Bri. Sorry for the delay. No, this aircraft had a tail but not quite what one would call conventional.

Dear me, even Bri is baffled!?

Can we narrow it down a bit, 1920s, non UK, possibly France?

Mel's Challenge
 

Fitter2
This particular aircraft was built in the UK but the designer was not born in Britain it first flew 1930s.
Mel

One of Westlands tailless Pteradactyls?

Mel's Challenge
 

This aircraft was not from Westlands

I thought the Lachmann designed HP75 Manx but that is too late timewise so when in doubt adopt the shotgun approach-Miles M35 Libellula?

Hafner gyroplane?

Mel's Challenge
 

Fitter2, don't underestimate Bri. He has it, it is indeed the Hafner A.R.III Gyroplane Mk II. :ok::)
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c6...ARIIIMkIII.jpg
The photograph at Post # 877 looks down into the cockpit of the Hafner A.R.III. On the left is the lever which operates the spider. In the centre the trimming wheel for the pivoted tailplane. The end of the joystick is out of sight below the instrument board.

As stated the photograph was taken either during manufacture or build as the rotor mast is missing.

Thanks Mel.:) I found your challenge quite difficult. Here is the next 'What Cockpit?'

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...40/4558784.jpg

I wouldn't be surprised if that was a PA38 Tomahawk.

stevef , you are spot on:ok: And quick too! You have control.

Fitter2, don't underestimate Bri. He has it, it is indeed the Hafner A.R.III Gyroplane Mk II

Not at all Mel, no nasturtiums cast. I am constantly amazed at thedepth of knowledge on this thread; I have learned much more about some of the more obscure corners of aviation history than from my moderately well-stocked bookshelf, and been inspired to trawl some interesting corners of googleworld.

Feel free to post a new challenge, anyone; it's going to take me a while to upload a picture onto Photobucket and get back into Pprune because of the server problems.
Steve

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/8...94smallgl1.jpg

Does this qualify as a 'cockpit'?:)I think there is enough in the picture (or rather not in the picture) to give enough clues for this not to last long.

14 hours and no takers? I do hope that is due to the server problems so I will leave it a few more hours.

Excuse me for butting in, but I've been folowing this thread with much interest, and since no one has pitched an answer for about 24 hours might I punt something?

Is it some form of microlight? The lack of bodywork/fuselage and instruments along with the modern look of what is there would lead me that way.

I did think para-glider, but the side-by-side seating doesn't seem right for that.

I#ll go lurk in a corner again now.

Time for a clue I think.

The photo shows that it was at that time being flown by the guy in the left seat.

No, it is not a para glider.

Not much action on this one! Next clue, the photo was taken when we were patrolling for feral camels in the middle of Australia.

A bonus clue, the "up and down" control of this aircraft is visible in the picture.

My first thought was a helicopter of some kind but the lack of instruments is a real poser

When I said it is not a "para-glider", well, it is not a "para-glider".