Canopy hinge,
Hi Paul.
My canopy is hinged at one hinge on the front. You can climb in and work on the
plane also if necessary from both sides. If you leave the canopy open and try
to take off, the canopy gets sucked open about 1 inch but then blown down in
equilibrium. I did tests to see what would happen. I taxi about with my canopy
open for better cooling and i look out the side for better vision in my tail
dragger KR2.In my mind there is no decision to be made. So many side lifting
canopy latches are inadequate. If the canopy opens in flight it gets torn off,
the turbulence over the tailplane then removes function of elevator and rudder
and you are in trouble. Forward lifting canopy can not do this.I ware a
parachute on all my Kr flights in Britain. It just gives another option incase
of a midair in our congested skies. If you really want to get out, I carry a
hammer, but no need really. The perspex is bonded on and 4mm thick. I could put
my fist straight through it if I so desired. If I needed to get out, a fist and
upward body motion would see me through the canopy in seconds if that,
remember, you just need to get your upper body out and pull the cord, the chute
will pull the rest of you out. My one forward main hinge with forward and rear
locking pins incase that forward hinge debonds in flight? The design is easy
and so simple to use and available from me approved by our LAA govening
body.Like I said, I don't say much unless I think it important, if I had my
way, all Kr's would be forward hinging. We all have the Kr' aircraft operation,
function and design reputation to protect. Regards Colin Hales.
I'm trying to decide on which way to hinge my canopy. I know the currant trend
is to mont it from the front. ?But I can't get over the inability to open the
canopy in flight if you need to jump out.Is anyone putting with a side hinge in
or is everyone hinging from the front?Paul ViskBelleville Il.618-406-4705
