A bubble canopy is an aircraft canopy constructed without bracing, for the purpose of providing a wider unobstructed field of view to the pilot, often providing 360° all-round visibility.
F-16 Fighting Falcon showing a bubble canopy
An early F4U-1 Corsair, with the recessed rear vision panels behind the sliding "greenhouse"-framed canopy.
Miles M.20 showing the one-piece frame-less bubble canopy, the whole of which slides rearwards to open
F-86 Sabre
An aircraft canopy is the transparent enclosure over the cockpit of some types of aircraft. An aircraft canopy provides a controlled and sometimes pressurized environment for the aircraft's occupants, and allows for a greater field of view over a traditional flight deck. A canopy's shape is a compromise designed to minimize aerodynamic drag, while maximizing visibility for pilots and other crewmembers.
The bubble canopy of a Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Canopy of an F-22 Raptor
The raised flip-forward canopy of a Van's Aircraft RV-7
A cockpit view from a BAE Hawk showing the explosive cord in the canopy