bathtub cockpit

bathtub cockpit (plural bathtub cockpits)

1. A cockpit with recessed seating, so that the pilot or driver is sitting in a bathtub-shaped area.
   • 1900, Forest and Stream, volume 54, page 92:

     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.

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

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

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

     […] 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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