What is the little oval-shaped glass panel on the side of a Spitfire MkI canopy for?
Answers:
The panel is to equalize the pressure in the cockpit for a high speed bailout.
As the air rushes over the canopy, (like in a high speed dive after being shot down), it creates a low pressure area which pushes the canonpy up and prevents it from sliding. The pilot uses his elbow to dislodge the oval panel, letting the air rush out, and lowering the pressure in the cockpit so he can open the canopy.
Thr Me 109 had an upward-opening canopy and poorer aerodynamics (square canopy) so the pressure wasn't as low.
The Fw 190 had the same problem and used a blank 20mm shel to blow the canopy off.
Rear view mirror. On latter marks, the mirror was on the inside.
When the plane is in flight and the pilot turns his head to see if there is anyone besides him, his pipe wont get knocked out of his mouth therefore not causing a fire in the cockpit and making him bail out and ruining such an expensive plane!
reflective images
fresh air
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