Cabriolet Fighters

[beardy]

Originally Posted by charliegolf

I was more trying to see if having the canopy already open would foul the seat? No?

From my recollection of the system, no. I seem to recall that the canopy rails (and the canopy with them) were released before the seat fired. But memories play tricks, it was more than 30 years ago!

The 'fumes in the cockpit' drill involved opening the canopy with no caveat to close it in case of ejection.

[Avionker]

Originally Posted by charliegolf

I was more trying to see if having the canopy already open would foul the seat? No?

Looking at this I would say the canopy would have to be jettisoned even if it were already open.

[Vzlet]

Bit of drift because this isn't a fighter, but it is an F-27:

[fdr]

Originally Posted by Vzlet

Bit of drift because this isn't a fighter, but it is an F-27:

That is an interesting pressure vessel. needs-wants etc, interesting solution.

[Biggus]

Aloha Airlines flight 243?

[Sue Vêtements]

I see your missing canopy . . .


. . . and raise you a missing wing

[Ridger]

Originally Posted by higthepig

Had a F15E land at Valley in the late 90s without the WISO. They had a bird strike near Aberystwyth at LL, the WISO left quickly as they thought it was all going badly wrong. Aircraft minus 1 POB, made a silky smooth landing and then the pilot gingerly stepped out of his duck struck aircraft quickly, not knowing if his seat might depart. The canopy frame was still there, but most of the canopy was shattered and no doubt spread over mid Wales and the oggin. It spent a few weeks in the hangar being repaired before it left with the correct compliment of crew again.

I remember it well as I was working in the hangar at the time. It was interesting to see how differently the USAF maintainers worked; we'd have sent about 6 bodies and I think we hosted 20+ USAF personnel! It great fun going to the pub with them, good bunch!

[Bill Macgillivray]

Yes, definitely. However, those of us on the first JP3 course were far to advanced (?) to even think about it once it had been demonstrated!! gREAT DAYS!!

[MightyGem]

Originally Posted by chevvron

The USAAF used to remove the top superstructure from B17s in order to use them as 'guided bombers' loaded with explosives during WW2 - after the crews bailed out of course

They certainly tried, but didn't take the roofs off, and without any success.

https://aviationtrails.wordpress.com/2023/05/07/the-last-flight-of-joe-kennedy-and-wilford-willy-raf-fersfield/

[itsnotthatbloodyhard]

The Beagle cabrio arriving at Valley (around 1994, from memory)