MIflyer
1st Lieutenant
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.
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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.AFAIK this was a standard feature on all P-40 types.
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: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.