F-35 in-flight refueling - GIF

F-35 in-flight refueling.

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Previously:

1951 Formula 1 refueling accident - GIF
1994 F1 refueling fire - GIF
Aerial buddy refueling - GIF
Boat refueling explosion - GIF
Boeing MQ-25 Stingray aerial refueling drone - photos
Helicopter aerial refueling - GIF
Helicopter refueling fire - video
Refueling RC car mid-race - GIF
Sea stallion rotor cuts its own refueling probe - video
Sukhoi Su-24 aerial refueling - GIF
Warship refueling at sea - GIFs

" Gimme 50 cents worth of regular
Check, my oil too, if you don't mind
Put some air in my tires, won't you mister
Clean my windows too, if you have time"

I wonder why the admonition on the canopy frame not to cut within three inches of it. I assume that's to keep from damaging the frame with the cutting tool, but if you have to cut the canopy to remove it or parts of it, I'd think you'd have to make some sort of cut(s) right up to the frame at one or more points.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by schuylergrace

I wonder why the admonition on the canopy frame not to cut within three inches of it. I assume that's to keep from damaging the frame with the cutting tool, but if you have to cut the canopy to remove it or parts of it, I'd think you'd have to make some sort of cut(s) right up to the frame at one or more points.

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does the F35 have explosive bolts holding the canopy in? maybe it's to avoid contacting those and having one go off in your face?

I did some research after seeing this reply and found the F-35 canopies have explosive cord that cuts the canopy away along the frame and over the pilot's head when an ejection is initiated. Apparently, the distance is required to ensure those cords are not cut during maintenance operations. I also discovered those canopies are made of acrylic (yikes!), not polycarbonate as was used in other fighter canopies. I understand the formed acrylic is lighter, but I'd hate to be in the cockpit when a bird shattered the canopy.