influence the first modern Italian tri-motor airplane configuration - Savoia-Marchetti SM 73. :)

[kiwimac]

The whole world seemed to go through a 'Tri-Motor' phase, perhaps because engines of the time were unreliable or perhaps to give the traveling public (such as it was) confidence that they were not going to fall out of the sky!

But from such beginnings came both the Ford Tri-Motor and the Junkers examples of both are still flying, so they got something right. :D

[Sergej]

That's a Pander S IV Panderjager!

[Librarian]

Yes, my dear Mr. Sergej – Pander S 4 Panderjager (AKA Postjager, or Pechjager) – that highly promising, aerodynamically beautiful, but sadly unsuccesful aircraft was our mystery machine! An excellent web-page regarding this atypical airplane is located here:

http://www.network54.com/Forum/394728/thread/1188662140/The+Pander+S.IV+Postjager+-+Panderjager+-+Pechjager

Your turn, my dear Mr. Sergej! :D

[Sergej]

Thank you Librarian!

What an amazing photo! I have no words.
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z79/PeterDupont/Pander%20S-IV/PanderS-IVnrPH-OSTno6frontUiverfoto.jpg

Here is my offer:
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/7954/68412604mn5.jpg

[Librarian]

Oh, not at all, my dear Mr. Sergej – the pleasure was mine!:)

And what a nice quality snapshot of the Siebel Si 204 while in Soviet service! Thank you very much! :D

[Sergej]

You're right as always Librarian!

Here some more of them:
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8465/gxmmrki1f0829b6bad308d1xi6.jpg
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/3503/avvapfa1f0829b6bad308d1vh6.jpg
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/4571/avvb67a1f0829b6bad308d1sf3.jpg

Your turn!;)

[Librarian]

Really wonderful pictures!:D I have them all on my hard-disc now – you know… just in case. :roll:

And here is may newest offer:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/Langnasen/009.jpg

Fairly …extraordinary machine, if I may say so.

[Sergej]

Uhh again this ruddershape.
The Westland Wyvern S4 is simular to this,
but it isn't it, right?

[Librarian]

Alas, the Westland Wyvern S4 is not our mystery machine, my dear Mr Egorka. But please – take your time. Your academic obligations do have the absolute priority! :D

[SS Ouche-Vittes]

Ki-64?

[Librarian]

Alas - no, my dear Mr. SS Ouche-Vittes! ;)

[SS Ouche-Vittes]

is it british?

[Librarian]

Unfortunately, my dear Mr. SS Ouche-Vittes, our mystery machine is of French origin. :D

[malarz_russ@hotmail.com]

Hello, y'all!

It's a French Latecoere 299, the land-based version of the Latecoere 298 seaplane torpedo bomber, dating from 1939. See http://www.aviastar.org/air/france/latecoere_l-299.php

p.s. Thanx for the hint, Librarian! I thought that it looked kinda familiar, but couldn't place it.

Russ
FAA Airman *Pending*
Proud son of Rose and Wes

[SS Ouche-Vittes]

oh darn...

[Librarian]

Congratulations, my dear Mr. Malarz Russ – yes, the Latecoere Late 299 realy was our mystery machine. You have your well-deserved turn. Please, carry on! :D

[malarz_russ@hotmail.com]

Hello, y'all!

Why thank you, Librarian! Here is my offering:

http://www.nbl.fi/~nbl2673/images/lekot/pm_01.jpg

Enjoy!

Russ
FAA Airman *Pending*
Proud son of Rose and Wes

[kiwimac]

That is the Finnish Myrsky.

http://www.airwar.ru/image/idop/fww2/pyorremyrsky/pyorremyrsky-1.jpg

[SS Ouche-Vittes]

does it use a DB engine?

[malarz_russ@hotmail.com]

Hello, y'all!

Darn! It took Kiwimac from deepest darkest NZ all of 42 minutes to figure that one out! See: http://www.nbl.fi/~nbl2673/ma00.html

Okay, Kiwimac... come up with a good one!

Russ
FAA Airman *Pending*
Proud son of Rose and Wes

[kiwimac]

Actually it was the DB engine which gave it away for me.

Ok, let's try one.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/kiwimac/Aircraft%20of%20the%201930s/unknown.jpg

[Librarian]

Oh, what a nice surprise, my dear Mr. Kiwimac: SAI Ambrosini SS2 (SAI Stefanutti Mod. 2)! You really do have a taste for unusual, but highly effective aerodynamic solutions. Thank you very much for this photo-rarity! :D

[Major Walter Schmidt]

Its a test bed for the J7W1 Shinden、the Kugisho MXY-6.

[kiwimac]

Ah Librarian, you are right!

I also have pictures of the SS.3 and SS.4, fascinating aircraft. I do believe it is over to you sir! :D

[Librarian]

Thank you, my dear Mr. Kiwimac. And yes, I completely do agree with you – those previously mentioned pictures are exceptionally rare, especially those connected with the SAI Ambrosini SS.3 Anitra. Threfore, please: if you do have some spare time, and if you are willing to lend a hand to those numerous supporters of aircraft elation, post those pictures in our thread connected with the Regia Aeronautica. I am assuring you, my dear Mr. Kiwimac, that your benevolent assistance will be highly appreciated! :D

And now – back to our main theme in this thread! Here is my up-to-the-minute offer:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/Langnasen/Untitled-1.jpg

Yes, I know: it looks like a pretty ordinary trainer. However, this almost completely forgotten airplane was rightly considered amongst the best machines in the world! ;)

[Sergej]

Could it be a WACO UPF-7?

[Librarian]

Definitely not, my dear Mr. Sergej! After all – just observe that bubbled engine cowling… :)

[Sergej]

Well, some of this are flying with out engine-and-wheel covers, but now I see it's much bigger and the wheel mounts are stronger. Here some intermediate result:
The engine could be an Bristol Jupiter or some deveriats and they're many
simularities with this one:http://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/BradicSrecko/4649L.jpg
But it's clearly not a biplane.

[Librarian]

Exactly, my dear Mr. Sergej. And the engine is Siemens - Halske SH 14A. ;)

[Sergej]

Is it connected with the Rogozarski Sim XI?
I'm unable to find any information in such aircraft,
I found an aircraft called Resava, but no pictures
or any information. I think we need one more hint
to solve this.

[Librarian]

So sorry for my protracted silenece, my dear Mr. Sergej, but – like you ! - I am literally overwhelmed with certain professional obligations in these days. Yet, I hope that I will be free as a bird very soon. However, certain additional elucidations will be available. :)

No, my dear Mr. Sergej, "our" airplane is absolutely unconnected with the Rogozarski SiM 11. Furthermore, "our" machine is not a product of the Yugoslav airplane industry. Actually, it was constructed and tested in a neighbouring country to ex –Yugoslavia. ;)

[Sergej]

I hope it's the DAR-6A or the DAR-9 the follower of the first one,
if not I've no idea where to look for...:)

[Librarian]

Alas – it is not, my dear Mr. Sergej. However, there is a plethora of other possibilities. You know, our mystery machine has Hungarian ancestors. ;)

[Sergej]

I looked to all neighbors countries, in first I only found the Weiss Manfred Aircrafts, but non of the was mentioned with a SH-14A. And somehow I stumbled on the Szegedy M-21 Harag and here is even a engine cover:http://www.freeweb.hu/horac/Rajz/M-21_rajz.jpg:)

[Librarian]

Yes, my dear Mr. Sergej: Szegedy M-21 Harag (Fury), one of the world’s best aerobatic machines before the WW2, capable to outperform even the famous Bücker Bü 133 Jungmeister actually was our mystery-airplane! That rare snapshot with late Hungarian master-pilot Tasnádi "Nádi" László in attendance represents a third - until now unpresented - photo connected with this utterly rare and unduly forgotten type of aircraft. My sincerest congratulations! :D

And now, my dear Sir – it is your well deserved turn again! ;)

[Sergej]

Thank you a lot Librarian!

After quite two weeks here's a new aircraft:

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/6500/347346554hv4.jpg

Even if only for a short time...:)

[Librarian]

Oh, this really is a true rarity, my dear Mr. Sergej - Weserflug We 271. Here is a more detailed account about this highly intriguing machine:

http://www.histaviation.com/Weserflug_We_271.html

[Sergej]

Yes, you are right!
The German hydro aviation has still some less popular pieces,
maybe something we could change.
It's your turn, Librarian!:)

[Librarian]

You can count on my humble assistance, my dear Mr. Sergej! ;)

However, before that we shall invigorate a quantity of other undeservedly elapsed pieces of aircraft history. For example, this one:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/Langnasen/00055-1.jpg

Incredibly, but this quite outdated airplane was in active service even in 1943! :cool:

[kiwimac]

Vickers Wildebeest? or is it the Baffin?

[Librarian]

Alas, the answer is – no, my dear Mr. Kiwimac. You see, unlike those previously mentioned airplanes "our" machine actually has a twin-row air-cooled radial engine. ;)

[Sergej]

Maybe it's a Danish Hawker Dantorp? ;)

[Librarian]

Absolutely, my dear Mr. Sergej – Hawker Dantorp, that half-forgotten, shore-based torpedo bomber of British origin, with both float and wheel undercarriage, was our mystery machine. My sincerest congratulations. :D

Please, carry on – it is your turn now! ;)

[Sergej]

Thank you Librarian,

Here is an aircraft, that fascinates me for a long time.

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7818/54265yo0.jpg

[pdf27]

McDonnell XP-67

[Sergej]

Yes, you're right! :)

Fast, heavily armed and nice looking,

Your turn!

[pdf27]

OK then, next one...

[wingsofwrath]

Hi!

My first post on this forum, even though I have been watching for some time.

Anyway, my guess is this: Westland Wapiti in Indian Air Force Markings.

[pdf27]

Spot on correct. That's the only known surviving airframe, in the Indian Air Force museum at Palam. Your turn!

[wingsofwrath]

Ok, I think we should start with something easy, so please identify this nice beastie:

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/5059/poza5st5.jpg
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/5059/poza5st5.jpg

If possible, try to guess the exact type and designation.

[Librarian]

Good one, my dear Mr. Wingsofwrath. It seems to me that this bird is equipped with an Isotta-Fraschini Asso engine, therefore my first offer will be: Savoia-Marchetti SM-62. :)

[wingsofwrath]

You my dear sir, are a connoisseur.
The airplane is indeed a Savoia-Marchetti SM-62, but for my own curiosity, can you please tell me: is this a straight SM62, or the upgraded version SM 62 Bis?

[Librarian]

Thank you very much for your kind words, my dear Mr. Mr. Wingsofwrath! :D

However, I am afraid that this little designation conundrum will remain unsettled. You see, the most significant, absolutely undisputable details connected with the SM 62 bis were its slightly bigger wingspan and somewhat different, more powerful engine. Those details are, unfortunately, unobservable from this angle, but…

As far as I know, that petite electric generator (yes, that cute little teardrop-streamlined thing, clearly visible at the upper wing - right above the larboard "N" upper wing pillar), was a distinctive feature of the SM 62 bis. Earlier variant of the airplane, SM 62, had that distinctive part above the opposite, starboard "N" pillar. The only problem is the fact that this characteristic was emblematic for the civilian variant, SM 62 P as well... :(

[wingsofwrath]

It is indeed an SM 62 Bis, and the details that set it apart form the P variant are the presence of a bomb rack underneath the right wing and the partially enclosed tail gunner position visible just behind the engine. (not to mention the bunch of people all in Navy uniforms)

In any case, I await your riddle with the utmost interest.

Edit: Typo

[Librarian]

Excellent, my dear Mr. Wingsofwrath! :D

The only problem in my previous speculation was a tiny actuality that 4 Bis machines actually represented converted P machines. But, after all I am glad that this little puzzle is resolved.

And now - something more exotic, my dear Mr. Wingsofwrath. As before, this time I am requesting the exact type and a full designation of this contraption:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/Langnasen/Mystery3.jpg

And yes – it only looks as a completely civilian machine. Unbelievably, but this… apparatus actually was a multi-purpose airplane! ;)

[wingsofwrath]

Ugh, that's a hard one. I admit I've never seen this... aircraft... before, and I spent half a day looking trough my books and other archives.
There are a lot of similar airplanes out there, but this exact one still eludes me for the moment.
Hopefully, the answer will reveal itself later.


Much later edit: For some reason, trough all my browsing, I come back to airplanes manufactured by the GENERAL AIRCRAFT LIMITED company.

I am now 97% sure that the mystery aircraft is comprised of a General Aircraft Monospar (probably ST-11/2) fuselage, with the wings from the same model mounted on top and the twin tail booms of the G.A.L 33 Cagnet. However, I can't find a single written record of this extraordinary contraption, a fact which leads me to believe that probably it was one of a kind, or/and made by some other company. (or I could be dead wrong)

Inquiries on the subject will continue.

[Librarian]

Undoubtedly, my dear Mr. Wingsofwrath - the answer surely will be revealed one day. In the meantime, as a tiny intellectual impetus, I will tell you that this unorthodox multi-role machine was introduced back there in 1936. In addition, it has absolutely nothing in common with the General Aircraft Monospar or G.A.L 33 Cagnet. :)

Keep up the good work!;)

[wingsofwrath]

Although it could be considered rather daring from my part, allow me to disagree, my dear Mr. Librarian. Even though you stated your mystery plane is in no way related with the General Aircraft Monospar, the engines are a highly distinctive type manufactured by the Pobjoy Airmotors corporation (be it "P", "R", Cascade or Niagara, the basic shape is the same). There is absolutely no doubt about that, and since both the yet unnamed contraption and the Monospar share the same type of engine, I'd say there is a connection between the two, albeit fortuitous...

But in any case, I want to make another offer: Is it possible that the object of this quiz is actually a highly modified Short Scion II airframe?

I know such an aircraft (G-ADDR - built in 1935) existed and was used by the Short corporation as a flying testbed for a variety of experiments, including wing tests for the Empire flying boats and experimental wing slats, but so far I have been unable to find any photos.

And in any case, from a visual standpoint, a Scion it would be a closer match to the mystery aircraft in terms of wings, fuselage and landing gear, although the tail itself is highly reminiscent of the "Hammond Y" in it's design...

[Librarian]

Hawkeyes, my dear Mr. Wingsofwrath!:D Indeed, our mystery machine was equipped with a pair of Pobjoy Niagara engines, but if the engine sharing is the most important connective component in your research, you will be able to bond our mystery machine with numerous other projects like the Cierva CL 20, Gwin Aircar, Light F 15, Feiro Dongó II… etc.

However, if truth is to be said, you got it just right – the Pobjoy Niagara is the only connecting element between "our" machine and all those previously mentioned types. Alas, as before, all those freshly offered solutions (a highly modified Short Scion II airframe, Hammond Y) are wrong. Our machine actually was a completely autochthon construction.

So please – keep on looking! ;)

[wingsofwrath]

You are certainly a sly one, my dear Mr Librarian, but I have the answer to your riddle (it was the use of the word "autochthon" and the barely visible "YU" marking on the wing of the mystery photo that finally tipped me off :D):

Mitrović MMS-3, built by Aeroput in 1936 as a three seat multirole aircraft (could be used as a small passenger, mailplane, etc)

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/otof/mms3_nosnitocak.jpg

[kiwimac]

Man, you folks are GOOD.

[Librarian]

Oh, you almost do have that required response, my dear Mr. Wingsofwrath. :D Otherwise you do have my sincerest congratulations – yes, this is the airplane in question, and yes – everything you have mentioned is completely connected with this machine, but… the exact brand name (you know – actually an item that distinctively marked the very start of our relationship here) is still missing. ;)

But don’t worry - I will help you. The first "M" is for "monoplane". The second one is an abbreviation for "Mitrović" (constructor's name). But what on earth means that "S"? Very probably the name of the other constructor (actually this observation plane, light transporter, liaison machine and ambulance was a team-design, and it was offered to the RYAF in 1937 after its complete debacle as a commercial airplane. Unfortunately, it was refused yet again).

Otherwise, I think that this little contest we had here actually will be a remarkable continuance of the last line of the legendary film Casablanca:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vY-4zWKsJM

In the meantime, as always - all the best! :D

[wingsofwrath]

Tsk.

My dear Mr Librarian, I think you are trying to lead me down a wrong path by mentioning "another constructor".:D
As far as I know it, there was only one designer, whose full name was Milenko Mitrović-Spirta (which would account for the "S") that in 1934 worked as a technical director of Aeroput AD, Zemun, Belgrad,Yugoslavia.

Of the airplane in question there was only one built, originally as a fully civilian machine, and during the years 1936-39 it was used to ferry mail between Podujevo, Belgrade and Skopje, using the registration number "YU-SAR".
On the 15th of September 1936 an engine failure led to a forced landing, but the machine was repaired in early 1937.

Although it was originally a tail dragger, in April 1940 it was added a front wheel (you can see it the picture I posted earlier) and served as a test basis for a hypothetical bomber version called NEMI, but the project never materialized.

In March 1941, in face of the German invasion, the aircraft was impressed into service with the JKRV (Yugoslav Air Force) and during that time it flew with the 603 Auxiliary Squadron as a liaison and observation machine.

According to eyewitnesses, after the fall of the country, this extraordinary machine was destroyed by its own crew to keep it from falling into German hands.

If you want, I can also provide you with full technical characteristics... :)

In any case, since I'm 100% this is as complete as it can be, allow me to return the favor by posting a small mystery of my own:

What is the full name of this machine?

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/814/intrebareintrebatoare2dq8.jpg

I also hope this is just the start of a long and hopefully fruitful collaboration.

[Librarian]

Oh, I’m never confusing my co-contestants, my dear Mr. Wingsofwrath. And I am also assuring you that all those already on-line available works about this airplane are slightly incomplete. ;) The best on-line available is this one:

http://www.samoloty.ow.pl/str372.htm

However, they are not mentioning that an engineering team of "Aeroput" company actually designed that previously mentioned airplane. Nevertheless, I suppose that a prominent Hungarian aircraft historian Mr. Peter Zsille will be the first one to publish the whole story about that forgotten airplane. Well, we will wait for the official translation for a while...:(

And yes: Monoplan Mitrović-Spirta MMS 3 is the full designation of the airplane. Thank you.

BTW: are you sure that this one was - by hook or by crook! - connected with the WW2?

[wingsofwrath]

Yes, in the same way as the MMS-3. ;)

As far as the latter is concerned, I had a hunch that there was more to the story than I could dig up, but as you said it, my sources (including the one you mentioned - and which by the way was a pretty difficult one, since I don't speak Polish) were a little limited...

[Sergej]

This is the Romanian RAS Getta No. 1!

[wingsofwrath]

Wow, that was quick!

You are absolutely right!

The first Romanian seaplane, it was built in by engineer Radu Stoica 1925 for the STC (Societatea deTransport Constanta - Constanta Transport Company) and a further 3 were ordered by the Ministry of Defence. Unfortunately, after the delivery, due to some shady business inside the ministry, any further orders were canceled, and Romania ended up buying Savoia 59's instead...

In any case, by the time of WW2, the planes were severely obsolescent so they were relegated to use as school aircraft for Hydro pilots. They were scrapped sometimes after the war.

[Sergej]

Thank you Wingsofwrath!

The next one is maybe a bit tricky, it wasn't successful, but it was a star.
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/9770/19435468ej6.png

[wingsofwrath]

I know it's probably not the right answer (wing and landing gear all wrong), but because we've got to break the ice and start somewhere:

Neman KhAI-5 PS-5? (civilian version of the reconnaissance R-10)

[Sergej]

The R-10 had a M-25 engine, this one was powered by Pratt & Whitney Wasp and later by a Twin Wasp. :)

[Librarian]

It looks to me as like a Vultee V 1, my dear Mr. Sergej.

BTW: Do you have some supplementary time on your disposal nowadays? :)

[wingsofwrath]

I believe you might be right, my dear Mr Librarian.

Our mystery aircraft does indeed look like a Vultee, as can be seen from the following photograph...

http://www.avionicsinc.com/VulteeV1A_op_800x258.jpg

And judging by the slight differences from the production model V1A (gear, windows, canopy) I'd say this is a picture of the prototype.

[Sergej]

Indeed it's a modification of the Vultee V-1, in its history it had at least three names and three registrations.
The last destined task was to go to spain into the civil war, but not it its fate.
And yes I have time for our great game, for at least a week! :)

[wingsofwrath]

Ok, I just got confirmation by looking at the registration number visible in the picture - this is indeed the Vultee V1 prototype, tail number X12293.

And this also fits the other details or dear Mr Sergej told us: the plane was initially known as "Cord-Vultee V1", because it was built in Glendale in hangar of the financial backer of Vultee, E. L. Cord.
Then it was modiffied to V1A standard (cockpit and landing gear as well as powerplant) and sold to American Airlines.
In 1937 it was sold to the Spanish Republican Army, but instead it was flown to France and re-registered as FAQAP, so it never made it to Spain...

[Sergej]

Good work, but it's not the Cord-Vultee V-1 and it's an other tail number.
Research on one of the founders of the Airplane Development Corporation,
the predecessor of the Vultee Aircraft should lead you the proper solution.

[Librarian]

Well, let me see… As far as I know, late Errett Lobban Cord, who had made his money as a highly successful car salesman, had bought the run-down Auburn company in 1924 and followed this with the purchase of Duesenberg in 1926. In 1929 he formed the Cord Corporation, which included by this time Lycoming engines and Stinson Aircraftas well…

Good Lord, my dear Mr. Sergej – are you suggesting that our mystery flyer actually is the Stinson M? :)

[Sergej]

I apologize, but I never heard of the Stinson Aircraft Company before.
My primary source on the Vultee Aircraft Corporation (Wikipedia) says:
Gerard "Jerry" Vultee and Vance Breese started Airplane Development Corporation in early 1932
after American Airlines showed great interest in their six-passenger V-1 design. Soon after,
Errett Lobban (E.L.) Cord bought all 500 shares of stock in the company and
Airplane Development Corporation became a Cord subsidiary.So you should try to find this plane through researches on Gerard Vultee or Vance Breese.

[Librarian]

Oh, silly me! Actually you are pointing to the Michigen Model 1, also known as the Breese-Dallas Mod 1 Racer? How shortsighted I was! Please accept my request for forgiveness. :oops:

[Sergej]

No problem Librarian, I have great expirience with shortsight. :)
This is the correct solution! Here is the story of our bird:
http://www.aeromovies.fr/articles.php?lng=fr&pg=271
It's your turn!

[Librarian]

Oh, thank you very much for your compassionate stance, my dear Mr. Sergej. I have to admit that your task indeed was a feast for the sight and a charm for the mind, which it is impossible to exaggerate. :D

And now something completely different, honorable ladies and gentlemen. Yes, I know - quality of this snapshot is not the best one. Nevertheless, it will be valuable for our intentions. Therefore, tell me, please – what is the brand of this airplane? ;)

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/Langnasen/00036.jpg

[pdf27]

I have no idea what that thing is, but Dear God it's UGLY!

[Rising Sun*]

Anything that ugly, which clearly had so much effort put into making it look like that, suggests it has a French heritage and, given its distinctive ugliness yet endearing style, I'd say it was Citroen's attempt at an aircraft. :D

[wingsofwrath]

Well, whatever this aircraft is, judging by the markings, it's flying in the pre- Civil War Spanish air force.
For a brief moment I thought it might be either a Junkers W34 or one of the few Blériot-Spad 111, but a second good look convinced me it is neither...

That means we just have to dig deeper, and maybe the answer will become apparent.

[wingsofwrath]

Oh, never mind, I was searching in the wrong place again...:rolleyes:

It's actually an Argentinian Ae MB1/2 "Bombi" built by Fábrica Militar de Aviones.

http://www.geocities.com/bacosistemas01/Izquierda.jpg\

more info here:http://www.scaleaero.com/bombi.htm

original photo probably comes from here: http://www.geocities.com/bacosistemas01/Imagenes_1.html

Thank you Mr Librarian, I really enjoyed the hunt for this interesting aircraft.

Later Edit:

Ok, in continuation, here is my own little offering for this thread.
What is the name of this machine?

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/1396/guess3vs0.jpg

[Librarian]

I'd say it was Citroen's attempt at an aircraft

Although, my dear Mr. Rising Sun, that previously presented airplane was not required to transport a farmer, a sack of potatoes, a small cask of wine and a bucket of eggs (without breaking the eggs!) and midwives like that notorious Citroen 2 CV (which is evidently deeply appreciated by you ;)), it actually shared one common thing with the good old Deaux Chevaux – almost incredible versatility and durability. Unbeliveably, but that machine was in active service even in 1944!

Thank you Mr Librarian, I really enjoyed the hunt for this interesting aircraft.

Oh, not at all, my dear Mr. Wingsowrath – the pleasure was mine. :D

What is the name of this machine?

Although I do know that over 2000 military and civil airplanes - based either upon original or licensed designs - were built in Romania between the Wars, this one is unknown to me. Yes, to certain extent it surely looks like the IAR 24, but on the other hand that registration (YR-IGR) is absolutely unmentioned in the Romanian civil aircraft register:

http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_YR-.htm

Well, we will be obliged to consider all availabl options, and that gradual, slow but sure approach is the best one in these situations. Therefore, would you tell me, please, my dear Mr. Wingsofwrath, was that mysterious airplane actually produced by the Societatea Autonomă Industria Aeronautică Română or not? :)

[wingsofwrath]

Ah, my dear Mr Librarian, I can tell you that the resemblance to the IAR 24 is not accidental, since the machine pictured comes from the same manufacturer, as you accurately guessed, albeit it is a somewhat more obscure design.

Other than that, I can only wish you good hunting! :D

[Librarian]

Thank you very much for that highly important information, my dear Mr. Wingsofwrath. This time we are absolutely sure that this machine was not produced by Intreprinderea de Constructii Aeronautice Romanesti, or Societatea pentru Exploatări Tehnice. :D

However, I have an additional question for you. You see, that mysterious machine obviously has an air-cooled radial engine. However, I still don’t know what the brand of that engine really was: domestic variant of the Gnome & Rhône 7Kd (I.A.R. K7) or perhaps something else? :)

[wingsofwrath]

Ah, Mr Librarian, I am truly impressed with the extent of your knowledge in terms of aeronautics. I know many Romanian aircraft enthusiasts that would not be able to tell the full name of the aircraft factories ICAR and S.E.T. , yet here you are, rendering their respective names in flawless Romanian...:D

As to the powerplant however, I must regretfully inform you that the aircraft pictured did not fly the IAR K7 (aka Gnome-Rhône 7K Titan Major) but the more advanced IAR K14-1000A, capable of almost 1025 HP, fractionally more than the Gnome-Rhône 14K Mistal Major upon which it was based.

[Librarian]

Oh, thank you very much, my dear Mr. Wingsofwrath. You know, as direct neighbors connected with certain highly interesting aircraft developments in the Sixties and Seventies, we are much more accustomed to correct, original designations. ;)

And here is my offer: is this highly interesting airplane actually the I.A.R. 80 DC – that half-forgotten training variant of the original airplane, equipped with an additional cockpit between the engine and the original cockpit in place of a fuel tank? :)

[wingsofwrath]

You are welcome, Mr Librarian!
It's interesting, but I know two people who actually worked on the Iar 93/Ј-22 Orao, and one of them even visited Yugoslavia during that time.

As to the mystery photo, you are certainly on the right track, because the aircraft pictured does share certain characteristics with the IAR 80/81, but it's not the IAR 80 DC, a post war training variant that never saw service in civilian markings.
Not only that, but since the DC was a modification of a standard airframe, the front cockpit was actually open and featured another standard IAR 80 windshield and reduced instrumentation.
On the other hand, I can tell you that the mystery airplane was designed from start as a two-seater.

[Librarian]

In that case you are in much better position, my dear Mr. Wingsofwrath – the only weapon constructor I know personally actually was... a howitzer- designer!:)

And thank you very much for that highly informative annotation of yours about authentic configuration of the airplane. Obviously, in that case only one machine fulfills completely all previously mentioned requirements: IAR 47! Here is a direct link:

http://modelism.info.ro/forum/index.php?showtopic=690&pid=3588&mode=threaded&start

Thank you very much for this highly intriguing task! :D

[kiwimac]

What wonderful reference sources you must have access to.

[wingsofwrath]

Excellent job, my dear Mr Librarian!:D

Of course, you are absolutely right.
Happy New Year, and I hope your next mysteries will be just as puzzling and interesting as the ones in 2008...

[Librarian]

What wonderful reference sources you must have access to.

Oh, I’m not complaining, my dear Mr. Kiwimac. Not at all – quite the opposite! ;)

Happy New Year, and I hope your next mysteries will be just as puzzling and interesting as the ones in 2008...

Best wishes for the New Year as well my dear Mr. Wingsowrath! May health, happiness and prosperity be yours in bountiful measure in the 2009! :D

And here is my newest offer:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/Langnasen/00065.jpg

As always, I am waiting for your suggestions, honorable ladies and gentlemen! :)

[Sergej]

I wish you, my friends, a great new year, fulfilled with peace, health and wealth
for you and your loved people. And I'm looking forward to many fascinating mysteries
in this and the next years.

And by the way this is Aereonautica Lombarda A.R.

[Librarian]

Thank you very much, my dear Mr. Sergej! And yes, you are absolutely right -that surely was the Aereonautica Lombarda Assalto Radioguidato. :D

Please, carry on – we are in impatient anticipation of your assignment. ;)

[Sergej]

Ok, what is the purpose of this cute aircraft?

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9131/5135ap3.jpg

[Librarian]

What was the purpose of the Miles M. 30 X Minor? As far as I know - evaluation of the characteristics of blended fuselage and wing intersections, my dear Mr. Sergej. :)

[Sergej]

You are right!
It's something like a small-scalled prototype to collect data for the Miles X,
a four-engine airliner/transport.
It's your turn! :)

[Librarian]

Thank you, my dear Mr. Sergej. And now, honorable ladies and gentlemen - something completely different!

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/Langnasen/00077.jpg

This sadly neglected, but truly magnificent birdie actually represented a magnificently versatile, obedient and, above all, utterly cost-effective machine. ;)