Kitbag's challenge?
 

As you say "an optical illusion" as I think it was a clear vision panel.

Focke Wulf Fw.191?

Evansbe, no, this aircraft performed a very different role than bombing

Correction to post 381
 

I checked an alternate reference this evening when I got home regarding the 'black circle'. In one photo it is a clear panel, but in a couple of others it is a typical Germanic defensive gun mount for a 7.9mm weapon. Not sure that is any help, but I like to keep the record straight.

How about the Siebel Si 204

You seem to be flying a bit of a kite there Windriver. This type was very different to conventional aircraft, and was even built after the war, so useful was it. Also achieved many world records that stood for a long time.

I have an orignal copy of the report about this aircraft from the Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment RAF Beaulieu. This may or may not be a clue. :oh:

Kitbag's challenge
 

The Focke Achgelis Fa 223 Drache.

You got it evansbe, it is the Focke Achgelis FA223 Drache (Paper) Kite, an allusion to its frontal view apparently :D

Just to illustrate the point about the different circular panel see below:
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/a...V14wartime.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/Fa223V16.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Fa223wn51.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/a...V14postwar.jpg
Examples were built or assembled post war by SNCASE in France were the designer Heinrich Focke worked and Avia in Czechoslvakia. First helicopter to cross the English Channel, held helicopter records for speed, climb rate and ceiling for a considerable time after the war.

You have control

Thanks Kitbag. That was a very good challenge with some history thrown in for good measure:ok: Here is the next cockpit:

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...40/4012151.jpg

First (and probably only) thoughts: large biplane bomber type, looking at glazing below and forward of pilots position it puts me in mind of those Amiot designs of the 30's, however this is much earlier- late WWI? and possibly Russian. Is that a handbrake on the right, or a throttle for a single engine? And what is happening between the pilots? Looks like a very strange game of dominoes to me.

Is what seems to be a lack of any flight instrumentation a clue?

Kite warning... Looks like something from circa 1920... twin engined. Ignoring the unknown 'dominoes' the pedestal layout seems to be quite advanced for the time. I'm quite confident it's unpressurised:8

Was it a factory mock up prepared for display at an exhibition perhaps?

The aircraft flew in the early 1920s. Not military. No actual glazing for the pilots, as they wore goggles. The console pedestal displays early use of electric switches to the engineers. I cannot explain the absence of flight instruments.

Possibly a Caproni Ca.60 Noviplano?

evansb's challenge
 

Kitbag is correct.:ok: Well done. The giant Caproni Ca.60 Transaero Noviplano, eight engine flying boat flew only once, in 1921, and crashed, killing the test pilot. A truly awesome aeroplane from a design and engineering standpoint. The crew comprised 2 pilots and 6 engineers. YouTube has a video of the aircraft taken prior to its maiden flight, posted by Bomberguy. Search 'Count Gianni Caproni'. You have control.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...ir640/ca60.gif

Fantastic bit of kit, thought designers had got away from multiplane layouts by 1917ish.

Afraid I have nothing available right now so open house:ok:

Okay, try this one....

An innovative design overtaken by world events....

http://xs121.xs.to/xs121/07484/wotzit_3.jpg

ozbeowulf's challenge
 

stealth aircraft? Sorry the image is still not visible.
Mel

Aurora? :E