F-16 Canopy control?

I'm watching the Start Up guide on youtube and Wags says to close the cockpit to do Left Control + C on the keyboard and then lock the canopy with the yellow canopy lock. However I'm wondering how the real pilots close the lid? I have looked at the manual but there it also just says Left Ctrl + C and there doesn't seem to be a canopy switch like in the Hornet. Does the lid have to be closed by the ground crew in real life? Does anyone know what they do?

According to the cockpit orientation video the canopy switch is behind the yellow clamp, and guarded when the clamp is down!

Don’t know if it is (already) simulated.

3-position switch that will remain in the up position for opening, but must be held down to close the canopy. From the down position it will spring load back to center. Fun fact if the pilot leaves the switch in the up position, the ground crew can not close the canopy from the external switch without first re-centering the internal cockpit switch.

Fun fact if the pilot leaves the switch in the up position, the ground crew can not close the canopy from the external switch without first re-centering the internal cockpit switch.

Well actually only partially true. The canopy WILL close but as soon as you release the external switch it is coming back up. :P

That has always been an amusing one to watch the CC put the ladder down close the canopy all the way just to have it open itself right back up and have to put the ladder back to center the switch in the pit. Even better if it is a D model.

Done it a few times myself as avionics...

What I want to know is how to open it when you're standing next to it on the tarmac. Don't ask me why I want to know lol.

Well actually only partially true. The canopy WILL close but as soon as you release the external switch it is coming back up. :P

True

That has always been an amusing one to watch the CC put the ladder down close the canopy all the way just to have it open itself right back up and have to put the ladder back to center the switch in the pit. Even better if it is a D model.

 

Done it a few times myself as avionics...

I just slap the side of the jet, works every time.:megalol:

What I want to know is how to open it when you're standing next to it on the tarmac. Don't ask me why I want to know lol.

Well for whatever reason bottom of the left strake right around the side air intake there is a door you can open where you hook up external cooling air to. The external canopy switch is inside that door.

Or even better yet go to 7:36 in this video and you can see the switch. Hope the TSgt in this video is good at his job as acting isn't in his future. :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E__uZk3jW8

I'm watching the Start Up guide on youtube and Wags says to close the cockpit to do Left Control + C on the keyboard and then lock the canopy with the yellow canopy lock. However I'm wondering how the real pilots close the lid? I have looked at the manual but there it also just says Left Ctrl + C and there doesn't seem to be a canopy switch like in the Hornet. Does the lid have to be closed by the ground crew in real life? Does anyone know what they do?

Great pics, thanks mvsgas.

Flirting with that Rule 1.16, we will just go with the fact it's a late 1970's Viper :thumbup:

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By the way, I do not believe this is a real cockpit since it has black side walls and the serial number has been blocked, but the photos showed the canopy details I wanted. Note also how new all the dials, switches and knobs look.

Just wanted to point that to those than can't tell the difference real cockpit and a fake one.

It is a real cockpit. Most of the MLU Vipers have black cockpit walls

Since I use VR (and so do a few others around here), it would be less than optimal to look to the KB to shut the canopy where clicking an in-cockpit switch would be the way to do it.

It is a real cockpit. Most of the MLU Vipers have black cockpit walls

Which ones specifically? What year did they start doing this?

Well actually only partially true. The canopy WILL close but as soon as you release the external switch it is coming back up. :P

 

That has always been an amusing one to watch the CC put the ladder down close the canopy all the way just to have it open itself right back up and have to put the ladder back to center the switch in the pit. Even better if it is a D model.

 

Done it a few times myself as avionics...

Just happened to me last night!:music_whistling:

Just happened to me last night!:music_whistling:

Hups :D:D

Since I use VR (and so do a few others around here), it would be less than optimal to look to the KB to shut the canopy where clicking an in-cockpit switch would be the way to do it.

For that very same reason I use a Razer Orbweaver (programmable mini-keyboard), just aft of my throttles: I programmed some keyboard combinations there and made macros for ground power, ground air supply, etc...

The keys can be found by memory/touch, so I don't need to look at them :thumbup:

Which ones specifically? What year did they start doing this?

Our jets in the RNLAF were modified starting 1998. They were old Block 10 and block 15 jets.

Our jets in the RNLAF were modified starting 1998. They were ols Block 10 and block 15 jets.

Talking about the sidewall panels. The plastic panels that are a pain to install. You have to go around the throttle and some times trim them. The picture you post shows gray one, look on the side, behind the throttle on the photos I posted.

Talking about the sidewall panels. The plastic panels that are a pain to install. You have to go around the throttle and some times trim them. The picture you post shows gray one, look on the side, behind the throttle on the photos I posted.

I only wanted to show you that also on the main console the grey is gone and replaced by black. Same goes for the part of the engine stack and hydraulics. They did this to make the jet more NVIS friendly.