John Hill's challenge...
 

I have no idea what make or model it is, but I wonder if it is a towed gyrocopter. My guess assumes the "up and down control" in the photo is what appears to be an intercom/radio, as in, "Slow down, Charlie. We're bored stiff up here." :)

Glenn

Sorry Glenn, not a towed gyrocopter and the radio (for there is a radio in the picture) is not the "up/down" control.

Did I mention that the picture shows the guy in the left seat having control?

Is it some sort of steerable Balloon/Dirigible?

I believe the name dirigible means capable of being steered or directed which this aircraft is but it is not a balloon, it is not gas filled nor hot air filled.

Here are some of the clues again:

The aircraft is being flown in Australia (that might not help you find the type but if you do find it the reference to Australia may help you to confirm it).

The up/down control is visible.

The guy in the left seat is in control.

It is not a "para-glider".

It is not a towed giro nor is it a balloon.

A Drifter ultralight has been used in Oz to track feral camels, but the Drifter usually has a cowling. Otherwise, perhaps it could be the "Dream Fantasy" two-seater.

If either is correct, let it be open house. I'll be out of touch all afternoon.

Btw, if that horizontal metal bar is the up/down control.... you be careful in that thing, John! :O

Glenn

Sorry Ozbeowulf but it is neither of those. However you are right in that the horizontal chrom(ish) metal bar is the up down control.

John Hill's Challenge...
 

Okay, I think I've got it now...

I'm pretty sure it's an Aerochute, which seems to be a parachute-like cloth wing with a tubular steel "roll cage" dangling beneath. The horizontal bar is the throttle and there appear to be no pitch controls, so that qualifies as the "up/down" control. I have no idea how roll or yaw is controlled.

Pix at: http://www.aerochute.com.au/index.html

If I'm correct, let it be open house.

Glenn

I'm sure ozbeowulf has nailed it! In anticipation, as it's open house, here's one that won't last five minutes. It's been posted before but not from this angle. Apologies if I've jumped the gun but I'm trying to beat the server issue. :)http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r...atcockpit2.jpg

Anson C.19

My Canberra PR.9 was used so open house gents.
Regards
Ross

Spot on, XH175 - it's WD413.

Good Monday morning geltlefolk, indeed ozbeowulf has nailed it as an Aerochute it is!:D

A small three wheeled cart with a Rotax pusher for propulsion and an inflated 'parafoil'(?) type wing. A more-or-less constant speed craft in that more throttle (the horizontal bar) goes up and less goes down. The pilot holds lines going to the trailing corners of the wing, pulling a corner down induces drag which in turn results in both roll and yaw.

Spread the wing on the ground, open the throttle and when the wing inflates open it some more and up you go!

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/9...76smallzs1.jpg

John Hill's challenge...
 

Thanks, John...

By the way, although the aircraft is certainly not my cup of tea, that was quite a good challenge. It took a bit of mental gymnastics and digging to work it out.

Glenn

Thanks Glenn. We had a number of these flying machines and associated crews on our little expedition to Curtin Springs cattle station, near Mt Connor,NT and among the plumbers and software engineers we had more than one with experience perhaps more akin to the regulars on PPRuNe!

The next challenge...
 

Hey, guys, if you're waiting for me..... don't!

Right now, I don't have time to properly "service" a challenge with answers or clues.

It's still open house, as far as I'm concerned. Got for it, somebody!:O

Glenn

An Anson C.19 eh? Equally obscure variants of types previously posted may be forthcoming. Here is the next 'What Cockpit?'
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...40/4583826.jpg

I must have a browse through your library - I suspect a few months leave would be needed.

If during the design of the Bristol 138 somone had the bright idea of a pressurised capsule, (but couldn't make it work so got the pressurised suit used made as an alternative), the result would have looked something like that.

...and the ragout would be done to perfection! Contrary to popular myth, steam engine loco spotters did not wait with baited breath as this aeroplane whistled by the station. Sorry, it is not the Bristol 138.

Caproni 161

www.fai.org :

Altitude without payload : 17 083 m

Date of flight: 22/10/1938
Pilot: Mario PEZZI (Italy)
Course/place: Montecelio (Italy)

Aircraft:
Caproni 161 (Piaggo XI R.C.)

Well done. It is indeed a Caproni Ca.161 You have control.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...roni_ca161.jpg

Thanks evanbs

A link to another image on the Pezzi Family website

here is the next one :

http://www.marc-till.com/tmp/cockpit20.jpg

A bit of a surprise to see it is not (yet) on the official list ...