Ask anything Thread (Air Force)

lcloo

Major
Those "PVC pipe"-looking tubes on the canopy are actually Cartridge Actuated Devices (CADs) — not plumbing parts, but critical components of the aircraft's emergency systems.

Purpose and Function

  • These CADs are pyrotechnic charges designed to jettison the canopy during an emergency ejection.
  • When activated, they fire small rocket-like charges that push the canopy up and away from the aircraft, clearing the path for the pilot's ejection seat.
  • You can spot nozzles at the outboard ends and ignition wires inboard, which are part of the firing mechanism.
Why They Look Like PVC Pipes
  • Their cylindrical shape and white exterior resemble PVC tubing, but they’re built from aerospace-grade materials to withstand high stress and heat.
  • The design is functional: it houses the explosive cartridge and directs the force safely and effectively.
 

Blitzo

General
Staff member
Super Moderator
Registered Member
Those "PVC pipe"-looking tubes on the canopy are actually Cartridge Actuated Devices (CADs) — not plumbing parts, but critical components of the aircraft's emergency systems.

Purpose and Function

  • These CADs are pyrotechnic charges designed to jettison the canopy during an emergency ejection.
  • When activated, they fire small rocket-like charges that push the canopy up and away from the aircraft, clearing the path for the pilot's ejection seat.
  • You can spot nozzles at the outboard ends and ignition wires inboard, which are part of the firing mechanism.
Why They Look Like PVC Pipes
  • Their cylindrical shape and white exterior resemble PVC tubing, but they’re built from aerospace-grade materials to withstand high stress and heat.
  • The design is functional: it houses the explosive cartridge and directs the force safely and effectively.

Did you write this yourself, or are you using AI to generate answers again?

If you are using AI to look up information, that's fine ,but please don't copy it over here verbatim. Put some effort into phrasing it yourself please.
 
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