Direct Vision
It may come as a surprise to many of you, that aircraft existed long before the PA 28 was a twinkle in Mr. Pipers eye.
Since the first day of enclosed cockpits there has been a direct vision window for use in seriously inclement weather that affects the pilots forward vision.
Look back to photos of WWII planes, the Lancs, Stirlings et al all had their DV's.
A Spit of course could wind back the canopy.
My 2 cents worth
Sultan Ismail