Cockpit Changes - Revision history

WikiSysop at 00:50, 16 August 2022

2022-08-16T00:50:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:50, 16 August 2022
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	The Invader cockpit underwent several changes and modifications during its production lifespan. The differences and details between them all are explained in detail below.		The Invader cockpit underwent several changes and modifications during its production lifespan. The differences and details between them all are explained in detail below. <br/>
			You can watch the video on this topic on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7e-vHKjW3g

	=Generation 1=		=Generation 1=

WikiSysop at 17:36, 8 April 2020

2020-04-08T17:36:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:36, 8 April 2020
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	~~[[:Back]]~~

	The Invader cockpit underwent several changes and modifications during its production lifespan. The differences and details between them all are explained in detail below.		The Invader cockpit underwent several changes and modifications during its production lifespan. The differences and details between them all are explained in detail below.

WikiSysop at 17:36, 8 April 2020

2020-04-08T17:36:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:36, 8 April 2020
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			[[:Back]]

	The Invader cockpit underwent several changes and modifications during its production lifespan. The differences and details between them all are explained in detail below.		The Invader cockpit underwent several changes and modifications during its production lifespan. The differences and details between them all are explained in detail below.

WikiSysop: /* Modifications */

2018-09-19T13:59:29Z

Modifications

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:59, 19 September 2018
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	=Modifications=		=Modifications=
			There exists a misconception that Invader planes that were built as flat top early-model invaders never had their cockpits upgraded to the bubble type canopy, and such modifications were almost certainly too drastic and extensive to carry out in the field. While these modifications were not common in WW2, they did happen in Korea. I've talked to several members of the 13th Bombardment Squadron, 3rd Bomb Group, and they all tell of "performing surgery on The Point" to convert one of their planes.
			Here is [[43-22343]] with an original, 1st generation flat-top cockpit.
			[[File:43-22343-2.jpg\|500px\|center]]
			And here is the same plane months later with the bubble type, 3rd generation cockpit.
			[[File:43-22343-1.jpg\|500px\|center]]

WikiSysop: /* Comparisons */

2018-09-19T13:44:25Z

Comparisons

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:44, 19 September 2018
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	=Comparisons=		=Comparisons=
			I've managed to find two different photos of planes from roughly the same angle. The first photo show a Generation 1 cockpit with the thick heavy frames. The second photo shows the Generation 3 "clamshell" cockpit. The difference in pilot visibility as seen from this view point is remarkable. I haven't seen a Generation 2 cockpit from plane from this angle, so if you happen to know of one, please let me know.
			[[File:Gen 1 canopy top.jpg\|500px\|center]]
			[[File:Gen 3 canopy top.jpg\|500px\|center]]

	=Modifications=		=Modifications=

WikiSysop: /* Generation 3 */

2018-09-19T03:49:45Z

Generation 3

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:49, 19 September 2018
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	13th Bombardment Squadron Navigator Charles Hinton demonstrates how easy it is to get in and out of the aircraft with the new cockpits.		13th Bombardment Squadron Navigator Charles Hinton demonstrates how easy it is to get in and out of the aircraft with the new cockpits.
	[[File:Charles Hinton.~~jpg~~\|500px\|center]]		[[File:Charles Hinton.JPG\|500px\|center]]

	=Comparisons=		=Comparisons=

	=Modifications=		=Modifications=

WikiSysop at 03:42, 19 September 2018

2018-09-19T03:42:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:42, 19 September 2018
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			The Invader cockpit underwent several changes and modifications during its production lifespan. The differences and details between them all are explained in detail below.

	=Generation 1=		=Generation 1=
	The first Douglas Invaders produced began with a flat-top cockpit. The cockpit had a single hatch that opened forward on the Navigator's side. The first iteration of the cockpit also had large window frames that restricted view. This type of cockpit was found on A-26B production blocks 1, 5, and 10, as well as A26C blocks 1 and 10.		The first Douglas Invaders produced began with a flat-top cockpit. The cockpit had a single hatch that opened forward on the Navigator's side. The first iteration of the cockpit also had large window frames that restricted view. This type of cockpit was found on A-26B production blocks 1, 5, and 10, as well as A26C blocks 1 and 10.

WikiSysop at 03:41, 19 September 2018

2018-09-19T03:41:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:41, 19 September 2018
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			=Generation 1=
	The first Douglas Invaders produced began with a flat-top cockpit. The cockpit had a single hatch that opened forward on the Navigator's side. The first iteration of the cockpit also had large window frames that restricted view. This type of cockpit was found on A-26B production blocks 1, 5, and 10, as well as A26C blocks 1 and 10.		The first Douglas Invaders produced began with a flat-top cockpit. The cockpit had a single hatch that opened forward on the Navigator's side. The first iteration of the cockpit also had large window frames that restricted view. This type of cockpit was found on A-26B production blocks 1, 5, and 10, as well as A26C blocks 1 and 10.
	[[File:Flattop Canopy.jpg\|500px\|center]]		[[File:Flattop Canopy.jpg\|500px\|center]]
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	[[File:Flattop Canopy Closed.jpg\|500px\|center]]		[[File:Flattop Canopy Closed.jpg\|500px\|center]]

			=Generation 2=
	By the A-26B-15 block and A-26C-15 block that windscreen frames had been reduced in size to allow for better visibility and the windscreen paneling was larger, resulting in fewer cross frames. But, the cockpit still opened forward on the one side. Note how in this second version the top and side panel hinges together as one piece. The glass panel is also curved and only has two thin frames to help keep the shape.		By the A-26B-15 block and A-26C-15 block that windscreen frames had been reduced in size to allow for better visibility and the windscreen paneling was larger, resulting in fewer cross frames. But, the cockpit still opened forward on the one side. Note how in this second version the top and side panel hinges together as one piece. The glass panel is also curved and only has two thin frames to help keep the shape.
	[[File:Flattop Canopy Revised.jpg\|500px\|center]]		[[File:Flattop Canopy Revised.jpg\|500px\|center]]
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	[[File:Gen 2 Canopy.jpg\|500px\|center]]		[[File:Gen 2 Canopy.jpg\|500px\|center]]

			=Generation 3=
	Ingress, and especially egress during bailout, were very difficult with that forward open design. By the A-26B-30 block, the cockpit hatch had been redesigned to be a "Clamshell" type or Bubble Top, that opened on both sides. This version also raised the pilot's seat a few inches to improve visibility. This allowed the pilot to see over the engines better.		Ingress, and especially egress during bailout, were very difficult with that forward open design. By the A-26B-30 block, the cockpit hatch had been redesigned to be a "Clamshell" type or Bubble Top, that opened on both sides. This version also raised the pilot's seat a few inches to improve visibility. This allowed the pilot to see over the engines better.
	[[File:Clamshell Cockpit.jpg\|500px\|center]]		[[File:Clamshell Cockpit.jpg\|500px\|center]]
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	13th Bombardment Squadron Navigator Charles Hinton demonstrates how easy it is to get in and out of the aircraft with the new cockpits.		13th Bombardment Squadron Navigator Charles Hinton demonstrates how easy it is to get in and out of the aircraft with the new cockpits.
	[[File:Charles Hinton.jpg\|500px\|center]]		[[File:Charles Hinton.jpg\|500px\|center]]

			=Comparisons=

			=Modifications=

WikiSysop at 03:32, 19 September 2018

2018-09-19T03:32:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:32, 19 September 2018
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	The first Douglas Invaders produced began with a flat-top cockpit. The cockpit had a single hatch that opened forward on the Navigator's side. The first iteration of the cockpit also had large window frames that restricted view. This type of cockpit was found on A-26B production blocks 1, 5, and 15, as well as A26C blocks 1 and 10.		The first Douglas Invaders produced began with a flat-top cockpit. The cockpit had a single hatch that opened forward on the Navigator's side. The first iteration of the cockpit also had large window frames that restricted view. This type of cockpit was found on A-26B production blocks 1, 5, and 10, as well as A26C blocks 1 and 10.
	[[File:Flattop Canopy.jpg\|500px\|center]]		[[File:Flattop Canopy.jpg\|500px\|center]]
	When the canopy is closed the view is very restricted. Having the single, awkward point of entry also made it difficult for crew to bail out.		When the canopy is closed the view is very restricted. Having the single, awkward point of entry also made it difficult for crew to bail out.
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	By the A-26B-15 block and A-26C-15 block that windscreen frames had been reduced in size to allow for better visibility and the windscreen paneling was larger, resulting in fewer cross frames. But, the cockpit still opened forward on the one side. Note how in this second version the top and side panel hinges together as one piece. The glass panel is also curved and only has two thin frames to help keep the shape.		By the A-26B-15 block and A-26C-15 block that windscreen frames had been reduced in size to allow for better visibility and the windscreen paneling was larger, resulting in fewer cross frames. But, the cockpit still opened forward on the one side. Note how in this second version the top and side panel hinges together as one piece. The glass panel is also curved and only has two thin frames to help keep the shape.
	[[File:Flattop Canopy Revised.jpg\|500px\|center]]		[[File:Flattop Canopy Revised.jpg\|500px\|center]]

			In this view Invader [[41-39183]] had its original first generation canopy upgraded to the newer second generation type. The marks are still evident around the window frame. This photo is noteworthy because it clearly shows the pilot's side. The pilot's window frame is shorter than the navigator's, but it is now completely free of support bars and offers an unobstructed view.
			[[File:Gen 2 Canopy.jpg\|500px\|center]]

	Ingress, and especially egress during bailout, were very difficult with that forward open design. By the A-26B-30 block, the cockpit hatch had been redesigned to be a "Clamshell" type or Bubble Top, that opened on both sides. This version also raised the pilot's seat a few inches to improve visibility. This allowed the pilot to see over the engines better.		Ingress, and especially egress during bailout, were very difficult with that forward open design. By the A-26B-30 block, the cockpit hatch had been redesigned to be a "Clamshell" type or Bubble Top, that opened on both sides. This version also raised the pilot's seat a few inches to improve visibility. This allowed the pilot to see over the engines better.
			[[File:Clamshell Cockpit.jpg\|500px\|center]]

			Here you can see the clamshell cockpit closed. While this both greatly improved visibility and entry and exit into the cockpit area, it did present one drawback. On the earlier flat-top versions, the upper turret could be locked in a forward position and used as a strafing weapon by the pilot. However, due to the increased height of this new cockpit, that was no longer possible.
			[[File:Clamshell Cockpit closed.jpg\|500px\|center]]

			13th Bombardment Squadron Navigator Charles Hinton demonstrates how easy it is to get in and out of the aircraft with the new cockpits.
			[[File:Charles Hinton.jpg\|500px\|center]]

WikiSysop at 13:58, 18 September 2018

2018-09-18T13:58:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:58, 18 September 2018
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	[[File:Flattop Canopy Closed.jpg\|500px\|center]]		[[File:Flattop Canopy Closed.jpg\|500px\|center]]

	By the A-26B-15 block and A-26C-15 block that windscreen frames had been reduced in size to allow for better visibility and the windscreen paneling was larger, resulting in fewer cross frames. But, the cockpit still opened forward on the one side.		By the A-26B-15 block and A-26C-15 block that windscreen frames had been reduced in size to allow for better visibility and the windscreen paneling was larger, resulting in fewer cross frames. But, the cockpit still opened forward on the one side. Note how in this second version the top and side panel hinges together as one piece. The glass panel is also curved and only has two thin frames to help keep the shape.
	[[File:Flattop Canopy Revised.jpg\|500px\|center]]		[[File:Flattop Canopy Revised.jpg\|500px\|center]]

	Ingress, and especially egress during bailout, were very difficult with that forward open design. By the A-26B-30 block, the cockpit hatch had been redesigned to be a "Clamshell" type or Bubble Top, that opened on both sides. This version also raised the pilot's seat a few inches to improve visibility. This allowed the pilot to see over the engines better.		Ingress, and especially egress during bailout, were very difficult with that forward open design. By the A-26B-30 block, the cockpit hatch had been redesigned to be a "Clamshell" type or Bubble Top, that opened on both sides. This version also raised the pilot's seat a few inches to improve visibility. This allowed the pilot to see over the engines better.