Mirrors (part 1)

One of the things I wanted to do was to recreate the 3 canopy mirrors that the AV-8B has on the sliding canopy. I found the actual part number of the real mirrors but was unable to easily find any for sale. I decided to go ahead and make my own.

I learned that they make acrylic mirror material that can easily be cut into any shape desired using a band saw, which I now own. This material is inexpensive and readily available. I think I bought a 12″x16″ sheet that is less than 1/4″ thick for about $9 off of Amazon.

I designed a mirror back piece and a mirror front piece that has a pocket on the inside to accommodate the acrylic mirror shape. I designed the bracket assembly as separate parts.

Early version of the mirrors

I test printed the front and back and realized that front is too thin and needs to be adjusted a bit. I also decided I need some tabs so that it snaps into place easily.

I am also going to use a 3D printed lockable ball joint so that the mirrors can pivot and rotate like they do on the real aircraft.

More to come…

Leave a comment