What type of aircraft could this be please?

smutny said:

With the use of dzus fasteners, it's probably not an Axis aircraft. The cross looks to be painted on the interior side.

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• I see zinc chromate paint under the "German green",
• the spray inside seems very new,
• the "45 L" looks freshly painted whereas the part seems old, and the typo looks rather English or American,
• it seems that there are very old layers of grey paint appearing under the surface paint
• is the balkenkreuz as per the RLM standard ?

smutny said:

With the use of Dzus fasteners, it's probably not an Axis aircraft. The cross looks to be painted on the interior side.

Also not sure if floating nutplates were used in Axis aircraft either.

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smutny said:

This is how I'd initially orientate the piece in my search, comparing it to photographs of aircraft from the internet.

I'd start with...
British aircraft based on the green/brown camouflage.
Twin engine radials based on the short length and that the 45L could mean 45 liters and most likely of oil.
Consider the lower fairing attach point could be for an oil cooler fairing.
Look at the wing/engine nacelle join for a common panel.

Failing that, look at the tailplane/fuselage join for a common panel.

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Vieuxtruc said:

Dear enthousiasts,this is my first contribution with a question richt away:I found this piece in the Belgian Ardennes,what type of aircraft could this be please?Thank you in advance for your time.

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pb43 said:

The Dzus fasteners and floating nut-plates point to 1940s-early 50s. The 45L would be the panel number (as listed on the panel diagram), but this would probably not be British as they tended not to do this. The German cross is a complete red herring, unless it is salvage from a crashed German aircraft used to manufacture a new panel (unlikely but possible). The rivet dimples point to quite thin metal 22 SWG or thinner. The shape and curves point to a wing fairing.

Points to something like a T-6 / Harvard

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gillescollaveri said:

I first though of Henschel 123 or 126.
But it looks very strange to me..

• I see zinc chromate paint under the "German green",
• the spray inside seems very new,
• the "45 L" looks freshly painted whereas the part seems old, and the typo looks rather English or American,
• it seems that there are very old layers of grey paint appearing under the surface paint
• is the balkenkreuz as per the RLM standard ?

I would almost inclined to say it is fake, but finally, I would rather bet for a genuine old part that has been repainted.
I look forward to having the truth on that one.
Gilles

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OldGeezer said:

"45L" might not be Liters, it could be Left, as in left-hand side. Maybe there was a panel 45R to match it, on whatever it turns out to be. That's absolutely the full extent of anything I might know!

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cammerjeff said:

It looks British to my eyes, I agree the German cross is painted on the inside of the panel. Hurricane or Blenheim maybe?

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