What type of canopy does the T-6B have?

The T-6B utilizes a manually operated canopy. This design allows pilots to quickly and easily open or close the canopy as needed, which is particularly important for preflight checks and emergencies. The manual operation provides a reliable means of access to the cockpit without the potential for failure that can be associated with more complex systems like hydraulics or pneumatics.

In addition, a manually operated canopy typically requires less maintenance and provides simplicity in operation, which is beneficial for flight training environments where the focus is on developing pilot skills and ensuring safety. Factors that contribute to this design choice include the need for robustness in various weather conditions and the requirement that pilots have straightforward control over the canopy for their safety and convenience.