EMERGENCY CANOPY JETTISON SYSTEM

Learning Objective: Recognize the system components and procedures for emergency canopy jettison.

The emergency canopy jettison system provides the capability to ballistically jettison the canopy in case of an emergency. The canopy can be jettisoned internally or externally without initiating seat ejection. It can also be jettisoned by initiating ejection. This is accomplished by pulling the ejection control handle on the ejection seat.

COMPONENTS

Before discussing the internal and external methods of jettisoning the canopy, a description of the system's components is needed.

External Canopy Jettison Handles And Cables

The external canopy jettison handles and cables are stowed behind doors on each side of the aircraft near the radome. (See figs. 2-1 and 2-10.) Each handle is attached to approximately 8 feet of cable. The cables are routed through the gun bay and are joined to a common cable at the cockpit forward pressure bulkhead. This single, common cable runs through the bulkhead into the cockpit, where it connects to the internal canopy jettison lever linkage.

Figure 2-10.-External canopy jettison handle.

Internal Canopy Jettison Lever

The internal canopy jettison lever is located to the left of the main instrument panel. The lever is mounted on the canopy sill. (See fig. 2-11.) The lever gives the pilot the capability of starting the emergency canopy jettison sequence from inside the cockpit.

Canopy Jettison SMDC Initiator

The canopy jettison shielded mild detonating cord (SMDC) initiator is located below the canopy jettison lever. The initiator receives inputs from either the internal canopy jettison lever or external canopy jettison handles to initiate the jettison sequence.

One-way Transfer Valve

The one-way transfer valve is located on the ballistic panel in the upper equipment bay. The transfer valve acts as a check valve to prevent the backflow of SMDC detonation to the seat components.

Emergency Escape Disconnect

The emergency escape disconnect is located under the canopy deck. The disconnect provides a path for SMDC detonation to the canopy

Figure 2-11.-Internal canopy jettison handle.

ballistic components and provides a disconnect point when the canopy is jettisoned or removed for maintenance.