Construction Blog and Builder's Resource
Canopy rails bent to fit the fuselage contour.
Canopy rails bent to fit the fuselage contour.
Canopy rail assemblies drilled together.
Riveted canopy rail assemblies test-fit to fuselage.
Riveted canopy rail assemblies test-fit to fuselage.
Canopy side skins drilled to canopy rail assemblies.
Canopy handles fabricated, drilled to canopy side skins, and set aside for final installation in a day or so.
Canopy latch pushrod assembly installed and operational.
Latch bellcranks, canopy latch pins, latch links, and canopy latch pushrod assembly installed. Some very awkward cotter pins in this area, which I very much hope will never be touched again.
Left-side canopy latch pin in engaged position.
Right-side canopy latch pin in engaged position.
Aft canopy rail components (angles & flanges drilled together).
The torque tube is installed between two Delrin blocks, each of which is bolted to a fuselage intercostal rib with two bolts. Sounds easy enough, right? Now try getting washers and nuts on those bolts with only ~1″ of clearance. Not fun, but done now with a little creativity.
Left-side stiffener angle and latch bellcrank angles installed.
Right-side stiffener angle and latch bellcrank angles installed.
Canopy latch torque tube installed.
