Maybe a, rather grainy, photo from another angle wil help.
Designed to carry either passengers or cargo, and for short-field operations.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....2b7feb0672.jpg

Well... it's certainly ugly, which would normally place it in the French or Russian category, but I'm seeing a US registration.... so I'm confused.

It's definitely US, designed in 1947 and constructed over 4 years to completion in 1952.
The designer built and flew his first design when he was 21, this being his third design.

Presumably retrograde in the "looks" department! ;) It hardly seems worthwhile putting pants on the main wheels with all those drag-producing excrescences propping up the empennage.

To keep this thread going forward, I think it's time to reveal that it is the Johns X-3 Rason Warrior.
And declare Open House.

https://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contr...David/9094.htm

Here's something that shouldn't tax too many for too long .....


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....c1f2e1402e.jpg

Looks a bit like the Roy Mignet G1 001 - but it isn't - could be in France tho?

Any Fauvel in it?

Asturias56, as to your former statement, it is not, strictly speaking, a formule Mignet aeroplane, although it's evident that this inspired the design; and as to the latter statement, it could and it is.

Treadigraph, there's no Fauvel in it because, as already mentioned, it's closer to the formule Mignet than to Fauvel's flying wing.

I suppose one might describe it as a Mignard or a Cannet!

It's from the drawing board of a well-known name in aviation history who was very precious about his designs!

searching these names has taken me t aircraft I wouldn't have believed anyone could ever design - I may never sleep properly again................

Well, stone me, Asturias56. You mean to say that your search hasn't yet identified this little gem?

Im'e not here to offer any identity suggestions but it does look very much like the Whittaker MW9 Plank but with an extra little plank. https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/model/W...20MW.9%20Plank

I get the hints relating to precious stones but that's not getting me anywhere - ruby, emerald, sapphire, diamond, jewel (AND Jewell) ......

Just gets weirder and weirder - I'll never slag off a Cessna 152 again..................

Ah.........! I think it has great appeal!

I did say that it's in France, Asturias56, but you've just listed English words. Now if ....

But do I detect, treadigraph, that you've already found the answer by virtue of having clawed away at it?

You've almost nailed it there FV! I clipped a few corners though...

I feel that I should end the agony - and, as he evidently knew the identity of this aeroplane, impose on treadigraph the obligation to post the next mystery! :D

For those who didn't get the clues, Claude (Clawed) Piel (Appeal) named the majority of his aeroplane designs after precious and semi-precious stones (the exceptions being the Pinocchio and the Donald). That illustrated is the Piel CP.150 Onyx.

I'm surprised that Asturias56 didn't make the connection as he was so close. Had he translated his list into French, I'm sure that the penny would have dropped when he saw the Piel Rubis (ML.125), Emeraude (CP.30), Saphir (CP.1320) and Diamant (CP.60) listed before him - aeroplanes much more interesting than the Cessna 152!

It was a new one to me...

I don't expect this to last long!

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....95cac60341.jpg

FIAT 7002? I remember it because I think it used tip jets like the Rotodyne..........

Correct and correct... I believe the Rotordyne was quite noisy, wonder if this was too...

It was one of several interesting 1960s helicopter designs that appeared in my collection of old Observers' Books that never made production...

You have control...