Aircraft Identification V

[kool kitty89]

P-64 would makes sense, and it would look a lot like a Boomerang (both developed from the NA-16)


Here's the full immage:



Actually it looks more like the NA-16/Wirraway than either the T-6 or Boomerang, as the tail and rear fusalage stayed about the same. (the T-6 having the triangular fin, and the Boomerang getting a stocker fusalage and a redesigned fin)

[Waynos]

Definitely not a Boomerang or a P-64, too long in the fuselage and too much glazing. It has the same tail shape as the Wirraway though whereas the T-6 had the same shape as the P-64. Does the oddly reshaped wing tip ring a bell for anyone?

I still think it is a two seater that has been modified to represent one of the single seaters we have mentioned (in the same way that T-6's were modified to represent Japanese dive bombers in Tora Tora Tora)

[kool kitty89]

Wait I looked at the P-64 too and it's got the T-6 type tail.

So maybe one of the Wirraways converted to an emergency fighter.


And it still looks a lot like a Wirrawyay either way. (it Has the Wirraway tail and fusalage)


That 3-blade prop is somthing to note too. (I think all the Wirraways Used 2-blade like the T-6)

[kool kitty89]

Definitely not a Tora Tora Tora T-6, those were converted to Zeros, but retained the 3-blade prop iirc.

[Waynos]

The P-64 has the angled wingtip as well so, my final call, is NOT a P-64, but a Wirraway altered to look like one. I'd put money on that.

You misunderstand me KK. I'm not saying its one of those, I used that as an example of how the airframe can be altered to look like something else, and the P-64 is a lot less radical a mod than a Zero.

[kool kitty89]

And that mystery plane looks like it may have a secod seat (possibly modified for passenger rides like other Warbirds have, or retaining one if it was converted form a Wirraway)

And here's a P-64, fusalage stocky like the Boomerang:

[Waynos]

Yes, look at the difference in the fuselage and canopy. But by altering a Wirraway with a bit of rear fuselage decking you've got a cheap replica.

[kool kitty89]

There also seems to be a lot of variety amongst P-64's some with that Wirraway type tail: Aircraft: North American P-64 NA 50

[kool kitty89]

From tha Website, some also have ronded wing tips AND the Wirraway tail and 2-seats! (some also have prop spinners, but that's out of context)

This one looks almost the same as the earlier pic:

[kool kitty89]

North American P-64

See thare that there were a number of development changes throught the NA-50 and resulting NA-68 and P-64 line. (the P-64's were NA-68's)

So the one seen with the rounder tail and wings is almost definitely a NA-50. (in some cases modified with a second seat)

Aviation Photos: North American NA-50

[Waynos]

Credit where its due KK, that is an excellent find.

I'm not convinced that it is a genuine NA-50 however. I am assuming that the ones on that page *are* genuine, but the glazing does not match with 'our' picture.

That said there are so many variations on this basic design can we really tell for certain?

[Waynos]

From reading the page you have linked to it would seem that the NA-50 was only built as a single seat fighter. If that is so maybe all the two seaters are just modified Texan/Wirraway airframes?

[Graeme]

Originally Posted by Waynos

If that is so maybe all the two seaters are just modified Texan/Wirraway airframes?

Makes sense.

It's certainly not an 'original' North American fighter product.

[Waynos]

I almost forgot, you were right with the Wyvern. Here's the original, with caption.

[kool kitty89]

Graeme look at my above posts on the NA-50, it looks almost identical to the mistery a/c in question.

The further development NA-68 (USAAF P-64) had significant modifications. And some NA-50's in the pictures seem to have rounded wings.