A system for initiating a canopy release signal for a canopy of an aircraft includes a first striker secured to the canopy, and a first initiator assembly secured to a fuselage of the aircraft. The first initiator assembly has a protrusion. The first striker is configured to be rotated against the protrusion of the first initiator assembly. The canopy release signal is output in response to the first striker rotating against the protrusion of the first initiator assembly.