Silhouette challenge

[Lightning Mate]

A wee question.

Was it purpose-designed of modified from something else?

[skytrain10]

Was it purpose-designed of modified from something else?

It was to be a modification of an existing type.

[Lightning Mate]

.....was to be.....

Does that mean it wasn't built?

[skytrain10]

Does that mean it wasn't built?

Correct, it was a project that was based on an existing type.

[SincoTC]

The cockpit area and proportions look like it could have been based on Eric Bratt's BHT-1 Beauty. Any connection there??

[skytrain10]

could have been based on Eric Bratt's BHT-1 Beauty

Nothing that obscure Sinco...it was based on a production aircraft.

[Lightning Mate]

Sorry mate - time to go.

I'm sure someone will join you shortly.

[Walter-Karl]

Hi skytrain10,
I have no name/model, but I you tell me it was based on the (Socata (Gardan) GY-80 Horizon, I will believe you

[skytrain10]

Hi WK...not based on the Horizon (but I see why you said it), or a French aircraft, but you are along the right lines in terms of a mass production aircraft being the basis for the project.

[SincoTC]

Just a thought! The fact that WK didn't immediately recognise it make me wonder if it's from the USA?

[skytrain10]

Interesting logic, but you're right Sinco, it is from the USA.

[SincoTC]

Thanks skytrain; next obvious question, is it on Aerofiles and how many seats did the production airframe on which it's based have?

[RegDep]

Ultralight? Kitplane?

[skytrain10]

is it on Aerofiles and how many seats did the production airframe on which it's based have?

The original production aircraft is on Aerofiles.....and we are talking about a significant production run. Including numerous variants over 1,000 were built, and of the specific model from which it bears its name, around 300. Aerofiles info on the POP is out of date!

Not a kitplane/ultralight RD

[RegDep]

Beechcraft Beech T 34 derivative

[RegDep]

Good night Gentlemen. Tomorrow is the Big Day.

[skytrain10]

Beechcraft Beech T 34 derivative

Not a Beech, but the design was from a well known manufacturer, albeit perhaps not in the same league as the likes of Beech.

Have to admit I'm surprised this one has lasted this long! I'll hold off on any clues to give the night shift a fair crack at it. If it hasn't gone by morning I'll give you all some help.

I see we have reached Page 1000

[Mechta]

There's something Bellanca Viking 'ish' about the fin.

Edit: now I why! (If I'm right open house, I've got to revise today/tomorrow)

[RegDep]

WOW Mechta. So easy .

Bellanca came up in most of my searches and I just thought "cannot be that simple a answer", and did not look in .

Edit: Although now looking at Viking, it is not so sure that I had picked it up anyhow

[skytrain10]

There's something Bellanca Viking 'ish' about the fin.

There's a good reason for that Mechta .
The challenge was indeed based on the Bellanca 17-30 Viking 300, using the same tail, wings, engine as its host. Must admit I thought the fin being so distinctive would give it away once I had said it was based on a production aircraft.

Now the awkward bit....Mechta has posted the drawing of the challenge aircraft but actually hasn't identified it! But unless anyone disagrees, as he's done all the hard work he should be awarded the challenge. So for sake of good order the aircraft is the Bellanca M300, a lightweight counter insurgency aircraft which was proposed by the manfacturer in the 1970's, fitted with machine guns and able to carry rockets and bombs! Would have packed quite a punch for such a small plane.

Mechta has declared Open House.

Ps...hope the revision goes well Mechta

Edit to say:
Morning RD

"cannot be that simple a answer"

Thats the fun of putting up an aircraft from a well known manufacturer!