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-   -   Poll: Do you have a canopy release/ejection mechanism? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=143832)

ronschreck 11-19-2016 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel (Post 1127921)
That canopy is like a light weight sail. Once it leaves the aircraft, it will "stop" forward motion almost immediately. The tail is secured to the airframe. It will NOT decelerate quickly. I would expect substantial damage.

I would think that the impact with the ground would cause more damage to the tail and I will be worried about that while floating down under my parachute camopy.:rolleyes:

ChiefPilot 11-19-2016 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronschreck (Post 1127928)
I would think that the impact with the ground would cause more damage to the tail and I will be worried about that while floating down under my parachute camopy.:rolleyes:

Heh. This.

Bill Boyd 11-19-2016 08:07 AM

You may have me there, Mel.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel (Post 1127873)
Oh, but this WAS in the original plans. Mine has been this way for almost 24 years. I hope to never need this option in the air, but if I do, I have it!
The slots are covered with white tape, and no one has ever noticed unless I point it out.

My original plans are ashes, and I ended up by whatever means leaving the skin intact over the hinges - probably a Matronics suggestion for keeping at least some water off the avionics. It's been 20 years and I cannot recall the actual thought process.

As one who has neglected the checklist and had the canopy pop on takeoff once, and elected to fly to my destination that way, I can tell you that at green arc speeds you can neither open nor close the unlatched canopy more than maybe an inch from its assumed trail position in the slipstream. That much is hard data.

DanH 11-19-2016 08:54 AM

FWIW, for -8 builders who really want a canopy guaranteed to depart on command, I'm pretty sure the Showplanes fastback kit will get 'er done. There's a good bit of lift when unlatched in a runup pad slipstream, and side tipping -3 and -4 canopies seem to depart just fine in flight.

Mel 11-19-2016 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronschreck (Post 1127928)
I would think that the impact with the ground would cause more damage to the tail and I will be worried about that while floating down under my parachute camopy.:rolleyes:

My post was relating to the tail being damaged substantially in flight before a ditching. You still need a certain amount of control until you get to the surface.

ronschreck 11-19-2016 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel (Post 1127996)
My post was relating to the tail being damaged substantially in flight before a ditching. You still need a certain amount of control until you get to the surface.

Good point. I missed that. But, if I'm wearing my chute I would jump before ditching.

rmarshall234 11-19-2016 06:50 PM

A wingsuiter makes a pretty good sail when they inflate their wings too soon and jump _up_ when leaving the jump plane. They usually don't fair too well when making this mistake but the horizontal manages ok. Never heard of a jump pilot loosing control of the airplane as a result and we're usually dealing with a much longer lever arm. When a parachute opens prematurely and goes over the tail and the jumper goes underneath, now that's a different story. I've seen tails ripped away from the fuselage when that happens.

I'm with Ron Shreck when it comes to jumping however. Any opportunity to save myself at the expense of the airplane and I'm switching roles like "right now". No longer a pilot, now I'm a skydiver.

BillL 11-23-2016 08:39 AM

Last bump - Thanks for all who have answered. The stats are pretty stable now so after this bump for the holiday, I will summarize and close in a few days. 109 respondents now.

My decision - for early phase 1 - my mechanism will be fixed under the panel with the option of installing an inflight pull release later. The skin slots will be cut at the later time. So, for now, it will be available only on the ground.

Mel 11-23-2016 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillL (Post 1128883)
My decision - for early phase 1 - my mechanism will be fixed under the panel with the option of installing an inflight pull release later. The skin slots will be cut at the later time. So, for now, it will be available only on the ground.

This sounds a little backwards to me. During phase I when you are exploring the limits of the envelope is the time you are more likely to need to get out. This assumes, of course, that you will be wearing a parachute.

morristull 12-06-2016 08:43 PM

I have some experience in having had the canopy depart from a Giles 202, it happens very quickly, the canopy will most likely hit the tail and horizontal stabilizer with a glancing blow, the damage is typically dents or holes to the leading edges but it was perfectly flyable and was repaired easily.
The canopy departed so quickly that I did not see it happening or notice that it hit my face and forehead on the way past until on the ground.
So regarding a Rv7 tipper, I think the canopy will connect with your head on the way past and hence I am looking for a lightweight helmet. If you are knocked out then other options may be irrelevant.
The VANS design for release handle is good but the placement is poor if you want an normal stack of radios on the centerline, on my RV7, I simply moved the handle and mechanism 3 inches to the right and adapted the pushrods to suit. I have a full stack of radios and the jettison handle is perfectly within reach plus the ability to remove the canopy for maintenance or construction is awesome.


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