"They were" original, or "They were" a later modification BEags?
As I understood it, the assist cushions were there to assist the Navs/AEO to stand up in the event of high positive g loadings, for whatever reason, as opposed to simply save a few milliseconds when abandoning in more normal circumstances (if that makes any sense
)
Agree completely about the scandalous lack of rear crew ejection seats, even more scandalous when you consider that the primary reason for rejection was cost, and that "The V force would only be around for a few more years"....in the mid 60's
Martin Baker test rig for V Force rear crew ejection system