Jettisoning canopy of Spitfire - possible or not.

[Dominik]

This is technical question.

According to Spitfire manual (Pilot's Notes) of Mka IX, XI and XVI it was possible to jettison the canopy with the help of red (???) rubber ball (knob- as written in Pilot's Notes). In similar brochure, about Mks I/II, the similar statement occurs.
In 'Spitfire - The History" by Morgan and Shaklady I've found information about jettisoning the canopy, this ball (althoug only the Malcom Hood)
Yet there is a voice that makes me a bit conused. During a disscusion about Spitfire, which takes place in samll Polish 2nd World War Forum, my "oponent" has presented the Steven Graham's opinion that only Mk. VI had a jettison canopy.
What is your opinion about this?

Regards

Dominik

PS. Has anyone contact with Peter Caygill?

[Graham Boak]

The Mk.VI was the exception, but because it did not have a jettison capability - the pilot was bolted in to ensure the integrity of the pressure cabin.

[Dominik]

According to Pilot Notes, each Spitfire with Malcolm Hood had such red rubber ball, which allowed pilot jettison canopy. A few weeks ago I found one photo in the Aero Detail book about Spitfires. This photo shows a Spitfire in museum and it has such ball. I belive it's the second part - Spitfire IX-XVI but I'm not completely sure.

didnt douglas bader, jettison his hood,.when he bailed out, in 41"
food for thought,
gary...

[Peter Cornwell]

If my recent pre-flight briefing is to be believed (and yes, that definitely constitutes 'shooting a line'), yanking the toggle simply releases the hood catch and 'the slipstream does the rest'.

[Ruy Horta]

Originally Posted by Dominik

According to Pilot Notes, each Spitfire with Malcolm Hood had such red rubber ball, which allowed pilot jettison canopy. A few weeks ago I found one photo in the Aero Detail book about Spitfires. This photo shows a Spitfire in museum and it has such ball. I belive it's the second part - Spitfire IX-XVI but I'm not completely sure.

hi. they did have side panels that could be pushed out when bailin out,on there cockpits,covers, sides "this was to help. with airflow, ,
gary,

[PeterA]

Both the high back and low back canopies can be jettisoned in the true sense.

The rubber ball is attached to two wires that pass through small formed aluminium conduits down to a relay system rod that effectively pins the canopy to the four sliders. Pull the ball, release the pins, push out with the elbows, possibly having released the top catch in the case of the high back, and away it goes.

PeterA

or if all eles fails strighten your back muclces put both feet on the stick then push you wont notice the hood,a well known pilots say,
gary