That was a great challenge, the only reason I got it so fast, was because of reading up on the history of Potez a few years back.
The B&W photo doesn't do it justice, the aircraft is actually a gorgeous blue color.
Anyway, once again, if anyone would like to take my turn, go for it
Yes, I agree! It was in the preface of the original French language edition of the Polikarpov I-16 book I received for free, though it was curiously absent from the English language edition. Perhaps appealing to gallic pride?
A few more clues then Jim.
British.
Originally built as a 3 seat advanced trainer.
Low powered - wiki says maximum speed around 180 mph.
Post war - the cockpit and nose were reconfigured to explore the prone pilot position.
I'd never have got there except for the prone pilot clue....there aren't many British types that were configured to evaluate that configuration (the Meteor is the most famous, and the airframe still survives at Cosford). I'd never heard of the RS.3 before today....once again the Forum educates!
"Although the R.S.3 was evaluated as a trainer, the type never entered production and was eventually rebuilt as the R.S.4 Bobsleigh as an experimental aircraft with the pilot in a prone position, seen as advantageous in minimising g-force effects in fighters."