Name that Flying Machine
Who was it said "I would rather be lucky than good"?
I had assumed that the inline engines indicated a European aircraft, but after many fruitless searches, I decided to have a look at US aircraft, even though every 1930s biplane airliner, that I was aware of, used radials.
I was looking at the Curtiss T-32 Condor II, which was too small and had round engines, when I stumbled on this:
The Curtis Model 53 Condor, powered by the Curtiss V12 Conqueror. The aircraft and the engine are both new to me.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtiss_Model_53_Condor
I had assumed that the inline engines indicated a European aircraft, but after many fruitless searches, I decided to have a look at US aircraft, even though every 1930s biplane airliner, that I was aware of, used radials.
I was looking at the Curtiss T-32 Condor II, which was too small and had round engines, when I stumbled on this:
The Curtis Model 53 Condor, powered by the Curtiss V12 Conqueror. The aircraft and the engine are both new to me.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtiss_Model_53_Condor
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Well, I thought the engine installation looked extraordinarily neat for the presumed period, and of course it was because the engine was ancestral to so many classic types (or at least, the D-12 was).
What a remarkably clean design for a biplane, particularly in comparison to its contemporary, the HP 42. It was 16 mph faster and had the same range, while carrying 18 passengers versus 24 in the HP 42.
Try this one. I'll reveal more if required.
Try this one. I'll reveal more if required.
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Hmmm...
Wikipedia says that only 2 were built. The un-tapered booms are a bit of a recognition give-away.
- low set horizontal stabilizer, so not likely to be jet powered.
- not anything De Havilland, as that designer would for have have been sacked for not using the traditional curved shape on the fin and rudder.
- the markings look British, so I am looking for something British that was never built in any great number and is virtually unknown.
Wikipedia says that only 2 were built. The un-tapered booms are a bit of a recognition give-away.
Last edited by Terry Dactil; 17th Mar 2021 at 07:48. Reason: typo
Well, it's 23h45m since I posted and I need to go out, so I'll declare that Terry is correct. The Heston JC.6 which competed for the A.2/45 AOP contract which was won by the Auster AOP.6.
About the same wing loading as the AOP.6, but it had a Gipsy Queen engine, so I imagine weight and fuel consumption were an issue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heston_JC.6
TD has control. Good analysis by the way.
About the same wing loading as the AOP.6, but it had a Gipsy Queen engine, so I imagine weight and fuel consumption were an issue.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heston_JC.6
TD has control. Good analysis by the way.
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Thanks India Four Two.
I suspect that I am not the only one that had never heard of the Heston JC.6 before your challenge.
There is something new to learn every day.
Here is another aircraft that only 2 were ever built.
It had outstanding performance, but production was canceled because WW2 ended and jet engines had arrived,
I suspect that I am not the only one that had never heard of the Heston JC.6 before your challenge.
There is something new to learn every day.
Here is another aircraft that only 2 were ever built.
It had outstanding performance, but production was canceled because WW2 ended and jet engines had arrived,
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Yes. It is the XP-72, which was a sort of super P-47 with 50% more power.
Interestingly, it had an engine driven cooling fan behind the spinner and side cowl flaps/exhaust like the FW-190.
The other (#1) aircraft did not have contra-rotating props.
Well spotted Noyade, you have control.
Interestingly, it had an engine driven cooling fan behind the spinner and side cowl flaps/exhaust like the FW-190.
The other (#1) aircraft did not have contra-rotating props.
Well spotted Noyade, you have control.
This is somewhat obscure I think...
It is indeed - a Mexican built bomber - I think someone has built a replica -
Collar & tie - a gentleman then.....................
Yes, rather dapper looking fellow with an intense posture - and the aircraft firmly on the ground.
Fighter from the USA - with a convoluted designation, based on a well known design.
Very famous manufacturer.
Fighter from the USA - with a convoluted designation, based on a well known design.
Very famous manufacturer.
Very famous manufacturer.