Cloth in cockpit? What for?

[rrohde]

Just realize that there's some sort of drape or cloth covering the front part of the cockpit of the Su-27. What's the purpose of this cloth?

 

See screenshots attached.

 

Thanks.

[KLR Rico]

I don't know if this is the case in the Su-27, but I've seen snap on fabric covers over the backs of instrument panels on a few aircraft before.

[leafer]

In my simplistic mind, I'm thinking to keep the dashboard from cracking like you'd see in old cars?

[rrohde]

I can see either use-case... a drape to pull over the HUD and parts of the instruments as cover, as well as a dash cover to prevent cracking.

 

If it's the latter, I wonder why they would leave it in there during flight, unless it is somehow buttoned down, else it might fly around the cockpit....

[Svend_Dellepude]

Probably a dust cover or to protect cables etc from direct sunlight. fast to remove and lighter than metal.

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/autopia/2010/01/su27-fcp-large-660x439.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZSCX27EfuA/TfcUMDYkTkI/AAAAAAAABvM/stPa9EVZaCc/s1600/Polish+F16block52%252Bcft++Russian+Air+Force+su27+su35+su+37+aircraft+NATO+Countries+taken+part+in+the+joint+exercise+Vigilant+Skies+2011%252Cjoint+Initiative+the+Russia-NATO+%25283%2529.jpg

Edited December 15, 2014 by Svend_Dellepude

[rrohde]

That would make sense as well. But then again, the F-15 doesn't seem to have one. :)

[Svend_Dellepude]

Russian vs American? :)

It's cheap, light and it works..?

Maybe someone smarter than me can give an explanation.