October 26, 2003 at 4:05 am
I have a number of questions about fighter canopy/windscreen designs. Some but not all of the layouts I’ve noticed, are the :
• One piece design used by the Raptor with 360 degree field of view
• Two piece – framed windscreen plus full bubble canopy arrangement used by the A10, Harrier, Hornet, F2 …
• Two piece – a reverse of the above layout, with the framed piece actually behind the pilot seat, used only by the Viper
• Two piece – framed windscreen plus wrap around canopy( no direct 6 o’clock view) arrangement used the Mirage2000 and the Gripen.
There are also variations in the degree of canopy bulge – bubble versus blister.
What are the advantages and drawbacks of each layout in terms of field of vision, aerodynamic drag, manufacturing cost/difficulty, glass strength and hinge mechanism?
Some factors to consider are the relative position of the fuselage, the use of rear vision mirrors, requirements for reinforcing frames, practicality of full rearward vision, …