Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin Gregorie[_5_]
On Tue, 22 Mar 2016 17:09:58 -0700, Steve Leonard wrote:
On Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 4:30:25 PM UTC-5, Martin Gregorie wrote:
WS extended the top of the fuselage forward to a little in front of the
wing LE. Probably this was as much so he could build decent wing
fairings onto the fuselage as anything, but it also meant that he
halved the length of the canopy. He hinged the new short canopy so it
opened back on top of the extended fuselage top.
Minor correction, Martin. WS did NOT hinge his canopy. It was still a
lift off and set on the ground affair.
Thanks for the correction.
JJ Sinclair modified the
fuselage on a 301 Libelle, by completely changing the canopy and making
it a two piece affair, more similar to the Kestrel with the front piece
fixed, and the rear piece hinged at the back. Both did it to make
improved wing root fairings.
That makes perfect sense. Thanks for the info.
I am guessing this is what you are asking about?
http://libelle.bugwiper.com/oyvxx_k.jpg
I wasn't asking, being happy with my Libelle as she stands, but Ommadawn
will find this interesting and I have a question or two about that rear
hinge.
- I'm guessing that it needs a spring to help the pilot swing it
up when he gets out. Is this right?
- Can the pilot close it without help and if so, how?
It looks like quite a stretch to get a grip on the frame when
you're in the glider.
- Were there any problems with the open canopy on a windy day?
--
martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
org | |
Steve, thank you VERY much for that image. I was hoping that someone had done it already, so I know now that it is possible. The rear hinge mod looks to be exactly what I would like to achieve. Im just surprised that more people have not done it.
The amount of angle it opens to could be adjusted to make it accessible from a seated position. I assume some sort of spring or preferably gas strut would be included within the hinge mechanism. There is ample room aft of the canopy within the hull. This region has significant structural reinforcement to support additional hardware for a hinge attachment. The canopy frame also appears to be sufficiently robust to support some form of attachment. I will discuss this with an engineering pal and see what input he has.