Hello Jeff,

 

I’ve tested (unscientifically) the Legacy Canopy, with and without the bar connecting the canopy hinges, and its purpose seems to be to improve the lateral stiffness of the canopy when it’s open – perhaps for winds.  This is not required when the canopy is closed and I don’t believe if makes much of a difference in stiffness when it is open.  It does not appear to add any strength to any critical load paths.  It adds weight without clear benefit and is in the way for mounting equipment on the cockpit side of the firewall. 

 

I won’t be flying one in our Legacy.  For us, that space is either going to have EFIS LRUs or an air conditioning evaporator/blower.  Maybe someone else has more to add on this subject…?

 

Valin Thorn

Legacy

Texas