Ask anything Thread (Air Force)

[lcloo]

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]

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.

 

[simonov]

is PLAAF will adopt USAAF air refuelling system that use boom than probe to support H-20, J-36 and CCA in West Pacific

 

[gelgoog]

View attachment 162201

Can anyone explain what the PVC pipe looking thing is on the canopy?

Explosive cord to blow open the canopy before pilot ejection.

 

[Salvationist]

Explosive cord to blow open the canopy before pilot ejection.

So it's like a redundancy thing along with the detonation cord on the glass?

 

[defenceman]

Hi,
whats the way to identify guided or unguided rockets firing from Z20 or any other helicopters
anyone have any clue
thank you

 

[Maikeru]

Is there any rhyme or reason to which air bases get HAS? Taking WTC known PLAAF bases near the Indian border, Lhasa Gonggar, Kashgar and the new base at Shannan Longzi all have HAS, but the extensively used Shigatze Peace airport doesn't. Meanwhile the recently hugely upgraded base at Hotan has billions of dollars worth of J-16 neatly lined up in the open with no protection whatsoever, despite being the main PLAAF base in the Western sector of the border. Urumqi South has extensive HAS to protect its mighty JH-7s (notwithstanding being 1000km from any threat), while Korla just has environmental shelters for its J-20s.

It's all a bit mysterious.

 

[janmichaeldave]

Do we have anything on how good PLAAF pilots are? Like compared to NATO, Russia, India or South Korea.

 

[siegecrossbow]

Do we have anything on how good PLAAF pilots are? Like compared to NATO, Russia, India or South Korea.

Indian pilots are definitely better since they have live combat experience intercepting fifth generation AAMs.

 

[tamsen_ikard]

Indian pilots are definitely better since they have live combat experience intercepting fifth generation AAMs.

Indian pilots are also known to have the ability to go invisible. Several Indian pilots have gone invisible since May 7th and have remained hidden. Strong commitment to the country!