Originally posted by Ghosth
You saying a real life pilot in a real p51 couldn't crack his cockpit & idle back for a second to listen for enemys? Can you prove that this never happened once?
No, it did not happen.
Some reasons told already, more to consider.
- If opened in speed the canopy would rip off.
- Open canopy causes disturbance in slipstream and causes loss of speed.
- Canopy ripping off will cause even more loss of speed and structural damage.
- Not a single pilot purposedbly and willingly throttled down in possible hostile territory making himself much better, easier target.
- Also take into account the discomfort to the pilot from open canopy.
- The engine roar and wind blow would drown out any sound he might otherwise hear.
There are few instances when a pilot actually heard something, but those were something in extremerely close range - like hearing 20 mm cannon shells pass centimeters above the canopy or other plane almost in collision distance.
Whole canopy open idea or listening to enemy sounds is so far out that it is no more even amusing.