perttime

Goodyear Inflatoplane?

HoundDog

My Feedback: (49)

Close but No Cigar ...
Originally Posted by HoundDog
1. This unique creation definitely belongs on any list of strange aircraft.
2. It was designed for the U.S. Army.
3. It was designed in 1958

HoundDog

My Feedback: (49)

Nope but Great Guess

zippome

HZ-1 Aerocycle?

DeferredDefect

The AVRO VZ-9 Aerocar would fit the bill.

HoundDog

My Feedback: (49)

HZ-1 Aerocycle?
The AVRO VZ-9 Aerocar would fit the bill.
Close but still No Cigar ...

Originally Posted by HoundDog
1. This unique creation definitely belongs on any list of strange aircraft.
2. It was designed for the U.S. Army.
3. It was designed in 1958
4. The aircraft was reportedly easy to fly

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Perhaps the Curtiss-Wright VZ-7? Thanks; Ernie P.


The Curtiss-Wright VZ-7 (also known as the VZ-7AP[SUP][1][/SUP]) was a VTOL quadrotor helicopter aircraft designed by the Curtiss-Wright company for the US Army. Like the Chrysler VZ-6 and the VZ-8 Airgeep it was to be a "flying jeep"

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

A bit more info. Thanks; Ernie P.


Two prototypes were delivered to the US Army in mid-1958.
The VZ-7 had a fuselage with the pilot's seat, fuel tanks and flight controls. On both sides of the fuselage the propellers were attached, unshrouded (the aircraft did originally have shrouds, but these were later removed). There were 4 propellers in total. The VZ-7 was controlled by changing the thrust of each propeller. The flying platform was maneuverable and easy to fly.
The aircraft performed well during tests, but was not able to meet the Army's standards, therefore it was retired and returned to the manufacturer in 1960.
One VZ-7 is part of the United States Army Aviation Museum aircraft collection at Fort Rucker. However, it's not on public display due to space restrictions.[SUP][2][/SUP][SUP][3][/SUP]

HoundDog

My Feedback: (49)

Originally Posted by HoundDog
HZ-1 Aerocycle?
The AVRO VZ-9 Aerocar would fit the bill.
Close but still No Cigar ...

Originally Posted by HoundDog
1. This unique creation definitely belongs on any list of strange aircraft.
2. It was designed for the U.S. Army.
3. It was designed in 1958
4. The aircraft was reportedly easy to fly

Perhaps the Curtiss-Wright VZ-7? Thanks; Ernie P.

This unique creation definitely belongs on any list of strange aircraft. It was designed in 1958 as a “flying jeep” for the U.S. Army.
The aircraft was reportedly easy to fly and featured four propellers that were attached on both sides of the fuselage. While it was able to perform the tasks requested, it was not able to meet the Army’s standards and was therefore discontinued.
We can only imagine that this aircraft would likely have similar problems to the inflatable plane and the Aerocycle due to the pilot being so exposed. You’d think the Army would stop ordering aircraft with no protection, but… no.

Sorta like a Quad On Steroids...

And we have another winner Ernie U get your Pick of the top shelf of Teddy Bears for that shot ...
or just come up with a new Quiz Plane ....

zippome

Doesn't everyone want to fly the HZ-1 Aerocycle?
Just be careful getting off. And keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oYS_5SgU_0

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Thank you, Sir. I know, I know; I'm supposed to be laying back a bit, but I can't always resist. I am cutting back, but it's so hard to quit totally. I hope you all enjoy my next question. It seems strange it hasn't been done before, but I didn't see it with a quick scan.

It seems such a simple concept: Build a small, simple, easy to build and repair airplane around the biggest, most powerful and most reliable engine you can beg, borrow, buy or steal; test and develop it thoroughly; and see how things go. I wonder why so few designers try it? Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird do I describe?

Clues:

1. Small.

2. Simple.

3. Designed to be easy to repair.

zippome

How about "the gnat"

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

No; not the gnat, Zip. good guess, though. Please try again. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird do I describe?

Clues:

1. Small.

1. Simple.

1. Designed to be easy to repair.

1. The (very reliable) engine was built under license.

HoundDog

My Feedback: (49)

Space Shuttle

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Um..... Not the Space Shuttle, HoundDog. Maybe this next clue will get you on the right track. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird do I describe?

Clues:

1. Small.

2. Simple.

3. Designed to be easy to repair.

4. The (very reliable) engine was built under license.

5. The first prototype flew with a different engine, because the licensing agreements were still being negotiated. Although this engine was much less powerful, the aircraft was still considered to be acceptable, as speed was still sufficient.

HoundDog

My Feedback: (49)

Ya a little Slower The X15 @ 4,520 mph as apposed to 17,500 mph for the space shuttle Right

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

HoundDog; you're barking up the wrong tree. This is a warbird; guns and armor type of plane. Maybe this next clue will get you started in the right direction. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird do I describe?

Clues:

1. Small.

1. Simple.

1. Designed to be easy to repair.

1. The (very reliable) engine was built under license.

1. The first prototype flew with a different engine, because the licensing agreements were still being negotiated. Although this engine was much less powerful, the aircraft was still considered to be acceptable, as speed was still sufficient.

1. Earlier variants used the less powerful engine, but eventually the more powerful engines became available and were used. Thus, two versions of the aircraft were initially produced.

RCKen

My Feedback: (9)

Ernie,
You have every clue number 1!!!!

Ken

uncljoe

My Feedback: (8)

SWAG .... Douglas A4D "skyhawk"

Semper Fi

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Actually, Ken; when I post the clues, I see the correct numbers. When it posts, there's only a bunch of number 1's. I don't know why. I'm using a new computer, and still learning to drive it. I'll keep working on it.

No correct answers thus far, so here's an evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird do I describe?

Clues:

1. Small.

2. Simple.

3. Designed to be easy to repair.

4. The (very reliable) engine was built under license.

5. The first prototype flew with a different engine, because the licensing agreements were still being negotiated. Although this engine was much less powerful, the aircraft was still considered to be acceptable, as speed was still sufficient.

6. Earlier variants used the less powerful engine, but eventually the more powerful engines became available and were used. Thus, two versions of the aircraft were initially produced.

7. When the more powerful engines became available, the aircraft was very light and very fast.

HoundDog

My Feedback: (49)

[h=1]Northrop YB-49[/h]The Northrop YB-49 was a prototype jet-powered heavy bomber aircraft developed by Northrop Corporation shortly after World War II for service with the U.S. Air Force. The YB-49 featured a Flying Wing design and was a jet-powered development of the earlier, piston-engined Northrop XB-35 and YB-35

zippome

How about the Saab 37 Viggen?

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

No correct answers thus far. Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird do I describe?

Clues:

1. Small.

1. Simple.

1. Designed to be easy to repair.

1. The (very reliable) engine was built under license.

1. The first prototype flew with a different engine, because the licensing agreements were still being negotiated. Although this engine was much less powerful, the aircraft was still considered to be acceptable, as speed was still sufficient.

1. Earlier variants used the less powerful engine, but eventually the more powerful engines became available and were used. Thus, two versions of the aircraft were initially produced.

1. When the more powerful engines became available, the aircraft was very light and very fast.

1. Although it was not as maneuverable as some contemporary fighters, it’s speed and climb rates were superior.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

No correct answers thus far. Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird do I describe?

Clues:

1. Small.

2. Simple.

3. Designed to be easy to repair.

4. The (very reliable) engine was built under license.

5. The first prototype flew with a different engine, because the licensing agreements were still being negotiated. Although this engine was much less powerful, the aircraft was still considered to be acceptable, as speed was still sufficient.

6. Earlier variants used the less powerful engine, but eventually the more powerful engines became available and were used. Thus, two versions of the aircraft were initially produced.

7. When the more powerful engines became available, the aircraft was very light and very fast.

8. Although it was not as maneuverable as some contemporary fighters, it’s speed and climb rates were superior.

HoundDog

My Feedback: (49)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piper_PA-48_Enforcer
[h=1]Piper PA-48 Enforcer[/h] From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"PA-48" redirects here. PA-48 may also refer to Pennsylvania Route 48.
[TABLE="class: infobox, width: 315"]
[TR]
[TH="colspan: 2, align: center"]PA-48 Enforcer[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 2, align: center"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH]Role[/TH]
[TD]Counter-insurgency aircraft[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH]Manufacturer[/TH]
[TD]Piper Aircraft[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH]First flight[/TH]
[TD]29 April 1971[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH]Retired[/TH]
[TD]1984[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH]Status[/TH]
[TD]Experimental[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH]Number built[/TH]
[TD]4[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH]Developed from[/TH]
[TD]North American P-51 Mustang
Cavalier Mustang[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
The Piper PA-48 Enforcer is a turboprop powered light close air support/ground-attack aircraft built by Piper Aircraft Corp. Lakeland, Florida. It was the ultimate development of the original World War II North American P-51 Mustang. The Enforcer concept was originally created and flown as the Cavalier Mustang by David Lindsay, owner of Cavalier Aircraft, in response to the United States Air Force PAVE COIN program, but Cavalier did not have the political clout or manufacturing abilities to mass-produce the Enforcer, so the program was sold to Piper by Lindsay in 1970.