Greta Shot of a P-40F Cockpit In N Africa (1 Viewer)

[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.

 

[DisplacedTex]

And not this vent panel.

 

[fubar57]

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