CANOPY
Cochrane, Alberta, Canada
Building A New Project Starting February 98
The canopy is fully supported on all sides by side rails a forward deck and a aft support structure.
Below begins the very difficult part of forming the compound curves of the forward canopy frame.
Below are the hinge arms that were formed with a core of 1/8" phenolic with 7 layers of carbon on each side. Baked in the oven at 160 F for 4.5 hrs. produce a hard cured component. Note the 4130 metal bushing in the hole so there can be no wear on the hinge itself.
Below I attached wires so hinges could be pulled up into place, bonding to underside of canopy frame.
Canopy opens 30 degrees.
Below: The right side of photo is forward, left side shows panel support. All of the gas spring is forward of the panel, out of sight when canopy closed. Port side photo.
Below: Gas spring bracket on canopy frame that lifts upward, is attached with blind machine screws mounted through 1/8" phenolic, which is bonded to the carbon fiber 4 ply stiffener. Starboard side
photo.
Canopy opens 30 degrees using 60 lb. gas springs that are 12 inches long (extended) with a 4 inch travel piston.
Custom formed fiberglass instrument panel layed out onto wood backing with angled sections formed from foam and micro, then smeared with a wax release coating before 7 layer bid layup.
Preparing the panel support for the fiberglass panel which will have aluminum removable panels.
Photos of my "Vision" aircraft construction will be posted from time to time
End Of Photo Log
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