September 12, 2002 at 10:35 pm
New illustrations available of the LM JSF/F-35 present
the different versions with different canopy designs :
The STOVL F-35B still have the shorter canopy opening
sideways due to the liftfan engine just behind the cockpit.
But….
the CTOL F-35A and its naval CV F-35C version have both
a longer canopy just like an F-18 canopy but a little bit
upward angled.
My question is, will this longer canopy open :
1. upward like an F-18 ?
2. sideways like a Gripen or a Rafale ?
3. sliding back like an AV-8B, an Intruder ?
( or like a F-86 or a Mig-15 ) ?
I know that Rafale Marine have problems with its sideways
opening canopy when the wind is blowing strong on the deck
of the Charles De Gaulle.
Could the best solution, at least for the Naval CV F-35C be
the sliding back opening option ?
Guy LeVasseur
Pointe au Père
Québec
Canada