How is the canopy of a jet fighter removed fast enough when the pilot ejects that he does not hit the canopy and die or get injured?

Answer 1

There are many different systems - - In many aircraft dating right back to late model Seafires (Navy version of Spitfire) the canopy (or 'hood' in British usage) could be jettisoned simply by pulling a lever which detached 2 locking pins and the front of the canopy would pop up and separate from the aircraft. This system still existed in the jets of the Korean and Vietnam War period. - A few aircraft by then had a system where explosive 'det cord' or 2 explosive bolts could jettison the canopy when a handle was pulled. Some others had a 'det cord' built into the top of the canopy which blew it apart milliseconds before the seat rockets engaged. - Some Martin-Baker ejection seats in British jets of the 60's and 70's had a top that was designed to both punch through the canopy and protect the pilots face and chest. Most fighter aircraft since, up to the F-16 still have a separate canopy jettison handle (usually where the pilot's left hand naturally rests ) that must be pulled before ejection.