Post by: MicroBalrog on October 02, 2008, 05:14:27 AM
It was used as a firefighting plane when I took the picture, if that helps.
Post by: Manedwolf on October 02, 2008, 05:16:36 AM
Different front cowling than any I've seen, though.
Post by: MillCreek on October 02, 2008, 05:20:18 AM
Post by: Manedwolf on October 02, 2008, 05:21:47 AM
http://data3.primeportal.net/hangar/don_busack/s2r-g5_thrush/images/s2r-g5_thrush_017_of_168.jpg
It's an ag aircraft, used for cropdusting or firefighting. That's why it has the tall cockpit. Cropdusters want to be able to all but see the belly of the plane.
Post by: Fly320s on October 02, 2008, 05:25:37 AM
Although I don't see the spray nozzles on the wing. Oh, it's a firebomber, no spray nozzles. Just one belly tank.
Airtractor site: http://www.airtractor.com/Default.aspx?p=5967
Post by: MillCreek on October 02, 2008, 05:27:40 AM
PS: I agree with Maned. I am leaning towards a Ayres Thrush as well.
Post by: Nitrogen on October 02, 2008, 05:32:26 AM
Air Tractor?
Although I don't see the spray nozzles on the wing.
Although I don't see the spray nozzles on the wing.
Seconding this. I don't think you'd see the nozzles at this angle, anyway, as they are under the wing slightly trailing behind and beneath the control surfaces.
Then again, the tail does look wrong for an Air Tractor.
EDIT: Dangit youre right about the landing gear.
Post by: MillCreek on October 02, 2008, 05:33:18 AM
I am leaning toward a Thrush 510 Turbo.
Post by: Fly320s on October 02, 2008, 05:37:26 AM
Yep, I think it is a Thrush.
Post by: 280plus on October 02, 2008, 05:39:32 AM
Post by: Fly320s on October 02, 2008, 05:40:15 AM
Post by: 280plus on October 02, 2008, 05:40:47 AM
Post by: Jamisjockey on October 02, 2008, 05:59:49 AM
Post by: 280plus on October 02, 2008, 09:26:08 AM
Post by: Brad Johnson on October 02, 2008, 09:56:50 AM
*EDIT TO ADD*
Prize goes to Jamis and 320s.
I did some digging and it's an Ayers Turbo Thrush. The twin strut gear and funky angle change along the chin is the giveaway.
Brad
Post by: Leatherneck on October 02, 2008, 12:50:23 PM
TC
Post by: Jamisjockey on October 02, 2008, 12:58:10 PM
And the wheel struts here
Post by: TexasRifleman on October 02, 2008, 01:58:45 PM
Keep in mind that lots of these operations run on low budgets, there are lots of shall we say "field mods" to keep these things in the air.
Many of them operate under "Limited" type certificates which allow for a little more leeway in do-it-yourself work.
But it does look more like a Thrush than anything.
The Thrush can go in reverse (on the ground of course). I used to watch them back up next to the chemical tank for refilling.
Pretty bizarre.
Post by: Jamisjockey on October 02, 2008, 04:36:54 PM
My uncle ran a small agro air operation in West Texas for many years.
Keep in mind that lots of these operations run on low budgets, there are lots of shall we say "field mods" to keep these things in the air.
Many of them operate under "Limited" type certificates which allow for a little more leeway in do-it-yourself work.
But it does look more like a Thrush than anything.
The Thrush can go in reverse (on the ground of course). I used to watch them back up next to the chemical tank for refilling.
Pretty bizarre.
Keep in mind that lots of these operations run on low budgets, there are lots of shall we say "field mods" to keep these things in the air.
Many of them operate under "Limited" type certificates which allow for a little more leeway in do-it-yourself work.
But it does look more like a Thrush than anything.
The Thrush can go in reverse (on the ground of course). I used to watch them back up next to the chemical tank for refilling.
Pretty bizarre.
That's not bizarre at all. This airplane does it easily and is a touch bigger than a Thrush.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRcbJvy_blo
Please note the Jolly Roger flying proudly. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VMGR-352
Oorah!
Post by: Fly320s on October 02, 2008, 04:42:33 PM
American's MD80s backed out of the gate on a regular basis. Don't do it anymore, AFAIK. Gas is pricey.
Post by: TexasRifleman on October 02, 2008, 04:51:34 PM
Quote
I've power-backed airplanes. No big deal.
Backing them up between a fuel truck and a chemical truck?
Yeah, it's a big deal.
Rear view mirror and steerable tailwheel. It's harder than it sounds. Looked pretty tough anyway, I never got to try.
Post by: Zardozimo Oprah Bannedalas on October 02, 2008, 06:27:43 PM
Quote
What is this thing?
Yellow?
Post by: Tallpine on October 02, 2008, 07:20:26 PM
Single Engine Air Tanker
Post by: Gewehr98 on October 02, 2008, 08:50:53 PM
You want something impressive, watch a plane start another jet or turboprop on the ramp with nothing but the exhaust from aircraft #1.
I watched a KC-135 "blow start" a C-130 behind it that way once. Impressive.
Post by: Jamisjockey on October 03, 2008, 02:50:58 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl-RTyqAEN8
Post by: Manedwolf on October 03, 2008, 04:28:50 AM
I love those. They're supposed to be a bomber, but they move like a fighter. Plus, sixteen .50's on the C model, including eight in the nose and six on the wings.
Post by: Brad Johnson on October 03, 2008, 07:25:44 AM
They're supposed to be a bomber, but they move like a fighter.
And the high wing loading means they fly like a manhole cover if you don't pay attention to what you're doing!
Brad