Name This Plane...from the inside

[Mike K.]

Looks like a Dornier 335.

 

[Luddite]

Yes, the Pfiel. Nice one!

 

[Mojave Jack]

Well done, Mike!

 

[Mike K.]

Thanks!

Here's a real challenge (I hope)...

 

[KilroyCD]

I'm really stumped so far, but I'm still looking!

 

[Diamondback]

Request for hint: how many throttles on that quadrant? Looks like 6, I'm tempted to guess early-model B-36.

 

[KilroyCD]

Request for hint: how many throttles on that quadrant? Looks like 6, I'm tempted to guess early-model B-36.

Nope, already checked that one. Canopy framing is totally different, yokes are different.

 

[Flieger]

Just a wild stab in the dark: Can it be a Lockheed Constellation?

/F

 

[staggerwing]

Only two engines, I believe the other levers are prop and mixture controls. A fairly wide cockpit. I suspect it's a cargo hauler of some sort. I've figured out a lot of things it's not, but don't know what it is! Here's a really wild guess - a Douglas DC 5. Yep, I said DC 5.

 

[Mike K.]

Sorry guys...been away from the computer for awhile.

Here are your first clues:
It is a twin-radial engine aircraft of North American origin.
I may have broken the rules a bit as this is a post-WWII plane.
Here is the clencher - it was the first (and maybe the only) built-for-purpose aircraft of its kind.
...and look closely at that gizmo on the control yoke.


* I'll be on the road for the holidays, but will check back in this weekend. Good luck! *

 

[staggerwing]

OK, I'm looking at it. Assumed it was an add-on after the airplane was in service, probably some sort of switch box. The resolution isn't really good enough to make out more. I suppose telling us the purpose for which it was built would be a give away?

 

[Mike K.]

...not entirely

bombs away!

 

[KilroyCD]

I think I have it!

I believe it's the Canadair CL-215 "Scooper" amphibious fire-bomber.

 

[Mike K.]

Nice job KilroyCD!!

My next clue was going to be "Smokey Bear" but you nailed it.
The CL-215 was the first aircraft (and to my knowledge, still the only one) to be built specifically for the purpose of aerial wildland firefighting. All other air tankers (as us firefighters know them) are converted DC-6s, B-17s, Catalinas, P-3s, and now even 747 jumbo jets. The CL-215 is a very unique and versatile aircraft when it comes to firefighting. The seat-of-the-pants, stick & rudder flying that air tanker pilots do is very dangerous but exciting.

 

[KilroyCD]

Okay, here's another one!

Have a go at ths one!

 

[KilroyCD]

Is it because of the Holidays?...

...Or have I stumped everyone?

 

[Mike K.]

For me - sidetracked due to holidays.

 

[KilroyCD]

For me - sidetracked due to holidays.

I figured that was likely the case with most of the "usual suspects".

 

[Flieger]

...Or have I stumped everyone?

Hey, Kilroy! It took some digging but I think I got it - Curtiss A-12 Shrike

Good choise! It's one of those "Golden Era" classics I love.

/F

 

[KilroyCD]

Hey, Kilroy! It took some digging but I think I got it - Curtiss A-12 Shrike

Good choise! It's one of those "Golden Era" classics I love.

/F

Yes, you got it! I thought it might have been a tough one...
Does anyone have one they'd like to post now?