Greta Shot of a P-40F Cockpit In N Africa

[MIflyer]

Pilot was Jazz Jaslow. Note how the Left side panel is hinged so it can be opened to provide a means of escape if the canopy jams.

 

[CATCH 22]

AFAIK this was a standard feature on all P-40 types. I remember discussing the small latch on the outside, used in case of a crash landing or turnover.
Usually one can find the description of this emergency panel in the pilot instructions.

 

[MIflyer]

AFAIK this was a standard feature on all P-40 types.

I have a book with a picture of an RAF Tomahawk I bellied in, with that side panel opened, and was surprised when I saw that. I had never seen a good enough picture of the canopy to show that hinge and the release lever on the bottom frame. Note that it allows a person on the outside to open that panel.

 

[CATCH 22]

I have a book with a picture of an RAF Tomahawk I bellied in, with that side panel opened, and was surprised when I saw that. I had never seen a good enough picture of the canopy to show that hinge and the release lever on the bottom frame. Note that it allows a person on the outside to open that panel.

As I mentioned before I knew about it, but haven't seen a photo with an open hatch after a crash. You can try finding photos of pilots in the cockpit (usually official USAAF photos - NARA, Fold3) where this exterior latch and the piano-hinge are visible. Like these examples:

And one more photo from my private collection - Airshow Hamilton, Ontario, Canada 20. June 2010:

Cheers!

 

[DisplacedTex]

I don't believe that hinged panel was for emergency egress as it was pretty small. It is called a clear view panel on the Curtiss drawings and the Republic P-47 had a similar setup also called a clear view panel. I believe it was a pilot-operated vent to let fresh air in to clear condensation from inside the windshield, or just as a source of fresh air. These pics show the dimensions of a P-40 clear view panel.

 

[fubar57]

From the P-40N/Kittyhawk IV Erections and Maintenance Manual. Note dotted line swung out from canopy

 

[DisplacedTex]

Ahh! I see. The OP was referring to this hinged part of the canopy.

And not this vent panel.

 

[fubar57]

I wasn't aware that window panel opened up, thanks

 

[MIflyer]

I wasn't aware that window panel opened up, thanks

Early P-51/A-36 had the same thing. It was called a Clear Vision Panel and it allowed the pilot to see out in case the windshield got iced up or covered with oil or even to reach out and scrape the ice or oil off.

 

[Steve Hnz]

I don't believe that hinged panel was for emergency egress as it was pretty small. It is called a clear view panel on the Curtiss drawings and the Republic P-47 had a similar setup also called a clear view panel. I believe it was a pilot-operated vent to let fresh air in to clear condensation from inside the windshield, or just as a source of fresh air. These pics show the dimensions of a P-40 clear view panel.

I think this was a feature of the P-40N, it is there on wartime photos but most warbird Ns seem to have those side panes replaced with one piece items.

 

[Crimea_River]

I'm still looking for Greta.

 

[Snautzer01]

Yeah. Where is Greta?

I'm still looking for Greta.

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

I had no idea she flew for the Axis and shot off a cockpit.