Originally Posted by
dead_pan
Russian-made seats in action once again:
The pilot & weapon officer seem to leave their seats well before they have reached their maximum height - is there a risk they could be hit by them on the way down?
Looking at the video, it would appear that both pilots had a positive upward velocity at separation which would enable rapid parachute deployment. Had separation occured at the apogee the parachute deployment would have depended on the drogue and then slowly filled as they accelerated earthward.
With the rapid retardation the unretarded seats continue well out of harms way.
BUT
The effect is often to deposit the aircrew back into the fireball.
(not an expert but they seemed to leave it a tad late before deciding they were in fact crashing and that an ejection was called for)
Probably discussing whether they could afford to pay off the cost of the jet before abandoning it. I know that Middle East students often have to reapy the cost of courses in UK if they fail.
