What is the zig-zag line on a fighter plane canopy for?
Answers:
It is called MDC or SMDC. It stands for miniature detonating cord and is a type of plastic explosive. When the ejection sequence is initiated, the first thing that happens is that the MDC fractures the capony ,which is made from a heavy duty perspex and allows the seat to pass though causing the fracture to open further allowing the aircrew to safely exit the aircraft. This negates the need to blow off the canopy which requires rocket motors on the canopy so that the canopy can clear the tail of the aircraft. The pilots helmet is fitted with a weight so that as he starts to eject, the weight pulls down the visor, ensuring he does not get MDC spatter in the eyes
I may be wrong, but if it's the same thing that I'm thinking of, where some cars have it as well, it's a defroster.
That line is for the ejection system. Instead of the whole canopy blowing, the outline on the top first ignites and then blows a hole in the canopy, then the ejection seat comes out.
Depends on what type of aircraft you are asking about. On the F-117 (Stealth Fighter,actually a bomber) the zig zag lines on the canopy reflect radar signatures so that they don't bounce back to the sender. On most of the newer fighters (Raptor, JFS,) I believe they adopted this same idea.
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