Same setup here with a Strong 304. Happy with it.I have Classic Aero seats. I remove the bottom seat cushion and use a Strong Seat pack. I think it’s a 304. This set up works fine for me.
What kind of chute works best in the RV8? I guess it kind of depends on the seats, so any advice there would be welcome as well. Thanks!
My question is, does anyone think they can really successfully egress from an "uncontrolled" RV-8 at the AGL altitudes most of us fly at? This goes double if you carry a passenger. I can't imagine trying to get the canopy to slide fully open enough while also trying to stand up and egress over the side? Now try to do all this in a Spin or Tumbling Aircraft? Those who fly with Parachutes, do you have a special Modified quick eject canopy?
The advice on getting training is really important. Most have no idea how difficult getting out of a aircraft can be especially if it is not in controlled flight. The other consideration is if you’re going to wear a chute in a RV you probably should also wear a helmet. Avoiding the tail might be difficult. My understanding is that to date there has never been a successful bailout from a Vans RV.
G
Paul,
Could you expand on your canopy jettison system please?
I thought the pin method required the pins to be pulled at the time you want to jettison, not before. So in your system, is the canopy secured as normal without the pins, then when you use the normal canopy open latch - it departs the aircraft??
Is there more than one jettison system being employed on RV-8's??
Thanks
Just realize no one is going to test it unless they are jettisoning the aircraft for real, because it might well take the vertical tail off.
...I don't think this is gonna happen....
Very simple actually. Replace the bolts that hold the two forward rollers to the canopy frame with pins. Slide the canopy shut and latch it, then pull the pins. The forward edge of the canopy is secure under the lip from the windshield, and held forward by the latch. If you need to get out, just unlatch, pull back an inch or so, and push up - the slipstream should rip the canopy right off.
At least that’s the theory we have all worked under for years.....and it sure sounds like it should work. Just realize no one is going to test it unless they are jettisoning the aircraft for real, because it might well take the vertical tail off.
Paul,
Is there more than one jettison system being employed on RV-8's??
I created this canopy jettison mechanism so that I could easily slide the canopy past the fiberglass trim and jettison it. Basically it is a ratchet strap device I bought from HomeDepot. The handle design reminds me of the 5point ratchet handle on aerobatic airplane that I can firm wrap my hand and ratchet the canopy rearward. The long strap was trimmed down to about 4 feet. This strap is rated at 500 lbs and I think it is more than sufficient to pop the canopy up the sliding block and rearward, and counteract against the aerodynamic force. The quick release seen in the picture should allow me to punch the canopy clear into the airstream.
Talking to a local RV8 pilot who regularly flies formation, he said he was able to manually slide the canopy rearward when he flies less than 125mph so perhaps this is overkill. But this contraption is simple, and it weights only about 2 lbs
I have been thinking of how to slide the RV8 canopy rearward and this is my idea.
... not able to get the canopy sliding off to punch out is a greater concern for me. ...
(seems rude for me to have a chute, but not one for the person in back).
Very interesting. Does anyone have a picture of these removable pins?
I never considered that I would not be able to open the canopy. Since there has been at least one guy that got it open, I had assumed that I could too, if needed.
It turns out that I am very tall 2.00 meters height and weight 100 kg (220 lbs), being tall limits the possibility of using a parachute on the back or even a seat because when gaining height in the seat my knees hit the instrument panel when commanding the rudder pedals.
I purchased these at a local marine supply store.
BTW: What is that line with the shut off valve on the floor? Aux fuel tank setup?