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Regarding the recent additions to this subject...

If you're in so much trouble that getting rid of the canopy and getting out
of the airplane is the only possible route to survival, I think the
considerations about whether or not the canopy might hurt you when it gets
dumped are moot.  Besides, a properly designed system would disconnect the
canopy at its front edge and force it to hinge up from the rear to
jettison, so I think that concern could be pretty easily addressed in the
design phase.  As for being able to actually get out once the canopy is
gone and considering the circumstances surrounding this scenario, I have a
feeling the adrenaline and survival instinct would both go a long way to
helping you find a way out of the seat.

In response to Antony's comments, yes, Mike sold the DC awhile ago.  I
spoke with him about his airplane several times, unfortunately never asked
him about the jettison mechanism.  If anyone out there knows Mike and could
get this information I'd be happy to make it available on the LML homepage.