Silhouette challenge
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Thanks Bri. An interesting aircraft, I am somewhat bemused in that the three view plan of thisaircraft shows the engines to be in a pusher configuration yet the photograph of the aircraft indicates that they were in fact in tractor configuration.
Next Challenge:-
Mel
Next Challenge:-
Mel
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Dayton Wright FP-2
Regarding the engines, aerofiles.com confuses the issue by saying the FP-2 was originally powered by Hall-Scott L-6 engines, and refitted by Liberty 12 pushers. The tall radiators and narrow frontal area of the pusher engines portrayed on the 3-view would indicate they are Hall-Scott L-6 engines. A photo of the FP-2 taken at Michipicoten Harbour, Lake Superior, Ontario, (where the aircraft crashed after a float brace wire failed shortly after take-off), clearly shows a V-12 tractor engine configuration. Aerofiles incorrectly says the aircraft registration was N-CAED. The aircraft was registered G-CAED.
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Thanks Bri. I also did some digging and found a Flight International Archive for the Dec 20 1921 issue it stated
Quite a change in engine power.
Regarding the challenge aircraft, I agree the vertical fin/rudder profile is reminiscent of DH but I am unaware of any connection.
Mel
For the power plant two 420 h.p. Liberty engines, driving four-bladed tractor screws, are mounted on the lower plane centre sections. Originally, two 210 h.p. Hall-Scott " L.6 " engines were fitted, driving pusher screws, but the former engines have been installed to ensure a larger reserve of power —especially when flying on one engine—and a higher speed.
Regarding the challenge aircraft, I agree the vertical fin/rudder profile is reminiscent of DH but I am unaware of any connection.
Mel
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I posted the Dayton-Wright on the "What Cockpit?" thread quite a while ago. My pictures were from a contemporary US aviation magazine.
Note the survey camera beside the pilot's seat.
Note the survey camera beside the pilot's seat.
And a bunch of flowers on the left !
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Mel's Challengeskytrain10
skytrain10 has it. It is indeed the Macchi MB-323
You have control
Sorry Bri Spelling
You have control
Sorry Bri Spelling
Last edited by MReyn24050; 3rd Feb 2009 at 16:24. Reason: Spelling
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Well done LowNSlow, it is indeed the Macchi MC-72. The MC-72 had two contra-rotating propellers and was powered by two Fiat V-12 engines linked together in-line. A shaft from the rear engine ran through the front engine and then through the front engines hollow drive shaft to power the front propeller, the front engine powering the rear propeller. Although designed to take part in the 1931 Schneider Trophy contest it never did so due to its experimental engine design. However, on 10 April 1933, piloted by Maresciallo (later Tenente) Francesco Agello, it set a new world speed water over water of 682 km/h. On 23 October 1934, again piloted by Francesco Agello, it reached a speed of 709 km/h creating a speed record that would stand for five years. It is still the fastest speed ever attained by a piston engined sea-plane. After achieving this feat the aitcraft was not flown again.
Open House has been declared.
Open House has been declared.
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The surviving M.C.72 may be seen at the Vigna di Valle Aircraft Museum, an hour's drive north of Rome, on Lake Bracciano.
Alongside it are two earlier Schneider Cup racers - a race enthusiast's dream!
Alongside it are two earlier Schneider Cup racers - a race enthusiast's dream!
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