Scimitar canopy jettison?
Does any one have any more information concerning this image?
It is captioned:
"Jet Pilot Drowns in Sea
A pilot, John Desmond Russell, trapped in the cockpit of his Scimitar jet which crashed into the sea near Portsmouth after it went overboard off the flight deck of HMS Victorious. Although a heliocopter winched down a man to help, the jet and pilot sank in 2 minutes. "
I wondered whether the Scimitar had a pyrotechnic canopy jettison system, or perhaps a canopy breaker for the pilot. The photo suggests that he's conscious, as he seems to be removing his shoulder harnesses. I am also aware of stories of US Naval aviators performing underwater ejections; could the Scimitar seat be used underwater or in 0/0 conditions? It seems to be a terribly sad loss.
Any help appreciated.
Last edited by Hogg; 21st Dec 2003 at 22:04.