"MOONHAPPY"
Fri Nov 09, 2007 9:29 am
P-61A 6th NFS flown by Dale Haberman & Bob Mooney
Fri Nov 09, 2007 10:17 am
Hey Jack, Do you have any info on this picture? I noticed the airplane appears to be missing the pilot’s over-head hatch and possibly some of the gunners glass as well. The B-model (and I'm 99% sure the A models as well) had a two-pane overhead canopy piano hinged on the pilot's left. The latching mechanism is kinda Mickey Mouse, it took a while to figure out exactly how it works and rig it correctly. I've read online crew accounts of the hatch coming open in flight and then leaving the airplane. I can definitely see how that’s possible! Do you know if that’s the case here?
Thanks again for al the pictures!
T.J.
Actually after looking at it again, it looks like the entire left side of the canopy is gone as well. The piano hinge ran along the entire upper frame of that side. If the hatch tore out the hinge from the side window frame, the entire side window would have to be replaced as well.
Thanks again for al the pictures!
T.J.
Actually after looking at it again, it looks like the entire left side of the canopy is gone as well. The piano hinge ran along the entire upper frame of that side. If the hatch tore out the hinge from the side window frame, the entire side window would have to be replaced as well.