Windscreen and Canopy Done! Moving on...

Build hours: 509

Here's an update for Louise... (see previous comments)

The bows are bent. The canopy and windscreen are in place. The windshield trim is formed and the latch latches. The tank cover is in place and the instrument panel is being planned. Moving right along...

Canopy

Build hours: 477

A busy work schedule has slowed progress but here is an update on the canopies. Make sure you go all the way to the last picture.

The rear bow allowed us to match the turtledeck but it was difficult to get the shape right.

The trim molding seals the canopy for flying the mission in inclement weather.

The canopy latch has an outside handle.

The handle is made of 3/8" 6061T6 tubing and attaches through the pivot arm with a roll pin. The cotter pin is just temporary.

Canopy #2 - It happens.

Canopy

Build hours: 458

UCB's canopy frame is coming together and the turtledeck is in place. The canopy was harder than expected and the turtledeck flange and fitting was easier than expected. We added a rear bow to the canopy (6 oz.), made a flush joint on the side panel instead of the overlap and are just generally pleased with our progress. Now, if we can just remember how the canopy came together so that we can repeat on UCA.

Canopy frame

Build hours: 449

Plan note:

Don't do anything to the canopy area without the canopy. Almost every dimension on the canopy bow and canopy installation plan sheets appear to be more of a suggestion than actual working dimensions:(

Picture: Chuck Yeager checks canopy fit

There are lots of angles and dimensions to be monitored during the canopy/windscreen/turtledeck construction. We finally decided to clamp up the frame and canopy on the plane and then tweaked and adjusted until we had an acceptable fit. More to come as we continue the canopy building. The UC is really starting to shape up!

Canopy frame

Build hours: 422

The plans note that JB Weld can be used to fill in cupping caused during bending. Filling the tubes with sand seemed to eliminate any cupping. and also prevented any tendency to kink or collapse the tube. Also, bulkhead E was used instead of bulkhead F (per the plans) to produce a smoother radius.

We are now waiting on the canopies before proceeding.

Plan note:

The canopy bows should not be bent or cut without the canopy on hand. There are several dimensional disrepancies in the plans (surprise!) and the bow patterns are too short. Oh well, always remember - PBER (Prior Building Experience Recommended) - or ohcrap for short!