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Redundant canopy latching
Here is another idea for discussion:
Noticed a few cosmetic cracks in the fiberglass surface near the canopy's hinge area. Will monitor this area and repair when needed as, of course, if the hinges fail, the canopy will open at best; fall off at worse. My particular plane has been flown with open and removed canopy, so aerodynamically, it does not become unstable. Was thinking, what if there was a secondary system that kept the canopy closed if the hinges failed? Obviously, something simple such as attaching bungees (after you get in of course) from the canopy rails to the seat might work...but might also just create a plexiglass parachute when the latch fails and the bungees do not! A slightly better idea would be to use four small "c" clamps to clamp the four corners of the canopy rail once you get in. Maybe those high tech pistol grip clamps to speed the process. Maybe not convenient, and also have to check your are clamping to something strutural, but should work very well in keeping the canopy in place. This would make it harder to jettison the canopy if you have to bail out. So, what two independent canopy latching systems? Keep the current latch (rod pivots and goes thru two posts on my plane). Add a secondary latch that is closed based on position...like your car door. In effect, we have automatic canopy latching just like we have automatic control connects. Shut the canopy, it is latched automatically, then push the rods thru the posts just like you do now for a redundant, secondary lock. Add a bailout lever that disengages both latches and you do not effect egress in emergencies. When you shut your car door, it is latched shut automatically. To open, you have to pull the door handle. How hard would it be to design a canopy that would latch shut automatically each time you close the canopy? |
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