bathtub cockpit

plural bathtub cockpits

1. A cockpit with recessed seating, so that the pilot or driver is sitting in a bathtub-shaped area.

   I gained a friend that day, and had the bathtub cockpits of the knockabouts.

   1906, Thomas Fleming Day, The Rudder, volume 17, page 258

   5 more examples

   The minor faults are bathtub cockpits and some other slight objectionable features, such as large sail area, etc.; but do away with the two chief, and you will take the first healthy step toward reviving sailing canoe interest.

   1900, Forest and Stream, volume 54, page 92

   […] an arrangement that came to be called a “bathtub cockpit”. Visibility was excellent in all directions to both occupants, and the rugged framework of the entire airplane was strong enough to soak up a good amount of abuse.

   1966, Joseph P. Juptner, U.S. Civil Aircraft Series: ATC 201-ATC 300, page 50

   Emphasis was on style, but not everyone takes to the "bathtub” cockpit that resulted from dropped roof and seats.

   1989, Consumer Guide Editors, Comsumer Guide Complete Guide to Used Cars 1989, page 140

   The fuselage and tail unit were constructed of welded chrome-moly steel tubing, fabric covered, with two seats in one elongated open 'bathtub' cockpit.

   1990, John Wegg, General Dynamics Aircraft and Their Predecessors, page 55

   When he came out of the mess, Merriam was sitting in the bathtub cockpit running up the big eight cylinder Renault engine.

   2011, Jeffrey Watson, Sidney Cotton: The last plane out of Berlin