lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

X-Mailing-List: lancair.list@olsusa.com <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> >> From the lack of response - other than one note of sympathetic "me too" - I guess that no-one has data on an innovative latching system for the 320/360 forward hinged canopy. Maybe I'll have to go back to my drawing board and creat one. Ed... I'll reply, although it may not be the response that you're looking for... I installed the forward hinged canopy, with two standard camlock latches per the construction manual. They are simple, easy to install and work perfectly for in-flight latching. The canopy itself takes a lot of good construction technique and finesse ( I realized that interior and exterior lips at the longeron juncture were a necessity. My exterior lip overlaps ¼" and the interior ½") For an exterior lock, I had read that others had designed some elaborate mechanical and electrical mechanisms. I just didn't see the need for that. I wanted a simple, but attractive exterior key lock. With a little looking through the Thomas Register, I found a simple, round ¾" diameter key-type lock (for auto/trucks) with a 1" long barrel. It actuates a ¼" pin, near the bottom of the barrel with a ½"sideways throw. It was easily installed in the top rear of the canopy with only a ¾" hole necessary, so that the actuating pin engaged a short piece of ¼" I.D.aluminum tubing "Hysoled" into the rollover. It's simple and effective. If anyone is interested, I'll provide more details and the Illinois Lock Co. part #. Bill Rumburg N403WR (Sonic Boom)