Does anyone know the logic behind this aircraft having a partial canopy? What is the advantage? I can understand an open cockpit, or a full canopy, but wouldn’t this partial canopy just act as a large scoop? I wouldn’t be surprised if they got blown off during flight! Dave.
In that time there was a lot of resistance from pilots about closed cockpits. The sound of the wind in the wires and the engine noise were cues the pilots used in flying the airplane and closed canopies made that less practical. The partial canopy on the BF2C was an interim step that did reduce the turbulent flow around the pilot somewhat but still left the audio cues. Doesn’t seem logical today but that is the way it was. Open cockpit flying is a totally different experience form cabin type airplanes, especially the first time you go inverted and realize that there is nothing between you and the ground but your seat belt.
Thanks for the info! This one had me puzzled for some time. Your answer makes sense! Thanks! Dave.