PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-635
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 635
OCTOBER 2005
Of course, it's also important
to keep the canopy covered as
much as possible. Blowing sand
and rocks can scar the canopy so
badly it must be replaced. Some
units cut an old sleeping mat in
half and put the pieces under the
tarp to give the canopy even
more protection.
Never move the turret or vehi-
cle with the canopy open. That
throws the canopy out of align-
ment or damages the mounting
brackets for the canopy struts.
Shut and latch the canopy before
you move.
When you shut or open the
canopy, use the lanyard to gently
guide the canopy into position.
If you let it spring open or slam
shut repeatedly, the mounting
brackets are damaged. But don't
use the lanyard as a handhold.
That damages the mounting
brackets, too. If the canopy
moves without resistance or
won't stay open, tell your repair-
man. The struts need to be
replaced.
If the canopy doesn't seal out
exhaust, you can be in a world
of hurt. Here's an easy way to
check how well the canopy is
sealing:
•
Put 6x1-in pieces of paper
half in and half out of each front
corner of the turret.
•
Close and lock the canopy.
•
Pull on the paper.
•
If either piece slips out easily,
the canopy isn't sealing. Tell
your repairman.
PS 635
OCT 05
20
Avenger Missile System…
Canopy Care Gives 20-20 Vision
I
t's tough to hit enemy aircraft if you can't see. That's the situation Avenger gunners
will be in if they don't pay attention to canopy care.
The biggest reason canopies turn from clear to cloudy is that operators grab just
anything to clean it, stuff like rags, window cleaner, and multi-purpose cleaner. It
would be better not to clean the canopy than to use those items. They strip off the
canopy's infrared coating. Soon it's time for a new canopy, which costs more than
$6,000.
TM 9-1425-433-10 is very
specific about cleaning the
canopy. Flush the canopy with
lots of water, then use your bare
hand (no rings!) and hand dish-
washing detergent, NSN 7930-
00-880-4454,
to clean the
canopy. Flush it again with lots
of water and blot it—don't wipe
it—dry with a clean cloth.
I can
hear
the enemy…
but I
can’t
see
‘em!!
somebody
shoulda taken
better care of
my canopy!
Use bare hand and dishwashing
detergent to clean canopy
Keep canopy
covered
Close canopy before moving
turret or vehicle. Use lanyard
to gently open and
close canopy
If canopy
moves
without
resistance
or won’t
stay open,
struts need
to be
replaced
If paper pulls out
easily, canopy is
leaking
635.20-21(C).qxd
9/3/05
9:21 AM
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