Canopy Bubbles
Falconar
Avia has returned to the successful line of canopy bubbles first introduced in
the 1960’s. They are optically clear, having been blown from acrylic plastic.
Tinted bubbles can also be blown. Various shapes and thickness’ can also be
produced.
Customers
wanting a particular shape can order a 1/5 scale model bubble. The test bubble
can be made quite economically to determine optimum shape. The full size one
would be almost an exact replica.
Falconar
Avia has supplied bubbles for various aircraft - Piel Emeraude, F11 & F12,
Jurca Sirocco, 2/3 Mustang, Cavalier and numerous others.
[Click here for line drawing of Mustang canopy]
![[Click here for line drawing of Mustang canopy]](CnpyDwg.jpg){kind=link}
Most
aircraft have canopies that slide backwards from the windshield. Canopies of
course must be cut from complete bubbles when they are free blown - done for
the best optic clarity with almost no distortion. The byproduct is a bubble windshield.
Not all aircraft designs incorporate a bubble windshield. We often get two
bubble windshields left over from the production of one canopy. As an example,
the Ercoupe 415C & E can be equipped with a bubble windshield. Many types
of low wing amateur built aircraft can benefit in performance from a bubble
windshield alone. Bubble windshields and bubble canopies enhance performance
over flat or single curvature windshields or windows. For instance, an Ercoupe
will cruise at 115mph with the bubble canopy as opposed to its Ercoupe
predecessor’s cruise of 105mph when single curvature windows and windshield are
used.
Any
width and length can be made up to that permitted by the largest acrylic sheet
available.
Most
popular initial sheet thickness is 3/16" (5mm). This thins to about
3/32" (2mm).
Max
height is W/2. Once cut, resulting bubble is flexible so that it can be higher,
narrower and slightly longer. We can make scale bubbles (usually 1/5) to
determine customer’s preferred shape. Because the bubbles are free blown, the
height may vary plus or minus 1" (25mm). The great advantage of free
blown bubbles is that they are optically close to perfect. Vacuum formed
bubbles can be made to a specific shape but are almost impossible to be without
some optical distortion and imperfection.
An
easily peelable protective coating is applied to preserve the bubble against
dust and minor damage. Tinted acrylic is available. Canopies can be blown from
polycarbonate (Lexan) but the process is more complicated. For
polycarbonate bubbles multiply cost by 2.3.
Discounts
are available for quantity orders in one crate. A great saving in shipping can
be realized with multiple quantity orders.
|
|
|
Cost (USD) |
Crating (USD) |
|
A. |
Single seat narrow
bubble |
$722 |
$180 |
|
B. |
Two seat tandem bubble |
$794 |
$190 |
|
C. |
Two seat side by side,
short bubble |
$829 |
$200 |
|
D. |
Two seat side by side,
long bubble |
$863 |
$200 |
|
|
Two seat Mustang,
vacuum formed (high sides) |
$921 |
$200 |
|
|
Bronze tint (most
popular) |
$50 |
|
|
|
Scale bubble (1/5) |
$100 |
$100 |
|
|
Protective coating |
$74 extra |
|
|
|
Polycarbonate
(multiply by 2.3) |
|
|
|
|
Description of cutting
tools and special instructions are included. |
|
|
|
|
Saran Wrap |
$35 extra |
|
|
Popular Sizes |
|||
|
|
L |
W |
H |
|
A. |
48" |
24" |
10" |
|
B. |
68" |
33" |
15" |
|
C. |
75" |
45" |
20" |
|
D. |
92" |
45" |
20" |
Bubble Windshields
|
|
Cost (USD) |
Crating (USD) |
|
Small single or 2 seat
tandem |
$370 |
$90 |
|
Large two seat side by
side |
$420 |
$110 |
|
Protective peel-able
coating |
$40 |
|
|
Saran Wrap |
$20 extra |
|
Plans
|
Canopy installations
on 2' x 3' blueline print. Illustrates tracks, seals and latch. (Plans
are 1/5 scale) |
Cost (USD) |
|
Sliding back -
Emeraude style |
$40 + Shipping & handling |
|
Sliding forward -
F11/F12 style |
$40 + Shipping & handling |
|
|
|
|
*Shipping and handling
Canada & US $6 (Elsewhere $12) |
|
Roller, Slides and Rails
|
|
Cost (USD) |
|
Double acting type for
F11/F12, etc. |
$38/ea |
|
Single track and 4
wheel roller for P-51D, etc. |
$49/ea |
Welnuts
|
|
Cost (USD) |
|
With screw and washer
#6-32 |
$1.20/ea |
|
Other sizes available |
$20 |
Latches
|
|
Cost (USD) |
|
With key and lock |
POR |
Rubber Molding
|
|
Cost (USD) |
|
For windshield seal |
$2/ft. |
Please see HIPEC price
page for fiberglass cloth, Kevlar, epoxy resins, Velcro, etc.
Copyright © 2000 Falconar Avia Inc. For questions or comments about this web site send mail to webmaster@falconaravia.com.
Send mail to sales@falconaravia.com
for product or service inquiries.
Last
updated June 10, 2007