alternative canopy for S-10

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Date: October 29, 2008 at 14:41:10
From: George Duke, [x-160-94-114-65.csom.umn.edu]
Subject: alternative canopy for S-10

The S-10 is a well designed airplane and I am happy with about everything except for the stock canopy. I am considering alternatives to the stock canopy.
The S-10 stock canopy is in two parts which are hinged in the middle along the long axis of the airplane. This makes for a design that is overly-complex and has several limitations (in my humble opinion):
1. The stock canopy makes it hard to get into the airplane. The half-canopy doesn't lift fully out of the way and I have to duck to get in while maintaining my balance and not stepping into the wing.
2. The center bar is drafty and leaks a lot of air and noise into the cockpit.
3. The center hinge and bar are complex and heavy with two hinges, braces and seals.
4. The center bar blocks the pilot’s vision in the region that is very important for aerobatic flight, center and high. This is especially a problem when flying the S-10 from the center of the seat which is normal for aerobatic flight.
5. The stock canopy cannot be jettisoned in an emergency (smoke in the cockpit or bail-out).
6. The stock canopy makes it hard to get out of the airplane in an emergency especially if wearing a parachute.
7. The stock canopy has two sharp angles to the airflow. This creates drag, probably just a small amount but it does create drag.
8. The profile of the stock canopy (a straight line) is ugly.
For these reasons, I am considering an alternative design of an S-10 canopy. I would appreciate all ideas. At this time, I have some ideas but I do not want to limit the possibilities. Here are my current thoughts which are flexible.
1. Make a new alternative canopy in one piece.
2. Hinge it at the front at the 12 inches of straight forward windscreen bow (middle). This alternative canopy would fold forward over the windscreen and make entry much easier.
3. Have a pull wire on the hinge which will allow the new alternative canopy to be jettisoned.
4. Use the existing side canopy fastening rails.
5. Have a real canopy frame that seals to the existing canopy bows and sides.
6. The alternative canopy could be a slightly blown bubble (only needing about 2 inches of stretch in the center) or it could be a composite of developable surfaces which would necessitate patching several pieces together.
So, I would appreciate any comments, ideas, criticisms, or experiences. (Disclaimer: I have posted this on several bulletin boards.) == George Duke

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Re: alternative canopy for S-10 Jeff Mountain 30-Oct-2008 07:28:44 (0)

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