Silhouette challenge

[Lightning Mate]

In between classes.

No visible armament, so civilian?

Looks fairly small - British radial engine?

[RegDep]

How about the "little" BAT F.K.28 'Crow'? Would fit to your size reference.

Edit to say NO. Completely different. Just thought that the challenge looked a bit like Koolhoven (BAT) FK 23.

[RegDep]

Who would make an airplane with Morane-Saulnier tail and a Gnôme rotary engine? TC were there only one built or more?

[SincoTC]

One off, correct about the engine, a Gnome Monosoupape, later tried with a Liberty 12.

A fighter (planned to fit two 7.62mg)

Not British

[skytrain10]

Cant find a picture, but what about the SPAD S-G2. Meets the criteria?

[Lightning Mate]

No time left now.

planned to fit two 7.62mg

That might narrow the nationality down.

[SincoTC]

Sorry skytrain, it's not French,

There are several pictures on the web, LM has hit on something, but that's no more than one would expect from a man of his calibre!

[skytrain10]

Although there are no doubt many exceptions, I'm guessing American or Russian then?

[skytrain10]

The Berckmans Speed Scout I believe?

[SincoTC]

I'm guessing American or Russian then?

You are correct, it is one of those two!

I was just about to say that I'm very surprised that nobody has asked the usual first question that often occurs when a picture of a biplane (usually against a distant skyline) is posted. Maybe it's because there aren't many three-views on a particular site (including one of this)!

The answer to that familiar question would be, yes it is from that country, and yes it is on that site!!

I think you all know which country, which can also be a continent and the other question can save a lot of fruitless searching.

There should be enough info there now to quickly locate it. (no drawing but a photo)

Edited to say that I needn't have types all that rubbish, I started a while ago, just after your last post appeared, but a plumbing emergency (building not personal) delayed its completion.

It is the Berckmans Speed Scout

100hp Gnôme rotary; span: 26'0" length: 18'8" load: 370# v: 115/85/54 (?>96/x/47) range: 275 (?>240) ceiling: 22,000'.

Maurice Berckmans. Monocoque laminated-plywood fuselage. A project for military consideration, which never materialized when "several deficiencies" were found in McCook Field evaluations.

POP: 1. Repowered with Liberty 6 as B-2, that design was also rejected because of its heaviness, as well as Berckmans' asking price of $175,000 for three planes. However, his design for B-3, with Liberty 12, did receive an order for four planes, but, as luck had it, the Armistice came along and killed the project.

skytrain has control

[skytrain10]

Thanks Sinco. An interesting challenge.

Here's one to think about:

[SincoTC]

Thanks skytrain,

I think I know what the answers will be; but in the light of what I just said, I'd better ask, is it from the USA and if so, is it on Aerofiles??

[skytrain10]

Not American TC

[SincoTC]

Thanks, I thought as much, but I did have to ask! So was it European and did it fly?

I've just been jury-rigging the plumbing so that everything works in the morning. Off home now, I will be back in about 45 mins to have a look at this strange device!! Hopefully, some of the others will be back soon too.

[skytrain10]

Ok Sinco....just sitting down to dinner so will check back in an hour.

[RegDep]

Me too, but skytrain when you are back, could you please give some plausible explanation to the high position of the upper wing. Surely, this contraption is not meant to be flown standing ? Nor the mg to shoot forward under the wing ?

[skytrain10]

Hi RD....I'm not sure I can offer any explanation for the rather high upper wing. Possibly to improve visibility in fulfillment of its role?

[RegDep]

Recce, then?

[Noyade]

G'day gents.

Japanese mate? Mitsubishi 2MR1?

[skytrain10]

Morning Graeme....spot on mate, it is the Mitsubishi 2MR1
Designed as a reconaissancce aircraft, only 2 were built.



All yours Graeme.