Is probability of pilot injury/death increased when canopy is open?

[Sky_Wolf]

For example, is the area of effect of flak increased when canopy is open or is pilot more likely to be injured or die from MG fire when canopy is open?

[Panzerlang]

It certainly seems to be the case that I16 pilots die more frequently in my experience.

[Beebop]

I would think most likely not.  A closed canopy might slow or alter the trajectory.  Slowing would make little difference as a few miles an hour would not make it that less lethal.  However a closed canopy might deflect the projectile just enough to be life saving.  In real life I doubt a pilot would deliberately leave the canopy open in flak areas though. 

I know I wouldn't but then again I'm just a virtual pilot with a re-fly button at my fingertips.

[=621=Samikatz]

Yes

 

If someone's canopy is open you can shoot them in the head with your flaregun to wound them, but it just bounces off if the canopy is closed.

[Beebop]

1 hour ago, =621=Samikatz said:

Yes

 

If someone's canopy is open you can shoot them in the head with your flaregun to wound them, but it just bounces off if the canopy is closed.

And all this time I thought I was supposed to use my planes guns! ?

[Gambit21]

If the other guy also has his canopy open, you leave yourself open to being momentarily blinded by hocked loogies.

So now you're partially blinded by a loogie, and you have to take at least one hand off of the controls to wipe said loogie from your eyes...this leaves

you vulnerable as you're unable to properly maneuver.

 

So yes, you're more likely to die with the canopy open.

 

[Na-zdorovie]

the main prob with an open canopy in the spit, is that you will spill your tea

[Beebop]

3 minutes ago, Na-zdorovie said:

the main prob with an open canopy in the spit, is that you will spill your tea

Not if you're careful.  The only spill issue is when you roll on your back to eject.

[Lusekofte]

I read somewhere that canopy closed means safer environment  for the pilot. But it might be for IL 2 pilots and JU 87 pilots with armored sides

[ATAG_Headshot]

Well, the canopy open can also cause more drag, meaning your speed and maneuverability will drop a small bit, making you more likely to lose a fight. Some would argue that this is offset by the increased visibility, but the choice is yours. 

[Gambit21]

I've already solved this thread.

[ITAF_Airone1989]

Canopy were close because the air is f**King cold.

I really don't think that somebody preferred to fly in the Russian winter at 5k with his canopy open

[Lusekofte]

1 hour ago, ITAF_Airone1989 said:

Canopy were close because the air is f**King cold.

I really don't think that somebody preferred to fly in the Russian winter at 5k with his canopy open

Few planes had heater in the cockpit. SU 2 and one other soviet plane had it. Thus being very popular among crews.

[Feathered_IV]

I’m always in the middle of a dogfight with the canopy open.  
The parachute canopy I mean.