How about the updated version of the Fletcher? I think it is from NZ?

C2j

Oh, you mean the Pacific Aerospace 750XL? I thought so as well, but I am unable to rationalize the control yokes versus the joysticks, and the power binacle.:bored:

Sorry, not the Fletcher (or any other NZ aircraft) or the Pacific Aerospace 750XL.

Clue: This aircraft has an unusual landing gear arrangement which is not apparent at first glance.

Well, it's single engine prop (probably turbo-prop). It's got really up-to-date instrumentation and radios (Garmin 430/530). I'm a bit stumped by the diagonal structures on each sidewall - possibly composite construction.

How about either the Czech Ae-720 or the ?? Epic ?

C2j

C2j...

Yes, this aircraft is a single engine turboprop. It also uses composite construction, especially in one unusual place.

The wings, empennage and some sub-structures are metal.

Sadly, it is neither the Czech Ae 270 nor the American Epic.

Glenn

Looks like the turbine version of the Explorer. Here is the piston version as at Oshkosh 1999. Sounded a really promising aircraft, but haven't heard anything about it since then.
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...l/Ex350R-1.jpg

Planegill is correct! Well done, David! :ok: Over to you...

http://xs124.xs.to/xs124/08066/wotzit_11inflt104.jpg


It is indeed the Explorer 500T, the turbine powered proof of concept aircraft from Explorer Aircraft, Inc, the American company who bought the design from AEA, the Australian firm who built the piston-engine-powered version shown in your correct answer.

More photos here...

http://www.exploreraircraft.com/photos.php

and don't miss seeing the unusual landing gear retraction/extension sequence in the streaming video at the bottom of the page. If you thought the Cessna 337 gear cycle looked odd, you'll love this one!

Glenn

Next Challenge
 

Planegill, check your PMs, please.

Planegill's challenge
 

Looks like an American Twin engined aircraft possibly early 1930s. Interesting fuel gauge bottom right on the panel, not sure if that is a contents guage for four tanks?
Just a wild guess a Consolidated Model 16 Commodore / XPY-1?
Mel

Douglas O-35/Y1B-7 ?

Planegill's challenge...
 

I bet you're right, Bri.

That sure looks like a Douglas yoke of the period and the open cockpit would explain why the engine controls aren't on the roof.

Glenn

Aha, I have come up with a challenge that has got some heads scratching at last. Mel has some aspects correct, it is twin engined from the 1930s.
However it is not from Convair, or Douglas.

Planegill's challenge
 

Now that did not confirm whether it was an American aircraft or not. So it could possibly be from the UK. This is another wild guess, if it is British, the Blackburn Segrave II which was a twin, metal-fuselage aircraft built early 1930s.
Mel

The instruments (particularly the Turn and Slip) and the wheel look American to me. Also the labelling on the circuit breaker panel. I still don't have a clue what it is though :bored:

Fokker YB-8/YO-27 ? I am perplexed. How many were built?

Not a Fokker. It has a closed cockpit. It is from the Western side of the Atlantic.

Planegill's challenge...
 

How's this for stumbling around in the dark?

North American XB-21?

ozbeowulf, great find!:ok: I have never seen nor heard of the NA XB-21. I no longer consider a book I have on North American Aircraft comprehensive.;)

Thanks, Bri...

Glad I managed to come up with a new one for you. This forum has certainly shown me many, many aircraft I had never heard of.

Also, while scrabbling around the net trying to find answers for delightfully obscure birds such as the current challenge, I keep bumping into more unusual flying machines. My "possible challenges" folder grows fatter every day. [Insert evil chuckle here] :)

Glenn