Powered tip up canopy

[gasman]

Originally Posted by photoadjuster

Just a stray thought on a snowy day.

How would one modify the tip up canopy to make it powered, with the goal of making it less subjectible to wind damage when open, and to eliminate the rope used to close it ?

Regards,
Mike Stephenson

I built a power lift with air rams from Granger. The idea was to power it with a small air compresser. The kind that fits in a glove box. The ram attached to a bracket mounted above the rudder pedal bearing blocks and forced the canopy up by pushing on the front of the frame.

Hit the button, the canopy raises to max extention and stops. Hop in, nothing in the way. To close the canopy you just bleed off the air and watch it drift down. You could even use a remote..... really cool!!

The main thing about the air is you could always overpower the system if it ever FAILS!!! You could lift it by hand and also lower it too.

Then I changed my mind and said KISS...... so now it is all in a box on the shelf and I am back to building it simple and light. Wow! that sure ate up some time.

You should have no problem reaching up to the flange to pull the canopy down. Use vans struts, they work just fine.

Warren

[gmcjetpilot]

Oh Boy, Van's Pocket protector is spinning. Go up to him at an airshow and suggest a powered canopy. he he he he

Originally Posted by gasman

I built a power lift with air rams from Granger.

Then I changed my mind and said KISS...... so now it is all in a box on the shelf and I am back to building it simple and light. Wow! that sure ate up some time.

That is why people say stick to plans, to deviate adds time, money and usually weight.