We were fitting the aluminum RV-4 style canopy frame to the fuselage last night and realized that it will require major surgery to make it fit. I have always loved the look of the Showplanes canopy on the 8 and I'm thinking about building a similar design for our IO-360 powered Rocket. I have studied many pictures and video's of the SP canopy and have a few questions for the folks who have built one.
1) What is the core thickness of the honeycomb crossmembers? My guess from pictures is 0.375".
2) What is the thickness of the core on the vertical part of the frame just above the piano hinge?
3) Any guess as to the layup schedule for the canopy frame?
4) Is carbon fiber a good material for this construction, or is the thermal expansion rate of CF not good mix with the acrylic canopy?
It would be the easiest just to by the frame and parts from Showplanes, but it will not fit.
Thanks for any help!!
Phil
1) What is the core thickness of the honeycomb crossmembers? My guess from pictures is 0.375".
2) What is the thickness of the core on the vertical part of the frame just above the piano hinge?
3) Any guess as to the layup schedule for the canopy frame?
4) Is carbon fiber a good material for this construction, or is the thermal expansion rate of CF not good mix with the acrylic canopy?
It would be the easiest just to by the frame and parts from Showplanes, but it will not fit.
Thanks for any help!!
Phil