[tank nut]

Yes I think that is dayton, hey silde you going to get there with me this summer??

[leeG]

Originally Posted by lanslide

Is that the NMUSAF in Dayton, Ohio?

Yes.

[Cruver Collecter]

Based on latest update on Hawks site, looks like British Airacobra Mk.1 (and next Bf 110) will be available within the next week or so. I have both on pre order so hoping to see them some time next week.

[lanslide]

Originally Posted by tank nut

Yes I think that is dayton, hey silde you going to get there with me this summer??

I'd like to! Keep me posted. I want to see that Airacobra up close.

[Cruver Collecter]

Couple of nice P-39 closeup shots.

[Cavtanker]

In the event of bail-out, how could someone open the door and get out without the wind forcing the door shut?

[leeG]

Originally Posted by Cavtanker

In the event of bail-out, how could someone open the door and get out without the wind forcing the door shut?

Pull the emergency release and the whole door pops free. Pilots usually went out the right side as the throttle partially blocks the left.

[no4mkit]

That's the right answer, but in practice it wasn't always that easy. The 357th operated P-39's while Stateside and there is one account of the pilot having to turn his whole body sideways in the cockpit and kick the door free, barely having his chute open before hitting the ground. Makes you wonder how many went in while struggling with the door.

[leeG]

Originally Posted by no4mkit

That's the right answer, but in practice it wasn't always that easy. The 357th operated P-39's while Stateside and there is one account of the pilot having to turn his whole body sideways in the cockpit and kick the door free, barely having his chute open before hitting the ground. Makes you wonder how many went in while struggling with the door.

Getting out of an broken airplane in a hurry is a problem, whether it's a door or canopy. Door, hinged canopy or sliding canopy can all jam, freeze, bend, break or be held down by aerodynamic forces. The Germans used explosive charges to jettison the canopy on the Fw190. Some modern jet fighters blow the canopy off. Some have explosive cord built into the canopy to shatter it clear during ejection. On the F-18, the top of the ejection seat has cutting blades to punch through if the canopy fails to jettison.

[Cavtanker]

Originally Posted by leeG

Getting out of an broken airplane in a hurry is a problem, whether it's a door or canopy. Door, hinged canopy or sliding canopy can all jam, freeze, bend, break or be held down by aerodynamic forces. The Germans used explosive charges to jettison the canopy on the Fw190. Some modern jet fighters blow the canopy off. Some have explosive cord built into the canopy to shatter it clear during ejection. On the F-18, the top of the ejection seat has cutting blades to punch through if the canopy fails to jettison.

I think that might smart...just a tad bit...going through the canopy glass.