Not Aurora or any other stealth aircraft.

This aircraft's job description was much more mundane, though it did attract military interest.

Designed by engineers formerly employed by a major (at the time) light aircraft manufacturer, this bird utilised three of the latest design concepts when it first flew.

Edit: A few clues, because that photo doesn't give away much. (Best I could do, though; it's a frame from a video clip. I'll post the link to the clip eventually.)

Think late 1930s, a somewhat unusual configuration, and excellent visibility for the aircrew.

All the glazing makes it look vaguely helicopter-ish a bit like the Sikorsky R5, but it isn't that, pilot appears to be Australian or American. Appears to have control wheels rather than columns. I suspect it is late 30's early 40's, abandoned due to WWII? Convinced its rotary, but can't pin it down.

Despite appearances, Kitbag, it's not a rotary-wing aircraft.
Also not Australian.

You're quite correct re late 1930s and "abandoned due to WWII."

Not Mr Abrams Explorer? Layout like an Edgely Optica but flown by Flash Gordon!

Well done, Kitbag!:ok: It is the Abrams Explorer. You have control.

http://xs121.xs.to/xs121/07485/abrams_3.jpg

Although the designers of the Explorer did not invent tricycle landing gear, twin booms or cabin pressurisation, the Abrams company successfully used all three on this 1937 aircraft.

The Explorer was doing government survey flights when WWII began. Although the Abrams could top 200 mph, the US Army decided to use faster, more survivable, fighter aircraft instead. Only one Explorer was built; it is now owned by the Smithsonian.

There is a short, but interesting, video clip at... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsaAe...eature=related

Glenn

Sadly my fund of suitable cockpit photos is still empty, although I have great hopes of a recent investment.

However as before - open house gents

Just a note added to say I liked the video of the Abrams, especially the clipped commentary Fantastic:ok:

On the other hand, just came across this little beaut:)

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/a...eston/WC24.jpg

Kitbag's challenge
 

Beauty! Check your PM.

PM checked. Turn about. Your move.

Ahh...well, I would prefer some other ppruner identify the cockpit outside of a PM, but if you are really giving me control without identifying
the cockpit, hmm..let me think about this until I have at least 6 hours rest, thanks.

Congrats to evansb for identifying the mystery cockpit, but I'm baffled. I haven't even worked out how the pilot saw out of the aircraft.

Someone please tell all. :O

Glenn

If you look closely, it looks like the central part of the "ceiling" is actually some thin tarpaulin and that the real winscreen is behind it

What is the machine with the mystery cockpit - for us unwashed?

The fenestration looks rather like a Wittman Tailwind, but the panel looks rather older and European (French?)

Reminds me of a crop-sprayer I once had some fun in.....but that doesn't account for the dual rudder pedals, if that's what they are.

It is a 1929 St. Louis C2-110 Super Cardinal. Only 6 were built. It is powered by a 100-hp Kinner radial engine. Open house.

Well, that fell into the 'not in a million years' category. This, however, is a 'just to keep the game going', as my sister used to say before cleaning me out at Monopoly.


http://i2.tinypic.com/8atw8ex.jpg

Looks like the pilot really wanted to make sure he never got lost!...

Where to start? Having confused a Buccaneer with a Javelin on another thread I have no more face to lose...

Is the disconnected monocycle "thingy" in the top left of the picture of any relevance to the subject aircraft.

So for starters is this some sort of US "record breaker" type aircraft?

fitter 2's challenge...
 

Lot of "where am I?" gadgets, but no engine instruments, and what looks like a speedbrake handle on the left. A sailplane set up for distance events, me thinks.

Lots of 'where am I' indeed (there actually 4 independant GPS visible, and another one out of sight), but there is an engine instrument/control bottom left. Given the duplicated sensitive VSIs, a sailplane would be a good start.