The Hawk's canopy is equipped with an explosive cord (MDC - Miniature

Detonation Cord) embedded within the Perspex. This device shatters the

canopy simultaneously with the firing of the ejection seat.

The decision to install the PRU-36 set was based on the fact that the cord

detonation causes a lot of sharp edged acrylic laminated splinters, which

risked to cut the "normal" HGU-55 visor bungees or even damage the standard "exposed" visors.