The larger Bombardier aircraft have a modified Avionics Bay hatch which is hydraulically activated and acts as a blast door to allow the crew to exit the aircraft. The VHF2 antenna is also removed so it doesn't slice & dice. Internally there are spring-loaded escape chute covers and a fireman's pole/rope combination. The rope also leads back to the aft Baggage Bay door which is also hydraulically activated to move straight back about 3 feet from the hatch (mind your toes). The cabin overflow valves are modified so as to allow depressurisation to ambient above the usual restrictor altitude of around 14,000 feet.
The ordinary overwing & cockpit escape hatches & main door all work as normal but the Service Door is fixed - the forward water ballast blocks it. All test aircraft (except F&R birds) have Irvin spin chutes fitted.
The LJ aircraft have blow-off sections opposite the main door with built-in escape chutes. Again the overwing exits are as production.
For high risk testing, minimum crew is carried & they all wear helmets & chutes with pre-set barometric release.
Bang seats were only ever used on the CL-84 tiltwing.
Last edited by ICT_SLB; 22nd June 2003 at 13:31.