Ejector Seats
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 896
Likes: 0
From: Wellington, New Zealand
I've witnessed five ejections, from three aircraft, in three countries, but the most memorable was a double ejection from a Javelin at Tengah in 1966. It may have been from 64 Sqn; or 60! Both had a habit of losing aircraft.
From a perspective of about the Tower, aircraft used to turn on to finals somewhere in line of sight with the Officers' Mess, though obviously well beyond that, and on this occasion the aircraft was on final approach when [apparently] the throttle locks engaged preventing any application of power!
When you watch aircraft landing a lot, you are conditioned to normality, so when you're watching and you see the canopy fly off followed in quick succession by two seats, you tend not to accept what you are seeing!
The two crew landed safe and well, and the aircraft was surprisingly intact!
I don't suppose anyone recalls the pilot?
From a perspective of about the Tower, aircraft used to turn on to finals somewhere in line of sight with the Officers' Mess, though obviously well beyond that, and on this occasion the aircraft was on final approach when [apparently] the throttle locks engaged preventing any application of power!
When you watch aircraft landing a lot, you are conditioned to normality, so when you're watching and you see the canopy fly off followed in quick succession by two seats, you tend not to accept what you are seeing!
The two crew landed safe and well, and the aircraft was surprisingly intact!
I don't suppose anyone recalls the pilot?
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 0
From: SX in SX in UK
I've just finished reading the biography of Sir James Martin and its a fascinating read. The impression I gained was of a gentleman whose word was his bond, but who didn't suffer fools gladly. He was dedicated to his work, refusing to take holidays on the grounds that he enjoyerd it so much that every day was a holiday. His attitude to his product was that if he could improve a seat at any time, he would, without consulting the customer. He worked on the principle that any improvement would save a life so had to be incorporated into the design and bu66er the Quality Control and accountants.
If ever anyone should be nominated for the person who saved the most lives in avaition, then he must be near the top of the list.
(I seem to recall that the book was published by PSL in about 1996ish, if anyone is interested)
If ever anyone should be nominated for the person who saved the most lives in avaition, then he must be near the top of the list.
(I seem to recall that the book was published by PSL in about 1996ish, if anyone is interested)
Bang seats - Great Fun - Not!!!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: England
Try Doddy Hays (former MB 'test pilot, vertical; for the use of') The Man in The Hot Seat.
A book handed down from my father. An enthralling read from a slightly different perspective. Doddy was PedO, para trained (Wartime) and came across an opportunity to work for MB, post war. He, I believe was the first chap to live test a rocket seat (encumbered with ammo boots and cravat). Shortly after, Mr Hay 'retired' due to most of his vital organs being moved a bit North then a bit South. Either way a fascinating book from a bygone age. (The chapter where he recounts a test firing from the rear seat of a Valiant to prove V force rear seats were viability is pure Ealing Comedy with hindsight….and a potential hornets nest, politically!).
A book handed down from my father. An enthralling read from a slightly different perspective. Doddy was PedO, para trained (Wartime) and came across an opportunity to work for MB, post war. He, I believe was the first chap to live test a rocket seat (encumbered with ammo boots and cravat). Shortly after, Mr Hay 'retired' due to most of his vital organs being moved a bit North then a bit South. Either way a fascinating book from a bygone age. (The chapter where he recounts a test firing from the rear seat of a Valiant to prove V force rear seats were viability is pure Ealing Comedy with hindsight….and a potential hornets nest, politically!).
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 747
Likes: 22
From: (LFA 7a)
Ivor
Please check your PM's
I agree that Doddy Hay's book is an enthralling read. Bloody hell, that man had more nerve than I could ever muster.
It's one thing to eject when you have to, but to do it on many an occasion for "work" ......
Please check your PM's
I agree that Doddy Hay's book is an enthralling read. Bloody hell, that man had more nerve than I could ever muster.
It's one thing to eject when you have to, but to do it on many an occasion for "work" ......
