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It s important that you fit the canopy while the canopy frame is at-
tached to the fuselage, this will keep the frame properly aligned and
not twisted. Masking tape is used to hold the canopy in position prior
to gluing. It may pay to have another pair of hands available to assist
you here. Perhaps you can bribe your best buddy with a beer, or two
(after their assistance)!
When you have trimmed the canopy and prepared the canopy frame,
attach the frame to the fuselage and secure in position with the
mounting bolts. Make up some grip handles from masking tape and
attach to the canopy. Use as many as you see fit, but usually 4 will do
the job. Carefully place the canopy inside the fuselage through the
opening in the canopy frame.
Lift the canopy into position with the masking tape handles you pre-
fitted. Once you have the canopy settled in position start to tape it
onto the canopy frame. It s easier to start with the top of the canopy
first, then the front and sides. Tape all the way around the canopy
edges. Use your finger nail to push the tape snugly against the edge
of the canopy frame. It doesn t hurt to run a few overlapping layers of
tape to secure the canopy.
Remove the canopy frame from the fuselage. As you undo the mount-
ing bolts take note to see if the frame is distorted. Now is the time to
fix this if it is distorted. Place a towel or something similar on the work
bench so you can work on the canopy without marking it.
A syringe is one of the easiest ways of applying the silicon between
the canopy and frame. A 30ml syringe has more volume than re-
quired, but its physical size makes it easier to handle, it s great for
guys with big hands! Attach about 100-150mm of fuel tube to the sy-
ringe, with a small piece of brass or alloy tube. You should have some
off cuts left from the elevator hinge pins. Bend a gentle radius in the
brass tube and carefully flatten the end a little, so it can slide between
the canopy and frame. You will only need to half fill the syringe with
silicon, and it is a little easier to manipulate the plunger if the syringe
is not completely full.
Insert the brass tube between the canopy and frame, and start to
squeeze the silicone between the two. As you squeeze the silicone
into position carefully keep moving the brass tube along the canopy
until you have gone all the way around. Gently run your fingers
around the inside of the canopy to settle the silicone. If any of the
masking tape has lifted away from position, gently press it back into
place. If a little of the silicone has oozed between the tape and the
canopy, don t worry, it will easily clean off, either with a gentle rub, or
with a little mineral turpentine.
Reattach the canopy to the fuselage and bolt into position. Leave it in
position until the silicone cures. After several hours (4-5) the silicone
should be touch dry and you can start to remove the masking tape.
Leaving the canopy overnight is also a good option if you are unsure.
When you remove the tape, simply rub away any silicone that has
come above the tape. Mineral Turpentine with a soft cloth can make it
easier. Jobs done!
Sukhoi SU 31—2.75m/2.6m
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