The problem as I see it with self-latching canopies on modern
sailplanes has several quite thorny aspects, and I have no intention
of going there.

The key to the problem is the activation impulse required to activate
self engaging latches: the slam.

As a first experiment, I'd suggest you go buy an ASW-27, remove the
gas spring from the canopy pivot mechanism, and then spam the canopy
closed several hundred times. Please report your findings in this
forum.



Thanks, and best regards

Bob K.