gschuld
Well-Known Member
I have been looking at the different canopy designs out there and came across the Venture's design below. It seems to be unique in that the plexiglass canopy has no reinforcement. The canopies thickness is greater than the typical to help make up for the lack of frame. The prototype had a 1/4" thick molded canopy and the production version was said to have a 3/8" "cast" plexi canopy. The prototype was flown to over 270mph during testing and the 1/4" canopy was considered proven. The Venture's canopy is huge, nearly 44" wide and almost 60" long. There are 6 adjustable j-hooks spaced around the perimeter to hold it down. I have read reports that owners like the thicker canopies for a few reasons. The extra thickness of the plexi greatly reduces noise levels(mostly prop pulses) and offers greater bird strike protection. It could also be argued that if a canopy was damaged, an all plexi canopy would be much easier to replace than a framed type.
The downsides to this design seem to be the weight and possibly latching inconvenience. It would appear that a thicker all plexi canopy would weigh a bit more than a thin plexi canopy in a lightweight frame. And the perimeter 6 j-hook latching mechanisms would probably be more of an inconvenience than other methods. Being able to reach them all while snugged down in a 5 point harness might be an issue.
Ventures have flown pretty fast. 401.79mph average from Chicago to Boston(a weight class record). I haven't heard of any canopies flying off.
Any thoughs on this canopy design in general?
George
The downsides to this design seem to be the weight and possibly latching inconvenience. It would appear that a thicker all plexi canopy would weigh a bit more than a thin plexi canopy in a lightweight frame. And the perimeter 6 j-hook latching mechanisms would probably be more of an inconvenience than other methods. Being able to reach them all while snugged down in a 5 point harness might be an issue.
Ventures have flown pretty fast. 401.79mph average from Chicago to Boston(a weight class record). I haven't heard of any canopies flying off.
Any thoughs on this canopy design in general?
George
