Canopy release mechanism

The last couple of days I have been working on the canopy release mechanism, a.k.a. canopy jettison system.
When complete, there will be a handle in the instrument panel, that when pulled will release the canopy at the forward hinge points. Many builders skip this system, but I decided to include it.

First I had to align and drill the hinge block assemblies to the forward ribs. Using the top bolt as guide, I clamped them in place.

Then drill the lower holes through the thin block, marking the alu spacer.

Then removed them, and completed the holes in the drill press.

Finally I put them back in, installed the skin temporary to align the small ribs, then drill the holes through these as well.

I also removed the F-697 subpanel reinforcement, and fitted the canopy release bellcrank block.
It is installed with 2 nutplates.

Riveted it in place…

…then clecoed the centre subpanel back in.

Next up was the rods that connects the canopy hinge pins to the release bellcrank. I used a cutting disc in my drill press, worked like a charm! 🙂

 To make the wide gap in the hinge pin ends, I simply rotated the tubes, and made another cut.

To make room for the tubes, I had to modify  F-697 subpanel reinforcement I little.

  Also had to make a slot in the F-643 channel.

 Not too bad.. 🙂

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