K12 Saw Blades

[16Scott]

What blade is recommended when cutting the thick canopy plexiglas on fighter aircraft? I can't get a straight answer from my local ANG firefighters. Their K12 has a composite blade and their Dewalt circular saw has an ordinary wood blade. They have never cut one so don't know which one is better.

[FWDbuff]

Does the Aircraft-specific crash rescue manual have information on what blade to use?

[16Scott]

No - it just says to use a circular saw and cut the plex (not the frame).

I am looking into one of the new 28V or 36V DeWalt or Milwaukee circular saws instead of the K12 and other fire saws which are heavy and tend to oscillate at high RPM. These compact circular saws can be operated with one hand (leaving the other hand free to hang on to something).

[FWDbuff]

Why not head over to the hangar and catch one of the airframe mechs and get a name and telephone number for a technical rep for manufacturer of the canopies?

Also, you should post this question in the forums at dodfire.com

[FWDbuff]

Here is the answer from a recently retired USAF (Civilian) Fire Officer: Carbide Tip Blade on your Saw. Cut only three sides of the canopy and use the fourth side as a hinge as you lift up the canopy. Doing it this way avoids any hoses,etc. on the Ejection Seat. Cutting should always be a last resort though; Manual entry and using a Jettison handle should be done first. After entry do pilot egress procedures as per SOPS & Tech Manuals for the specific type aircraft.

[ridebmxnc]

Here is the answer from a recently retired USAF (Civilian) Fire Officer: Carbide Tip Blade on your Saw. Cut only three sides of the canopy and use the fourth side as a hinge as you lift up the canopy. Doing it this way avoids any hoses,etc. on the Ejection Seat. Cutting should always be a last resort though; Manual entry and using a Jettison handle should be done first. After entry do pilot egress procedures as per SOPS & Tech Manuals for the specific type aircraft.

or halon and an axe ;p

whatever way floats your boat

[FWDbuff]

or halon and a halogen ;p

whatever way floats your boat

What does halon or halogen have to do with it?

[ridebmxnc]

What does halon or halogen have to do with it?

instead of cutting the canopy off if you dont have a k12 or a carbide tipped blade. spray the canopy with halon and hit it with a pick axe/anything with a point. just be careful not to hit any det cord (especially on harriers).