SECTION 17

Canopy locking assembly and cockpit primary structures

This section outlines the removal of the canopy and ejection seat to gain access to the canopy locking system, brake control cable and cockpit floor primary structures.

The canopy locking structure forms part of the cockpit sloping bulkhead. The system will be restored and re-built to eradicate current stiffness in the structures.

The ejection seat will be cleaned and inspected before re-installation. The seat is currently inert, and will be left as such for ground use.

The cockpit floor structure panels will be removed, to primarily, replace the broken brake control cable. Whilst the floor is up the primary structures will be inspected and all dirt and grime cleaned up, before all is re-inhibited with ACF50 preservative.

01/12/06

Canopy locking mechanism and hinges disconnected to allow removal of the canopy.

above: access panels removed, and seat preparation in progress to remove canopy.

above: Canopy removed, seat to be removed next.

Above: Ejection seat removed.

05/12/06

Cockpit floor panels removed to gain access to primary structures and brake control cable. Surrounding structures found to be in very good condition. No corrosion found, though structures are dirty and dusty. Much paint and dirt debris exists, to be removed in due course

above. Floors removed. No corrosion found, but a good clean up in order.

05/12/06

Ejection seat removed to workshop. Inspection reveals seat to be in excellent order. Unserviceable seta motor removed for replacement.

Above: Mk4b ejection seat and equipment.

Broken seat actuator removed for problem diagnosis.

The canopy control handle has been removed and restored ready for fitting

Above. A corroded canopy control handle, non functional, removed for restoration.

The above canopy control handle was found to be seized solid with corrosion. Several immersions in Phosphoric acid later and the internal piston finally freed off so that we were able to determine the final damage. Since these handles are no longer available, and to mill a new one out of a solid billet, would cost close to £1000, we decided to repair the old one with a composite repair compound.

After a nice repair, the handle was back looking like new and functions as advertised, ready to be re-fitted to the airframe.